Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee
HB 1072
Brief Description: Concerning motor vehicle length limitations.
Sponsors: Representatives Klicker, Sandlin and Rude.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Increases the maximum legal length to 85 feet for operation of a truck and trailer combination on the public highways of the state.
Hearing Date: 1/18/23
Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7140).
Background:

It is unlawful to operate any vehicle on the public highways of the state having an overall length, with or without load, in excess of 40 feet, with exceptions including, but not limited to, municipal transit vehicles, private carrier buses, school buses, motor homes, travel trailers, and auto recycling carriers.

 

It is unlawful to operate upon the public highways of the state any combination, with or without load, consisting of:

  • a tractor and semitrailer in which the semitrailer has a length in excess of 53 feet; and
  • a tractor and two trailers in which the combined length of the trailers exceeds 61 feet, with an exception for two trailers constituting inventory property of a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of such trailers and weigh no more than 26,000 pounds in total weight.

 

It is unlawful to operate upon the public highways of the state any combination, with or without load, consisting or a truck and trailer in excess of 75 feet.  This overall length limit does not apply to a combination of a truck and trailer connected by a fifth wheel hitch.

 

The Washington State Department of Transportation is authorized to issue permits for operation of vehicles exceeding the overall length limit.
Summary of Bill:

The maximum legal length for a truck and trailer combination is increased to 85 feet.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on (January 13, 2023).
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.