Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 09-01-122.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Standards for authorized emergency vehicle permits, chapter 204-36 WAC.

     Hearing Location(s): General Administration Building, Room G-3, 210 11th Avenue S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, on March 24, 2009, at 1:00 p.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: March 25, 2009.

     Submit Written Comments to: Melissa VanGorkom, P.O. Box 42600, Olympia, WA 98504-2600, e-mail melissa.vangorkom@wsp.wa.gov, fax (360) 596-4015, by March 24, 2009.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Melissa VanGorkom by March 24, 2009, (360) 596-4017.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Updating current language for clarification to include the addition of definitions. The language changes will also include new standards for background checks and restrictions on signs, shield markings, accessories and insignia used on uniforms, clothing or equipment which may imply that the operator is a law enforcement officer.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: In the best interest of public safety.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 46.37.194.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent:

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Melissa VanGorkom, General Administration Building, P.O. Box 42600, Olympia, WA 98504-2600, (360) 596-4017.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328.

February 11, 2009

John R. Batiste

Chief

OTS-2178.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 88-08-ESR, filed 7/18/88)

WAC 204-36-010   Promulgation.   The state patrol hereby adopts the following regulations relating to the issuance of an authorized emergency vehicle permit, for those vehicles not already authorized under statute.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.194. 88-15-052 (Order 88-08-ESR), § 204-36-010, filed 7/18/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.37.194. 79-02-085 (Order 7501A), § 204-36-010, filed 2/7/79; Order 7301, § 204-36-010, filed 2/5/73.]

     (2) Operator or driver. The term operator and the term driver, as used herein, means every person who is in actual physical control of an authorized emergency vehicle.

     (((2))) (3) Operation. The term operation, as used herein, is the driving or moving by any operator or driver upon a public highway of any vehicle that is equipped or has attached thereon any equipment, the installation of which requires an authorized emergency vehicle permit, whether or not the emergency equipment is activated.

     (((3))) (4) Patrol ((shall)) means the Washington state patrol.

     (5) Primary jurisdiction means lead department who has jurisdiction on the roads that the applicant wishes to use the emergency lighting on.

     (6) Political subdivision means the individual who has authority over the applicant if the applicant is the chief law enforcement officer or fire chief.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.194. 88-15-052 (Order 88-08-ESR), § 204-36-020, filed 7/18/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.37.194. 79-02-085 (Order 7501A), § 204-36-020, filed 2/7/79; Order 7301, § 204-36-020, filed 2/5/73.]

     (2) The applicant ((shall)) must furnish the following information to the patrol:

     (a) A description of the specific geographic area in which the vehicle ((shall)) will be used as an authorized emergency vehicle.

     (b) A description of the vehicle, to include, year, make, model, VIN, license number, and registered owner.

     (c) A description of the specific purposes for which the vehicle ((shall)) will be used as an authorized emergency vehicle, funeral escorts, fire response, or other (describe in detail). This description must include each function for the vehicle, including, but not limited to, traffic control, incident response, roadside safety and security patrols.

     (d) An explanation of the nature and scope of the duties, responsibilities and authority of the vehicle operator which necessitate the need for vehicle to have an authorized emergency vehicle permit. This description must include the authority under statute for the operator to perform the functions listed under the permit.

     (e) A description of the emergency equipment to be used if the permit is granted.

     (f) A listing of the names, addresses, birthdates, operator's license numbers and other identifying data as may be prescribed on the application form by the patrol, of all persons who will use the vehicle as an authorized emergency vehicle, and a completed applicant fingerprint card.

     (g) Certification from each primary jurisdiction identified in (a) of this subsection that the vehicle is to be used as described. Such certification ((shall)) must be by:

     (i) The chief law enforcement officer if the applicant is a law enforcement or security officer, or has funeral home, coroner, ambulance or other nonfire related duties.

     (ii) The fire chief if the vehicle is to be used for ((firefighting)) fire fighting purposes.

     (iii) If the person making the application is the chief law enforcement officer or the fire chief of the jurisdiction, certification must be made by the chief executive officer of the political subdivision of the jurisdiction.

     The certification ((shall)) must state that a need exists in the jurisdiction for the vehicle to be used as described and that the certifier knows of no reason why the application should be denied.

((Note:

If the person making application is the chief law enforcement officer or the fire chief of the jurisdiction, certification must be made by the chief executive officer of the political subdivision of the jurisdiction.))

