SB 5215 was improved by a handful of technical amendments before the Senate adopted the bill and passed it over to the House.
The bill requires that any vehicle operating on a paved public highway carrying a load of dirt, sand, pebbles, cobbles, gravel, or any aggregate materials susceptible to escaping must use a secured covering, if so equipped. Beginning in 2028, the covering is required.
The state, counties, cities, PUDs, and any of their contractors are exempt from the new requirement if the vehicle is:
- Responding to or preparing for inclement weather or other emergency when the work must be performed immediately for public safety purposes;
- Performing maintenance and preservation operations;
- Performing operations within work zones closed to the public.
The operator of a vehicle with mud, rock, dirt, sand, or gravel deposits must clean and remove those deposits or debris before the vehicle may be operated on a paved public highway.
Drivers that violate the law must contact the appropriate officials to initiate a cleanup process, but there is no longer a duty to remain at the scene until cleanup is complete, and drivers will be held responsible for the costs associated with debris cleanup.
State patrol or, when appropriate, local law enforcement must enforce the requirement.
SB 5215 passed the House of Origin cutoff and awaits a hearing in the House.
New regulations for debris escaping vehicles on public roadways introduced
January 20, 2025
A proposal from Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D–Bellingham) updates regulations related to debris escaping from vehicles on public highways.
SB 5215 requires any vehicle operating on a paved public highway with a load of dirt, sand, pebbles, cobbles, gravel, or any aggregate materials susceptible to escaping from the vehicle must use a covering, if so equipped. Beginning in 2028, the covering is required.
The state, counties, cities, PUDs, and any of their contractors are exempt from the new requirement if the vehicle is:
- Applying sand or deicers for snow and ice control and to enhance traction;
- Sprinkling water or other substances to maintain or clean the roadway;
- Performing maintenance operations in response to emergency events; of
- Performing operations within work zones where roads or sections of roads are closed to the public.
Drivers that violate the law must contact the appropriate officials to initiate a cleanup process, remain at the scene until cleanup is complete, and will be held responsible for the costs associated with debris cleanup. Violation of the new requirements is an infraction in most cases.
State patrol or, when appropriate, local law enforcement must enforce the requirement.
Please contact AWC staff if your city has concerns or other feedback on this legislation.
Date to remember
SB 5215 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on January 20 at 4 pm.