Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee
SSB 5332
Brief Description: Concerning off-road and wheeled all-terrain vehicles.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senator Padden).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Restates the equipment requirements for both the on-road and the off-road uses of a wheeled all-terrain vehicle.
Hearing Date: 3/16/21
Staff: Mark Matteson (786-7145).
Background:

Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicles.  A wheeled all-terrain vehicle (WATV) is a specific category of off-road vehicle authorized to travel on public roadways under certain circumstances.  There are basically two types of WATVs.  One is a motorized nonhighway vehicle weighing less than 1,500 pounds which is equipped with handlebars, four tires, and a seat with a height of at least 20 inches.  The second type is a utility-type vehicle having a maximum width of less than 74 inches and a maximum weight of less than 2,000 pounds, that can travel on four or more low -pressure tires.
 
To be eligible to use the vehicle off-road, the owner must register the WATV and pay an $18 fee and affix a metal tag to the rear of the vehicle with the appropriate off-road tab.  The following equipment is required for off-road WATV use:

  • a headlight and tail light between dusk and dawn when the vehicle is operated on property not owned by the operator; and
  • a spark arrester and muffling device.

 
A person who operates a WATV on a public roadway must have a valid driver's license for travel on public roadways and a current on-road vehicle registration.  To obtain an on-road registration, the owner must first have the required on-road equipment installed and must have the WATV inspected by a licensed WATV dealer or repair shop; the inspector then fills out the WATV road use declaration.  The owner must then submit the declaration to the Department of Licensing, pay a $12 fee, and register the WATV for on-road use.  The owner must affix a metal tag to the rear of an eligible WATV with the appropriate on-road tab.  The equipment required for on-road use includes:

  • a headlight;
  • two tail lamps for utility-type WATVs, and one tail lamp for other WATVs;
  • a stop lamp;
  • reflectors;
  • turn signals;
  • two mirrors for utility-type WATVs, and one mirror for other WATVs;
  • a windshield;
  • a horn;
  • brakes;
  • a spark arrester and muffling device; and
  • seatbelts, for utility-type WATVs.

 
Summary of Substitute Bill:

The equipment requirements for the use of a WATV for on-road and for off-road purposes are restated.
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.