     Upon satisfactory application the patrol may issue an emergency vehicle permit or permits which, when carried as required, are valid until expiration or cancellation as prescribed in WAC 204-36-070.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.37.194. 02-07-055, § 204-36-030, filed 3/14/02, effective 4/14/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.194. 90-07-034, § 204-36-030, filed 3/15/90, effective 4/15/90; 88-15-052 (Order 88-08-ESR), § 204-36-030, filed 7/18/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.37.194. 79-02-085 (Order 7501A), § 204-36-030, filed 2/7/79; Order 7501, § 204-36-030, filed 11/25/75; Order 7301, § 204-36-030, filed 2/5/73.]

     (a) Only by the operators named in the original or amended application approved by the patrol. If the applicant wishes to add or remove operator(s) from the permit, such request must be made to the patrol in writing.

     (b) Only with the equipment described in the original or amended application approved by the patrol.

     (c) Only within the geographic area described in the original or amended application approved by the patrol.

     (d) Only for the purposes set forth in the original or amended application approved by the patrol.

     (e) If being used for escort services, may be used only for funeral escorts.

     (2) If an authorized emergency vehicle is used for private purposes, or for purposes in an area or by an operator other than as set forth in the application, all emergency equipment which is exposed to public view ((shall)) must be removed or covered with an opaque hood, and ((shall)) must not be operated during such period of time.

     (3) The issuance of an emergency vehicle permit does not relieve the driver from the duty to drive with regard for the safety of all persons, nor ((shall)) will such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his disregard for the safety of others and does not grant police authority to the operators of said vehicle. Any inappropriate or misuse of authorized emergency vehicles may result in criminal or civil liability as well as cancellation of the emergency vehicle permit.

     (4) An operator under an approved emergency vehicle permit will not be allowed to display any sign, shield, marking, accessory or insignia on their uniform, clothing, or equipment to imply that he or she is a law enforcement officer, unless all of the following apply:

     (a) The sign, shield, marking, accessory or insignia on their uniform or equipment is issued by a public law enforcement agency; and

     (b) The operator is employed by the public agency they are representing with the sign, shield marking, accessory or insignia on their uniform or equipment, and approved to operate the vehicle by that agency under the authorized emergency vehicle permit.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.37.194. 02-07-055, § 204-36-040, filed 3/14/02, effective 4/14/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.194. 90-07-034, § 204-36-040, filed 3/15/90, effective 4/15/90; 88-15-052 (Order 88-08-ESR), § 204-36-040, filed 7/18/88; Order 7301, § 204-36-040, filed 2/5/73.]

     (a) Conventional passenger cars, vans, pickups, or similar vehicles((. The vehicles shall be));

     (b) Conventionally painted((,)); and

     (c) Legally equipped ((and shall not display commercial signs, posters, or pictures. Equipment, not related to the emergency nature of the vehicle, shall not be carried or attached to the outside of the vehicle. Every authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped)) in conformance with RCW 46.37.190(1) with at least one lamp capable of displaying a red light visible from at least five hundred feet in normal sunlight and a siren capable of giving an audible signal. Such equipment must not be installed prior to obtaining approval of the application and issuance of a temporary certificate of approval for the vehicle(s) by the patrol. To be considered approved equipment for use under the provisions of this section, all devices must meet the criteria established in RCW 46.37.320. In descending order of preference, these are:

     (((1))) (i) Conformance to current standards and specifications of the Society of Automotive Engineers, or((,)); if none((,

     (2))) (ii) Certified for compliance by any recognized organization or agency such as, but not limited to, the American National Standards Institute, the Society of Automotive Engineers, or the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

     (((a) Such equipment shall not be installed prior to obtaining approval of the application by the patrol.

     (b))) (2) Authorized emergency vehicles must not:

     (a) Be equipped with the following:

     (i) Blue lamps ((shall not be installed unless requested in the application and specifically approved and listed on the permit)).

     (ii) Flashing or strobing headlamps.

     (iii) Signal preemptive device.

     (b) Display commercial signs, posters, or pictures.

     (c) Carry or attach to the outside of the vehicle equipment, not related to the emergency nature of the vehicle.

     (d) Display or use any name that includes the word "police" or "law enforcement" or other word which portrays the individual or business as a public law enforcement agency.

