WSR 02-15-111

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION


[ Filed July 18, 2002, 9:35 a.m. ]

     Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 468-38-340 Speed limits, is being proposed for change to provide for safer movements of over-dimensional vehicles.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 46.44.090.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The current WAC requires certain vehicles to move at speeds less than that of posted truck speeds. For carriers to comply they must merge into traffic traveling faster than they are allowed to move and once in traffic they are required to move slower causing congestion and frustration resulting in unsafe moves by surrounding traffic.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Washington State Department of Transportation traffic office has been consulted, reviewed the proposed changes and concurred with the process.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Review of concerns expressed by various industry segments.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Barry Diseth, Motor Carrier Services, Washington State Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 47367, Olympia, WA 98504-7367, e-mail disethb@wsdot.wa.gov, phone (360) 704-6340, fax (360) 704-6350.

July 17, 2002

John F. Conrad

Assistant Secretary

Engineering and Regional Operations

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