SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5332
As of January 29, 2021
Title: An act relating to clarifying equipment requirements for wheeled all-terrain vehicles.
Brief Description: Clarifying equipment requirements for wheeled all-terrain vehicles.
Sponsors: Senator Padden.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/01/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Clarifies the equipment required for wheeled all-terrain vehicles (WATV) registered and used on a public roadway, and for WATV registered and used off-road.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Kimberly Johnson (786-7472)
Background:

Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicles.  A wheeled all-terrain vehicle (WATV) is a specific category of off-road vehicles authorized to travel on public roadways under certain circumstances.  There are basically two types of WATV.  One is a motorized nonhighway vehicle weighing less than 1500 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 2000 pounds, that can travel on four or more low pressure tires.

 

Off-Road Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicle Use.  WATV off-road use requires registration and payment of an $18 fee and must display a metal tag affixed to the rear of the vehicle with the appropriate off-road tab.  The following equipment is required for off road WATV use:

  • headlight and tail light between hours of dusk and dawn when operating on property not owned by the operator; and
  • spark arrester and muffling device.

 

On-Road Whelled All-Terrain Use.  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 required on-road equipment must first be installed, and the WATV must have been inspected by a licensed WATV dealer or repair shop who 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 eligible WATV must display a metal tag affixed to the rear of the vehicle with the appropriate on-road tab.  The equipment required for on-road use includes:

  • headlight;
  • tail lamp—two tail lamps for utility type WATV;
  • stop lamp;
  • reflectors;
  • turn-signals;
  • mirror—two mirrors for utility type WATV;
  • windshield;
  • horn;
  • brakes;
  • spark arrester and muffling device; and
  • seatbelts—for utility type WATV.
Summary of Bill:

The equipment required for a WATV registered and used on a public roadway and for WATV registered and used off-road is clarified.
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.