Chapter 10.20 SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD REGULATIONS

(1) The term “nonroutine commercial traffic” means any commercial delivery vehicle traveling on residential streets that is not delivering goods or providing services to residences of the adjacent neighborhood or to the businesses that directly service that neighborhood.

(2) Residential Neighborhoods. The city’s residential neighborhoods are those defined by the zoning code as single-family or multifamily zones, and shall be protected by the provisions of this division. [Ord. 134 §§ 1, 2, 1995]

10.20.010 Limit on noise impacts on residential neighborhoods.

Residential neighborhoods shall not be subject to adverse land uses, activities or traffic which generate exterior noise exposure levels exceeding 55 dBA Ldn. [Ord. 134 § 3, 1995]

10.20.015 Requirement for noise mitigation plan.

Proponents of projects which will increase exterior noise levels to which residential areas are exposed above an Ldn of 55 dBA, must submit a noise mitigation plan to the city of Burien department of community development for review and approval before required permits are issued to allow the project to proceed. The city manager, with the assistance of the director of the department of community development, is authorized and directed to develop criteria for such review and approval. Such criteria shall be available in writing to applicants and shall, at a minimum, require that the best available technology be employed to achieve no more than the maximum available noise standard set forth in this section. [Ord. 134 § 4, 1995]

10.20.020 Liability of owner, others, for violations.

Whenever an act or omission is declared to be unlawful in Chapter 10.20 BMC, the owner of any motor vehicle involved in such act or omission shall be responsible therefor. Any person operating such vehicle, and any persons knowingly and intentionally participating in creating an unlawful condition of use, shall also be subject to the penalties provided in Chapter 10.30 BMC for such unlawful act or omission. (RCW 46.44.120) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.040 Outside width limit.

(1) The total outside width of any vehicle or load thereon shall not exceed eight feet, with the following exceptions:

(a) Where it is necessary to extend a rear vision mirror beyond the extreme left or right of the body, but in no event shall such rear vision mirror extend more than five inches beyond the extreme limits of the body;

(b) Where it is necessary to install fenders on the rear wheels of vehicles to reduce wheel spray; provided such fenders are made of rubber and do not extend more than two inches beyond either side of the body;

(c) A tolerance of two inches in width will be allowed on the tires of all vehicles where such over-width is due entirely to expansion of the tires; and

(d) Safety appliances such as clearance lights, rub rails, binder chains, and appurtenances such as door handles, door hinges, and turning signal brackets, may extend beyond the extreme left or right of the body despite the fact that this results in a width in excess of eight feet, but no appliances or appurtenances can extend more than two inches beyond the extreme limits of the body.

(2) A special and continuing permit is hereby granted to Metro Transit to operate passenger vehicles not to exceed 102 inches in width and 40 feet in length on the streets and alleys within the city in accordance with an application to the board of public works therefor, pursuant to RCW 46.44.090; any provisions of this division or any other ordinance inconsistent herewith is hereby superseded. (RCW 46.44.010) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.060 Outside maximum height – Impaired clearance signs.

(1) No person shall operate any vehicle unladen or with load exceeding a height of 13 feet 6 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands except as follows:

(a) Automobile transporters and boat transporters shall not exceed 14 feet; and

(b) Height limitations shall not apply to authorized emergency vehicles or repair equipment of a public utility engaged in reasonably necessary operation.

(2) The provisions of this section shall not relieve the owner or operator of a vehicle or combination of vehicles from the exercise of due care in determining that sufficient vertical clearance is provided upon the streets or alleys where such vehicle or combination of vehicles is being operated. No liability shall attach to the city by reason of any damage or injury to persons or property by reason of the existence of any structure over or across any street or alley where the vertical clearance above the roadway is 13 feet 6 inches or more or, where such vertical clearance is less than 13 feet 6 inches, if impaired clearance signs are erected and maintained on the side of any such street or alley in a conspicuous location at a distance of not less than 200 feet and not more than 300 feet. If any structure over or across any street or alley is not owned by the city, it shall be the duty of the owner thereof when billed therefor to reimburse the city for the actual cost of erecting and maintaining such impaired clearance signs. (RCW 46.44.020) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.070 Hitting structure with impaired clearance.

No person shall operate a vehicle in a manner that allows the vehicle to strike any structure over or across any street or alley where impaired clearance signs are erected and maintained. [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.080 Maximum length – Single vehicle.

