WSR 15-22-075

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed November 2, 2015, 2:34 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Limousine, WAC 308-83-010 Definitions, specific changes to the "Chauffeur" definition WAC 308-83-010(6).

Limousine, WAC 308-83-120 to add item #3 for on board safety equipment requirement to the "Vehicle inspection" requirement.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 46.04.115 for the chauffeur, and 46.72A.030 for the vehicle inspections.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The city of Seattle has requested a change to the definition of "chauffeur." Per their city attorney, city of Seattle cannot cite an uncertified driver of a limousine as an unlicensed "chauffeur" because a "chauffeur" is currently defined as a person certified with the department as qualifying as a chauffeur under chapter 46.72A RCW. The proposed change removes the certification requirement from the definition, which will allow the city to cite any uncertified person operating a limousine for unlicensed activity.

The Washington state patrol (WSP) has requested that we add an on board safety equipment requirement to our WAC, this would increase safety.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department of licensing, in conjunction with WSP and the city of Seattle, regulates limousine carriers with respect to entry, safety, chauffeur qualifications, and operations. The department will collaborate with WSP and the city of Seattle on changes to the limousine definitions and vehicle inspection requirements to ensure any changes are appropriate and consistent with our shared interest in ensuring high quality and safe limousine services to the public.

Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making, the department of licensing has been working with WSP, the city of Seattle, representatives of the Puget Sound Limousine Association, and other limousine business owners in developing the rule changes.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by mail: Livia Romero, Dealer and Manufacturer Services, Department of Licensing, Business and Professions Division, P.O. Box 9039, Olympia, WA 98507-9039, e-mail lromero@dol.wa.gov, phone (360) 664-6455, fax (360) 570-4953. Interested parties may send in comments by mail, phone, fax or e-mail. Additional information will be posted on the limousine licensing web site as it becomes available at http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/limousine/limolaws.html.

November 2, 2015

Damon Monroe

Rules Coordinator