     (3) Authorized emergency vehicles may, in addition to the required equipment, have an amber or white lamp on their vehicle as outlined under WAC 204-21-130, provided that such equipment is listed on the application and approved by the patrol.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.194. 90-07-034, § 204-36-050, filed 3/15/90, effective 4/15/90; 88-15-052 (Order 88-08-ESR), § 204-36-050, filed 7/18/88; Order 7301, § 204-36-050, filed 2/5/73.]

     (c) An authorized emergency vehicle permit which will expire one year from the date of issuance thereof.

     (2) The patrol may refuse to approve the application, certificate or permit or in the case of an application which lists multiple operators may refuse to approve any single operator if the applicant/operator:

     (a) Has been convicted of a felony during the ten years preceding the date of the application provided the felony for which the applicant was convicted directly relates to the specific occupation, trade, vocation, or business for which the certificate or permit is sought;

     (b) Has ever been convicted of any class A felony or any "sex offense" as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, regardless of the state of conviction;

     (c) Has been convicted of DUI as defined in chapter 46.61 RCW, or convicted of a similar offense regardless of the state of conviction, within the last seven years;

     (d) Has been convicted of reckless driving, or a hit and run, within the last seven years;

     (e) Has been convicted of a gross misdemeanor within the last five years;

     (f) Has been convicted of any misdemeanor within the last year; or

     (g) Must register as a sex offender.

     Crimes referenced in this section are as defined in the criminal code as they exist at the time of the violation, as they now exist or may later be amended in the state of Washington. Out-of-state convictions for offenses will be classified according to the comparable offense definitions and sentences provided by Washington law.

     (3) Each approved authorized emergency vehicle permit will be good for a period of one year. A renewal application must be filed with the patrol on forms prescribed by the patrol as outlined in WAC 204-36-030.

     (a) A request to add drivers to a permit may be made, in writing to the patrol, at any time. If there is a request for new drivers to be added to the permit, the drivers will not be allowed to operate the vehicles as outlined in the permit until they have been approved to do so by the patrol. Any request to add or remove drivers from a permit must be made to the patrol in writing.

     (b) A request to add vehicles to a permit may be made, in writing to the patrol, at any time. If there is a request for new vehicles to be added to the permit, a certificate of approval for the vehicles will be issued granting a thirty-day period within which the equipment must be installed and inspected by the patrol. Once the inspection paperwork is received by the patrol it will be reviewed, and if approved, the patrol will issue a vehicle permit which must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

     (i) No additional equipment other than the equipment outlined on the permit is authorized for use under the permit.

     (ii) If additional equipment other than that approved under the vehicle permit must be installed, a new certificate of equipment must be filled out for the vehicle and the patrol must inspect and approve such equipment issuing a new vehicle permit prior to its use under the authorized emergency vehicle permit.

     (((3))) (4) The certificate of approval and when issued, the permit, including all endorsements for change of conditions as provided in WAC 204-36-030, ((shall)) must be carried in the authorized emergency vehicle at all times, and ((shall)) must be displayed on request to any law enforcement officer.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.37.194. 02-07-055, § 204-36-060, filed 3/14/02, effective 4/14/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.194. 90-07-034, § 204-36-060, filed 3/15/90, effective 4/15/90; 88-15-052 (Order 88-08-ESR), § 204-36-060, filed 7/18/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.37.194. 81-04-043 (Order 81-01-01), § 204-36-060, filed 2/3/81; 79-02-085 (Order 7501A), § 204-36-060, filed 2/7/79; Order 7301, § 204-36-060, filed 2/5/73.]

     (2) The chief law enforcement officer, or fire chief if the vehicle is to be used for ((firefighting)) fire fighting purposes, of each primary jurisdiction in which the vehicle is operated as an authorized emergency vehicle may revoke his certification of the vehicle by notifying the patrol in writing of such revocation and his reasons ((therefor)) therefore. Following notice to the applicant and an opportunity to be heard, the permit may be invalidated by the patrol.

     (3) Mailing by certified mail of any notice or correspondence by the patrol to the last address of the applicant shown on his application ((shall)) will be sufficient service of notice as required by this chapter.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.194. 88-15-052 (Order 88-08-ESR), § 204-36-070, filed 7/18/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.37.194. 79-02-085 (Order 7501A), § 204-36-070, filed 2/7/79; Order 7301, § 204-36-070, filed 2/5/73.]

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