Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2070
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 required color of certain lamps on vehicles.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Dent, Griffey, Leavitt and Sells; by request of Washington State Patrol.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/28/19
Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7140).
Background:
Current state vehicle lighting laws require lighting devices on the rear of any vehicle to display a red color, with exceptions for stop lamps or other signal devices, which may be red, amber, or yellow. Specific requirements allow stop lamps on the rear of a vehicle to display a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and amber.
Federal motor carrier safety laws allow rear signal devices on commercial motor vehicles to display either a red or amber color and require rear stop lamps to display a red color.
Washington receives over $6 million annually from the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to implement motor carrier safety programs.
Summary of Bill:
Rear vehicle signal devices may display a red or amber light and rear vehicle stop lamps must display a red light.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 19, 2019.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.