PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 00-08-111.
Title of Rule: Standards for studded tires.
Purpose: To clarify the use of studded tires by removing information that implies studded tires and chains are considered equal, as approved traction devices.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 46.12.330.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 46.12.330.
Summary: Amending this WAC will eliminate confusion caused by the present wording and clarifies the use of studded tires by removing information that implies studded tires can be used in an area that requires chains.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: This amendment is needed because with the present wording, individuals may consider signs stating "chains required," and signs stating "approved traction tires required" to have the same meaning.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Ms. Carol Morton, Washington State Patrol, P.O. Box 42614, (360) 753-3697; and Enforcement: Commander LaMunyon, Washington State Patrol, P.O. Box 42600, (360) 586-2340.
Name of Proponent: Washington State Patrol, governmental.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The amendment to this rule will eliminate confusion caused by the present wording and clarify the use of studded tires by eliminating information that implies studded tires and chains are considered equal, as approved traction devices. Signs that read "chains required" and "approved traction tires required" could be misinterpreted to have the same meaning and therefore individuals may believe that studded tires can be used in areas that require chains.
Proposal does not change existing rules.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. No impact will be made upon small businesses.
Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption.
Hearing Location: 210 11th Avenue, General Administration Building, Ground Floor, CVD Conference Room, P.O. Box 42614, Olympia, WA 98504, on June 29, 2000, at 9:00 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Ms. Heather Flemer by June 20, 2000, (360) 753-0655.
Submit Written Comments to: Ms. Carol Morton, Washington State Patrol, P.O. Box 42635, Olympia, WA 98504, fax (360) 586-8233, by June 20, 2000.
Date of Intended Adoption: June 29, 2000.
May 19, 2000
Annette M. Sandberg
Chief
OTS-3918.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 92-05-016, filed 2/10/92,
effective 3/12/92)
WAC 204-24-030
Standards for studded tires.
Studded tires shall meet the following specifications:
(1) Studs shall be metal, tipped with tungsten carbide.
(2) Metal studs shall be inserted only in a new tire or a newly-recapped tire which has molded in the tread the "pin-holes" into which metal studs are to be inserted. Studs shall not be inserted in any new tire or newly-recapped tire after it has been driven on a vehicle.
(3) Metal studs may be installed only by the tire manufacturer, or by a tire dealer or tire jobber who shall install the metal studs in conformance with the manufacturer's specifications.
(4) When a tire is sold or offered for sale as a studded tire or when studs are installed in a new tire or a newly-recapped tire, there shall be a minimum of seventy metal studs evenly spaced around the tread of the tire.
(5) A tire shall contain a minimum of fifty-six metal studs
at all times in order to qualify as a "studded tire" or as an
approved traction device where traffic control signs marked
(("chains" or)) "approved traction tires required" are posted.
(6) Metal studs shall not be installed in any tire of a vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight of ten thousand pounds or over.
(7) School buses and fire department equipment tires are exempt from subsection (6) of this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.420. 92-05-016, § 204-24-030, filed 2/10/92, effective 3/12/92; 83-21-080 (Order 83-10-01), § 204-24-030, filed 10/19/83; Order 7607, § 204-24-030, filed 9/14/76; Order 6902, § 204-24-030, filed 2/17/70.]