No person shall operate upon a street or alley any vehicle having an overall length, with or without load, in excess of 35 feet, except that a stage shall not exceed an overall length, inclusive of front and rear bumpers, of 40 feet, but the operation of any such stage upon a street or alley shall be limited as determined by the board of public works. (RCW 46.44.030) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.100 Maximum length – Combination permanent structure.

No person shall operate on a street or alley any combination of vehicles which contains a vehicle of which the permanent structure is in excess of 45 feet. (RCW 46.44.030) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.120 Maximum length – Combination nonstinger-steered.

No person shall operate on a street or alley any combination consisting of a nonstinger-steered tractor and semi-trailer which has an overall length in excess of 65 feet. “Stinger-steered” as used in this section shall mean a tractor and semi-trailer combination which has the coupling connecting the semi-trailer to the tractor located to the rear of the center line of the rear axle of the tractor. (RCW 46.44.030) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.140 Maximum length – Combination.

No person shall operate on a street or alley any combination consisting of a truck and trailer, or any lawful combination of three vehicles, with an overall length, with or without load, in excess of 65 feet, or a combination consisting of a tractor and a stinger-steered semi-trailer combination which has the coupling connecting the semi-trailer to the tractor located to the rear of the center line of the rear axle of the tractor. (RCW 46.44.030) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.160 Maximum length – Exceptions.

The length limitations set forth in BMC 10.20.080 through 10.20.140 shall not apply to vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery or other objects of a structural nature which cannot be dismembered and operated by a public utility when required for emergency repair of public service facilities or properties but in respect to night transportation every such vehicle and load thereon shall be equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both sides and marker lamps upon the extreme ends of any projecting load to clearly mark the dimensions of such load. (RCW 46.44.034) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.180 Maximum length – Front protrusions.

The load or any portion of any vehicle operated alone upon a street or alley, or the load or any portion of the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than three feet beyond the front wheels of such vehicle, or the front bumper, if equipped with front bumper. (RCW 46.44.034) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.200 Maximum length – Rear protrusions.

No person shall operate a vehicle upon a street or alley with any part of the permanent structure of lead extending in excess of 15 feet beyond the center of the last axle of such vehicle. (RCW 46.44.034) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.220 Combination of units limitation.

Except as provided in BMC 10.20.240, no person shall operate upon a street or alley any combination of vehicles consisting of more than two vehicles. For the purposes of this section, a truck-tractor semi-trailer and/or pole trailer combination will be considered as two vehicles but the addition of another axle to the tractor of a truck-tractor semi-trailer and/or pole trailer combination in such a way that it supports a proportional share of the load of the semi-trailer and/or pole trailer shall not be deemed a separate vehicle but for all purposes shall be considered a part of the truck-tractor. For the purposes of this section, a converter gear used in converting a semi-trailer to a full trailer shall not be deemed a separate vehicle but for all purposes shall be considered part of the trailer. (RCW 46.44.036) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.240 Combination of units – Lawful operations – Special permits.

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of BMC 10.20.220 and subject to such rules and regulations governing their operation as may be adopted by the board of public works, operation of the following combinations shall be lawful:

(a) A combination consisting of a truck-tractor, a semi-trailer, and a full trailer. In this connection a converted gear used to convert a semi-trailer into a full trailer shall be considered to be a part of the full trailer and not a separate vehicle. A converter gear being pulled without load and not used to convert a semi-trailer into a full trailer may be substituted in lieu of a full trailer or a semi-trailer in any lawful combination.

(b) A combination consisting of three trucks or truck-tractors used in driveway service where two of the vehicles are towed by the third in double saddlemount position.

(2) A combination consisting of a truck-tractor, a semi-trailer, and a full trailer when licensed for a total gross weight of 72,000 pounds may be granted either an annual or temporary special permit authorizing the combination to carry not more than 4,000 pounds of gross weight in excess of the maximum allowed in BMC 10.20.440 upon the payment of the fees as specified in BMC 10.30.120 and on such streets or alleys and subject to such terms and conditions as the city engineer, under the direction of the director of engineering shall prescribe pursuant to the provisions of BMC 10.30.280 and 10.30.120; provided, that any peace officer who shall find any person operating a vehicle in violation of the conditions of a special permit issued under this section may confiscate such permit and forward it to the city engineer, who may return it to the permittee or recommend that it be revoked, canceled, or suspended. (RCW 46.44.037) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.260 Maximum gross weight – Truck axle factor.

