Olympia Provides Wiggle Room For Truckers Hauling Crops

Washington state Lawmakers pass legislation this week that will allow truck drivers to drive loads that happen to be a little over weight.  On Monday, the state House approved Senate Bill 5883.  The legislation allows drivers carrying crops exceed weight limits by up to 5% twice in a calendar year.

The bill’s sponsor, Yakima senator Curtis King, says this legislation will help growers during harvest when so many variables can impact a load.  The version of the bill passed by the Senate gave drivers four warnings rather than two.  SB 5883 was opposed by the Washington State Association of County Engineers, which warned of increased road wear.

The Washington State Patrol objected to giving drivers up to four warnings before writing a ticket.  According to Capital Press, the Washington State Potato Commission led the lobbying for the bill at legislative hearings. The Washington Association of Wheat Growers and Washington State Dairy Federation also testified in support.

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