SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5937

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.

As of February 26, 2019

Title: An act relating to the color of stop lamps on vehicles.

Brief Description: Clarifying the required color of certain lamps on vehicles.

Sponsors: Senators Lovelett, Nguyen, Fortunato, Das, Billig and Hunt; by request of Washington State Patrol.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/25/19.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires all rear vehicle lighting devices and reflectors, including stop lamps, to be red, except other signal devices which may be red or amber.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background: Generally under current law, all lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle must display or reflect a red color, except the stop lamp or other signal device may be red, amber, or yellow.

Summary of Bill: All rear vehicle lighting devices and reflectors, including stop lamps, must be red, except other signal devices may be red or amber.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is agency request legislation to bring Washington law into conformance with federal requirements. The Washington State Patrol wants to make sure the state keeps certain federal funds regarding reducing commercial motor vehicle crashes.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Liz Lovelett, Prime Sponsor; Monica Alexander, Washington State Patrol.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.