Except as provided for in BMC 10.30.200 and 10.30.300, no person shall operate any vehicle upon a street or alley with a gross weight including load upon any one axle thereof in excess of 18,000 pounds; provided, that a tolerance of 2,000 pounds may be allowed on the rear axle of a two-axle garbage truck, and an additional 2,000 pounds may be allowed by permit obtained in accordance with the provisions of BMC 10.30.300 for a fee as specified in BMC 10.30.120. (RCW 46.44.040 (1)) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.280 Maximum gross weight – One-axle semi-trailer.

No person shall operate any one-axle semi-trailer upon a street or alley with a gross weight including load upon such one axle in excess of 18,000 pounds. (RCW 46.44.040 (1)) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.300 Maximum gross weight – Two-axle truck.

Except as provided in BMC 10.30.120, no person shall operate any truck or truck-tractor upon a street or alley supported upon two axles with a gross weight, including load, in excess of 32,000 pounds. (RCW 46.44.040(1)) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.320 Maximum gross weight – Two-axle semi-trailer.

No person shall operate any semi-trailer or pole trailer upon a street or alley supported upon two axles with a gross weight, including load, in excess of 32,000 pounds unless such axles are not less than 102 inches apart, in which case, notwithstanding the provisions of BMC 10.20.260, the allowable gross weight, including load, shall be 36,000 pounds. (RCW 46.44.040(1) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.340 Maximum gross weight – Two-axle trailer.

No person shall operate any two-axle trailer upon a street or alley with a gross weight, including load, in excess of 36,000 pounds. (RCW 46.44.040(1)) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.360 Maximum gross weight – Three or more axle vehicles.

Except as provided in BMC 10.30.260 through 10.30.300, no person shall operate any vehicle upon a street or alley supported upon three axles or more with a gross weight, including load, in excess of 40,000 pounds. (RCW 46.44.040(1)) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.380 Maximum gross weight – Brake restriction.

The maximum axle and gross weight specified in BMC 10.20.260 through 10.20.360 are subject to the braking requirements set up for the service brakes upon any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles as provided by law. (RCW 46.44.040(2) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.400 Multiple-axle oscillation.

No person shall operate any vehicle upon a street or alley equipped with two axles spaced less than seven feet apart, unless the two axles are so constructed and mounted in such a manner to provide oscillation between the two axles and that either one of the two axles will not at any one time carry more than the maximum gross weight allowed for one axle or two axles specified in BMC 10.20.260 through 10.20.360. (RCW 46.44.040(3) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.420 Maximum gross weight – Tire factor.

Subject to the maximum gross weights specified in BMC 10.20.260 through 10.20.360, no person shall operate any vehicle upon a street or alley with a gross weight, including load, upon any tire concentrated upon the surface of a street or alley in excess of 550 pounds per inch width of such tire, up to a maximum width of 12 inches, and for a tire having a width of 12 inches or more there shall be allowed a 20 percent tolerance above 550 pounds per inch width of such tire. For the purpose of this section, the width of tire in case of solid rubber or hollow center cushion tire, so long as the use thereof may be permitted by the law, shall be measured between the flanges of the rim. For the purpose of this section, the width of tires in case of pneumatic tires shall be the maximum overall normal inflated width as stipulated by the manufacturer when inflated to the pressure specified and without load thereon. (RCW 46.44.042) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.440 Maximum gross weight – Wheel base factor.

Subject to the maximum axle and gross weights specified in BMC 10.20.260 through 10.20.360, no person shall operate any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles unless the same comply with both subdivision (1) and (2) of this section.

(1) The total gross weight, including load, on any group of axles of a vehicle or combination of vehicles, where the distance between the first and last axles of any group of axles is 18 feet or under shall not exceed that set forth in the following table:


Wheel Base of
Any Group of Axles	Allowed Load
of a Vehicle or	in Pounds on
Combination of Vehicles	Group of Axles
3 feet, 6 inches	32,000
4 feet	32,000
5 feet	32,000
6 feet	32,000
7 feet	32,000
8 feet	32,610
9 feet	33,580
10 feet	34,550
11 feet	35,550
12 feet	36,830
13 feet	38,350
14 feet	39,870
15 feet	41,400
16 feet	42,930
17 feet	44,459
18 feet	46,000

(2) Where the wheel base of any vehicle or combination of vehicles is 18 feet or more, the gross weight including load of the vehicle or combination of vehicles must not exceed that given for the respective distances in the following table:


