Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
SSB 6084
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: Concerning circular intersections.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Takko, Hobbs, Mullet and Padden).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/29/20
Staff: Jennifer Harris (786-7143).
Background:
A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island must be driven to the right of the island. Whenever a roadway is divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, a vehicle must be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and may not be moved from the lane until the driver concludes that the movement can safely be made.
A "commercial motor vehicle" is defined as a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle:
has a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit or units with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds;
has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater;
is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver;
is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials as defined under federal law; or
is a school bus regardless of weight or size.
Summary of Bill:
A "circular intersection" is defined as an intersection characterized by a circular roadway, generally circular in design, located in the center of the intersection. It includes roundabouts, rotaries, and traffic circles.
The operator of a commercial motor vehicle may, with due regard for other traffic, deviate from the lane in which the operator is driving to the extent necessary to approach and drive through a circular intersection.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.