Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee
SSB 5824
Brief Description: Concerning fifth-wheel travel trailers.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators King, Chapman, Dozier and Shewmake).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Allows the operation of a fifth-wheel on public highways that does not exceed 46 feet in length when measuring from the center of the kingpin to the rearmost point of the vehicle.
Hearing Date: 2/26/26
Staff: Sandy Myer (786-7140).
Background:

No person may operate on the public highways any vehicle with an overall length, with or without load, in excess of 40 feet (ft).

 

This restriction does not apply to: 

  • a municipal transit vehicle;
  • an auto stage, private carrier bus, school bus, or motor home with an overall length not to exceed 46 ft;
  • an articulated auto stage with an overall length not to exceed 61 ft, excluding a bike rack up to 4 ft in length; or
  • an auto recycling carrier up to 42 ft in length manufactured prior to 2005.
Summary of Bill:

A person may operate a fifth-wheel vehicle on public highways that does not exceed 46 ft in length when measuring from the center of the kingpin to the rearmost point of the vehicle.

 

A fifth-wheel is defined as a vehicle primarily designed for recreational camping or travel use that does not have its own motive power, and is primarily mounted on, or hitched within, the bed of a pickup truck.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.