Wheel Base of
Any Group of Axles
of a Vehicle or	Allowed
Combination of Vehicles	Load in Pounds
18 feet	46,000
19 feet	47,000
20 feet	48,000
21 feet	49,000
22 feet	50,000
23 feet	51,340
24 feet	52,670
25 feet	54,000
26 feet	55,100
27 feet	56,200
28 feet	57,400
29 feet	58,500
30 feet	59,500
31 feet	60,300
32 feet	61,140
33 feet	61,710
34 feet	62,280
35 feet	62,860
36 feet	63,430
37 feet	64,000
38 feet	64,500
39 feet	65,000
40 feet	65,500
41 feet	66,000
42 feet	66,500
43 feet	67,000
44 feet	67,500
45 feet	68,000
46 feet	68,500
47 feet	69,000
48 feet	69,500
49 feet	70,000
50 feet	70,500
51 feet	71,000
52 feet	71,500
53 feet or over	72,000

When inches are involved: Under six inches, take lower; six inches or over, take higher. (RCW 46.44.044) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.480 Excess weight – Discretion of arresting officer.

In addition to the limitations of BMC 10.20.260 through 10.20.440, if the gross axle weight is not more than 500 pounds in excess of the maximum gross axle for one axle, and if the gross weight of two axles spaced less than seven feet apart is not more than 1,000 pounds in excess of the maximum gross weight for two axles spaced less than seven feet apart, and if the gross weight of any group of axles is not more than 1,500 pounds in excess of the maximum gross weight for any group of axles according to the wheel base spacing of the groups of axles as shown in the maximum gross load table of BMC 10.20.440 and if the gross weight of a two-axle vehicle is not more than 1,000 pounds in excess of the legal gross weight for such two-axle vehicle, and if the gross weight of a three-axle vehicle is not more than 1,500 pounds in excess of the maximum legal gross weight for such three-axle vehicle, and if the maximum gross weight of the combination of vehicles is not more than 2,000 pounds in excess of the maximum legal gross weight of the combination of vehicles, the arresting officer may, within his discretion, permit the operator to proceed with his vehicle or vehicles in combination without penalty. For the purposes of determining gross weights, the actual scale weight taken by the arresting officer shall be prima facie evidence of such total gross weight. (RCW 46.44.046) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.520 Excess weight – Logging trucks – Discretion of arresting officer.

Any person, firm or corporation using any city street or alley to reach or leave a state highway route for the purpose of transporting logs with weights authorized by state highway log tolerance permits, without first obtaining a city permit when required by the city, shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by BMC 10.20.060 through 10.20.120. For the purpose of determining gross weight, the actual scale weight taken by the officer shall be prima facie evidence of such total gross weight. In the event the gross weight is in excess of the weight permitted by law, the officer may, within his discretion, permit the operator to proceed with his vehicles in combination. (RCW 46.44.047) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.540 Minimum length of wheel base.

No person shall operate any vehicle with a wheel base between any two axles thereof of less than three feet six inches. For the purposes of this section, wheel base shall be measured upon a straight line from center to center of the vehicle axles designated. (RCW 46.44.050) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.560 Enforcement – Weighing.

Any peace officer may require the operator of a vehicle or combination of vehicles to stop and submit to a weighing of the same by means of a portable or stationary scale and may require that such vehicle be driven to the nearest public scale. (RCW 46.44.100) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.580 Enforcement – Lightening.

Whenever a peace officer, upon weighing a vehicle and load, determines that the weight is unlawful, such peace officer may, in addition to any other penalty provided, require the driver to stop the vehicle in a suitable place and remain standing until such portion of the load is removed as may be necessary to reduce the gross weight of such vehicle to such permitted limit; provided, that in the event such vehicle is loaded with grain or other perishable commodities, the driver shall be permitted to proceed without removing any of such load, unless the gross weight of the vehicle and load exceeds by more than 10 percent the limit permitted by Chapters 10.20. and 10.30 BMC. All materials unloaded shall be cared for by the owner or operator of the vehicle at the risk of such owner or operator. (RCW 46.44.100) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.583 Maximum gross weight – Penalties for violations.

Any person violating any of the provision of BMC 10.20.260 through 10.20.440 shall, upon first conviction thereof, be fined not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00; upon second conviction thereof shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $100.00; and upon a third or subsequent conviction shall be fined not less than $100.00. [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.586 Maximum gross weight – Additional penalties for violation.

