SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5309
As of January 23, 2025
Title: An act relating to motor vehicle weight fees applicable to motorcycles.
Brief Description: Concerning motor vehicle weight fees applicable to motorcycles.
Sponsors: Senators Cortes, MacEwen, Gildon, Harris, Hasegawa, Krishnadasan, Liias and Nobles.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/27/25.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Lowers the vehicle weight fee as it applies to motorcycles from $35 to $25.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background:

Motor vehicles used on public highways must generally be registered annually with the Department of Licensing. Most vehicles, such as passenger cars, motorcycles, and sport utility vehicles are subject to: (1) a $30 annual registration fee, (2) an annual vehicle weight fee of $35 to $82 based on the scale weight of the vehicle, and (3) other fees totaling $13.25.

 

There are also fees and charges based on where the vehicle is registered geographically and whether the vehicle qualifies for a fee based on vehicle type.

 

The majority of the proceeds from vehicle weight fees are deposited in the Multimodal Transportation Account. Funds in the account are used for transportation purposes, which is broader than highway purposes and can include public transportation and rail.
Summary of Bill:

The vehicle weight fee as it applies to motorcycles is lowered from $35 to $25, regardless of scale weight.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.