Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
SSB 5438
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Allowing bicycles and mopeds to stop and proceed through traffic control signals under certain conditions.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators King, Hobbs, Dammeier, Rolfes, Hill, Rivers, Liias, Mullet, Billig and Pedersen).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/16/15
Staff: Andrew Russell (786-7143).
Background:
Generally, all vehicle operators must obey traffic control devices, including traffic signals at intersections. Some of these traffic signals are equipped with sensors that determine when a vehicle approaches the intersection. Once detected by the sensor, the traffic signal will initiate a change in, or extension of, a traffic signal phase, for instance, a change from a red light to a green light.
When a motorcyclist approaches an intersection, including a left turn intersection, controlled by a triggered traffic control signal using a vehicle detection device, and that signal is inoperative due to the size of the motorcycle, the motorcyclist must come to a complete stop. If the signal fails to operate after one cycle, the motorcyclist may proceed through the intersection or turn left after exercising due care.
It is not a defense to a traffic citation for failure to obey a traffic control signal when a motorcyclist proceeds under the belief that a traffic control signal used a vehicle detection device, when it did not; or a traffic control signal was inoperative due to the size of the motorcycle, when the device was, in fact, operative.
Summary of Bill:
The operators of mopeds, bicycles, and electric-assisted bicycles are authorized to stop and proceed through a traffic control signal under the same requirements and restrictions as motorcycles. Additionally, the composition of a bicycle, moped, and motorcycle is added to potential reasons why a vehicle detection device may be inoperable.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.