HOUSE BILL REPORT

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 Summary of Substitute Bill

Authorizes the operator of a commercial motor vehicle that is approaching and driving through a circular intersection to deviate from the lane in which the operator is driving as necessary, with due regard for other traffic.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 30 members: Representatives Fey, Chair; Wylie, 1st Vice Chair; Slatter, 2nd Vice Chair; Valdez, 2nd Vice Chair; Barkis, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Young, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Boehnke, Chambers, Chapman, Dent, Doglio, Duerr, Entenman, Eslick, Goehner, Gregerson, Irwin, Kloba, Lovick, McCaslin, Mead, Orcutt, Ortiz-Self, Paul, Ramos, Riccelli, Shewmake, Van Werven and Volz.

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.

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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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill is going to make it easier for trucks to get through roundabouts. The bill will increase safety and help drivers get through roundabouts. The idea for the bill came out of laws in Wisconsin and Indiana that allow trucks to use multiple lanes as they go through roundabouts. This version of the Senate bill incorporates a number of improvements made for the House companion of the bill.

(Opposed) None.