HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6348

BYSenate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Madsen, Patrick, Bender and Patterson)

Permitting temporary-use nonpneumatic spare tires.

House Committe on Transportation

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (22)

      Signed by Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Baugher, Vice Chair, Eastern Washington; Schmidt, Ranking Republican Member; Wood, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Bennett, Cantwell, Cooper, Day, G. Fisher, Forner, Gallagher, Hankins, Haugen, Jones, Kremen, Prentice, Smith, D. Sommers, Todd, Walker, S. Wilson and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 28, 1990

BACKGROUND:

In general, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle upon the public highways unless that vehicle is equipped with pneumatic rubber tires.  Special provision is made under Chapter 46.61 RCW to allow vehicles equipped with solid rubber tires or hollow center cushioned tires to operate on the public roads at a speed not greater than 10 miles per hour.

With the advances in the life expectancy and dependability of vehicle tires, the likelihood of need to use the spare tire is reduced.  Vehicle manufacturer's commitment to reduce vehicle weights and costs have resulted in the development and application of lighter weight spare tires, intended for temporary use.  New technology for spare tires may result in nonpneumatic temporary use spare tires.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently developing performance and labeling standards for nonpneumatic temporary use spare tires. 

SUMMARY:

The requirement that vehicles operated on the public highway be equipped with pneumatic rubber tires is amended.  Vehicles may be equipped with temporary use spare tires which meet federal standards and are installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Lee Ridgeway, General Motors.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    New types of spare tires will provide equal or better performance, weigh less, and be nonpneumatic.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.