FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1901

C 173 L 19

Synopsis as Enacted

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.

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

Generally, 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. The requirement does not apply to an operator or passenger who 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 vehicle inspection, 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:

Operators and passengers of a commercial motor vehicle are not eligible for the medical exception to the safety belt requirement.

Votes on Final Passage: