Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee
HB 2601
Brief Description: Addressing motorcycle weight fees.
Sponsors: Representatives Richards, Dent and Simmons.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Lowers the motorcycle vehicle weight fee beginning July 1, 2027.
Hearing Date: 2/2/26
Staff:

Lily Smith
Background:

Certain vehicles are subject to vehicle weight fees upon registration, including motorcycles.  The vehicle weight fee schedule is graduated and currently ranges from $35 for vehicles up to 4,000 pounds (lbs) to $96 for vehicles over 8,000 lbs.  Beginning January 1, 2029, fees are scheduled to increase for the weight categories over 4,000 lbs, up to a maximum of $110.  The fees for vehicles up to 4,000 lbs are not scheduled to increase.

 

The vast majority of motorcycles weigh under 1,000 lbs.

 

The majority of the proceeds from vehicle weight fees are deposited in the Multimodal Transportation Account.
Summary of Bill:

Beginning July 1, 2027, the vehicle weight fee for motorcycles is lowered from $35 to $15 by the creation of a new fee category based on the motorcycle vehicle type, rather than their weight.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains multiple effective dates. Please see the bill.