In addition to, but not in lieu of, the basic fines set forth in BMC 10.20.583, such person shall be fined $0.02 per pound for each pound of excess weight up to 5,000 pounds; if such excess weight is 5,000 pounds, and not in excess of 10,000 pounds, the additional fine shall be $0.03 per pound for each pound of excess weight; and if the excess weight is 10,000 pounds over, the additional fine shall be $0.04 per pound for each pound of excess weight; provided, that upon first conviction, the court in its discretion may suspend the additional fine for excess weight up to 5,000 pounds and for excess weight over 5,000 pounds may apply the schedule of additional fines as if the excess weight over 5,000 pounds were the only excess weight, but in no case shall the basic fine be suspended. (RCW 46.44.045(2)) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.589 Street gross weight limitation – Penalty.

Any person convicted of violating any posted weight limitations of a street or alley shall be fined not less than $100.00 and the court shall, in addition thereto, suspend the driver’s license for not less than 30 days in accordance with RCW 46.44.045(4). (RCW 46.44.045(4)) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.592 Maximum gross weight – Penalty period.

For the purpose of computing the basic fines and additional fines to be imposed under the provisions of BMC 10.20.583 and 10.20.586 the convictions shall be on the same vehicle or combination of vehicles within a 12-month period under the same ownership. (RCW 46.44.045(7) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.620 Liability for damage to streets, bridges, etc.

Any person operating any vehicle or moving any object or conveyance upon a street or alley upon or under a bridge or elevated structure which is part of any such street or alley shall be liable for all damages which said street, alley, bridge, or elevated structure may sustain as a result of any illegal operation of such vehicle or the moving of any such object or conveyance or as a result of the operation or moving of any vehicle, object, or conveyance weighing in excess of the legal weight limits allowed by law. This section shall apply to any person operating any vehicle or moving any object or contrivance in any illegal or negligent manner or without a special permit as by law provided for vehicles, objects, or contrivances of overweight, overwidth, overheight, or overlength. Any person operating any vehicle shall be liable for any damage to any street, alley, bridge, or elevated structure sustained as the result of any negligent operation thereof. When such operator is not the owner of such vehicle, object or contrivance but is so operating or moving the same with the express or implied permission of the owner thereof, then said owner and the operator shall be jointly and severally liable for any such damage. Such damage to any street, alley, bridge or elevated structure may be recovered in a civil action instituted in the name of the city. Any measure of damage to any street or alley by reason of this section shall be prima facie the amount of damage caused thereby and shall be presumed to be the amount recoverable in any civil action therefor. (RCW 46.44.110) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.640 Overloading licensed capacity.

No person shall operate, cause, permit, or suffer to be operated upon a street or alley any stage, motor truck, trailer, pole trailer, or semi-trailer, with passengers, or with a maximum gross weight, in excess of that for which the vehicle is licensed. (RCW 46.16.140) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.660 Overloading licensed capacity – Additional license.

Any person who operates or causes to be operated upon a street or alley any motor truck, trailer, pole trailer, or semi-trailer with a maximum gross weight in excess of the maximum gross weight for which the vehicle is licensed shall be deemed to have set a new maximum gross weight, and shall, in addition to any penalties otherwise provided, be required to purchase a new license covering the new maximum gross weight; provided, that this section shall not apply to for-hire vehicles or stages; provided, further, that no such person may be permitted or required to purchase the new license upon a gross weight which would exceed the maximum gross weight allowed by BMC 10.20.260 through 10.20.440 and 10.30.260 through 10.30.300. (RCW 46.16.140) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.665 Overloading licensed capacity – Penalties.

Any person violating any of the provisions of BMC 10.20.640 or 10.20.660 shall, upon a first conviction, pay a fine of not less than $10.00 nor more than $25.00; upon a second conviction pay a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00, and upon a third and subsequent conviction pay a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $100.00. (RCW 46.16.145) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.670 Special permits – Misrepresentation penalty.

Any person who misrepresents the size or weight of any load in obtaining a special permit shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than $50.00 or more than $100.00. (RCW 46.44.097) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.675 Special permit – Violation of terms penalty.

Any person who does not follow the requirements and conditions of a special permit shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than $50.00 or more than $100.00. (RCW 46.44.097) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.680 Overweight permit – Penalty.

Any person who operates any vehicle, the gross weight of which is in excess of the maximum for which such vehicle may be eligible for license without first obtaining a special permit shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than $100.00. (RCW 46.44.097) [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.685 Oversize permit – Penalty.

Any person who operates any vehicle in excess of legal size limitations without first obtaining a special permit shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than $100.00. [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]

10.20.690 Transportation of liquefied petroleum gas.

The bulk transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is prohibited in or through Fire Zone No. 1 as defined in the city of Seattle Building Code (see Fire Zone One map). [Ord. 134 § 5, 1995]