HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1898
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to truck and trailer length limitations.
Brief Description: Concerning truck and trailer length limitations.
Sponsors: Representatives Klicker, Dent, Schmidt, Dye, Orcutt, Mendoza, Walen, Rude and Volz.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 2/17/25, 2/26/25 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Increases the maximum legal length to 85 feet for operation of a truck and trailer combination with three axles if it is empty or moving agricultural product on the public highways of the state.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 27 members:Representatives Fey, Chair; Bernbaum, Vice Chair; Donaghy, Vice Chair; Reed, Vice Chair; Barkis, Ranking Minority Member; Low, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Mendoza, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Schmidt, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bronoske, Dent, Duerr, Entenman, Griffey, Hunt, Klicker, Ley, Nance, Orcutt, Paul, Ramel, Richards, Stuebe, Taylor, Timmons, Volz, Wylie and Zahn.
Staff: Sandy Myer (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, of more than 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 of more than 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 with a combined length not exceeding 82 feet.

 

It is unlawful to operate upon the public highways of the state any combination, with or without load, consisting of a truck and trailer more than 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.

 

Agricultural product is defined in statute as any product of plant cultivation or animal husbandry and does not include cannabis, cannabis products, or pet animals.
Summary of Bill:

The maximum legal length for a truck and trailer combination with three axles is increased to 85 feet, if it is empty or moving agricultural product on the public highways of the state.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Primarily, farmers use trucks with a bed or box connected to the chassis and then a trailer.  Right now, farmers must pull a small trailer, which makes it difficult to be able to get all the loads in that they can.  This bill will help reduce carbon footprints of farms, as they're transporting products from farm to farm, farm to processor, and farm to port.  For every eight loads, a load will be saved, which will result in less fuel consumption and less wear and tear on equipment.  There is less risk on the highway, and it will result in fewer trips.  The longer trailer will be more stable, because it will have the link to put more axles under it.  The hitch is behind the back wheels so as the truck turns, it's steering the back axle.  This also provides fewer pounds per square inch on the tires and axles, and a longer bridge factor is very important in axle spacing.  More axles and the displacement of weight upon the asphalt is better, and results in the load being more distributed and maneuverable.  This will also result in fewer emissions, less carbon, and keep trucks from getting excessive miles.

 

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying:

Representative Mark Klicker, prime sponsor; Brian Maiden; Justin McClenny; Marty Hall, Columbia County Commissioner; and Caleb Gwerder, Washington Farm Bureau.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying:

Todd Reiswig.