Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1901
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: Clarifying the exemption from safety belt use for physical or medical reasons.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Griffey and Orwall; by request of Washington State Patrol.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/27/19
Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7140).
Background:
Generally under current law, every person 16 years of age or older operating or riding in a motor vehicle must wear a properly adjusted and securely fastened safety belt assembly. Violation of this law is a traffic infraction.
Some exceptions apply to the safety belt requirement. One current exception includes if an operator or passenger possesses written verification from a licensed physician that the person is unable to wear a safety belt for physical or medical reasons.
For purposes of the vehicle inspection code, a commercial motor vehicle is defined as a vehicle used on a highway in interstate or intrastate commerce to transport passengers or property, when the vehicle:
has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating or gross weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more;
is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation;
is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
is used in transporting certain hazardous materials.
Summary of Bill:
Operators and passengers of a commercial motor vehicle are not eligible for the medical exception to the safety belt requirement.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.