Section 480-30-216. Operation of motor vehicles, general.

(1) Discrimination prohibited. No company operating motor vehicles under the provisions of this chapter will operate a vehicle in intrastate commerce on which the seating of passengers is based on race, color, creed, or national origin.

(2) Inspection of baggage and other materials passengers wish to be carried in or on a motor vehicle. Auto transportation companies are responsible for the safety and comfort of all passengers transported. To ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and employees it may be necessary for companies to inspect baggage and other materials to be transported in or on motor vehicles.

(a) Companies must include in their filed tariffs, in information provided to passengers, and on their tickets, information that advises passengers that all baggage and other materials to be carried in or on a motor vehicle is subject to inspection by the company.

(b) The information required by (a) of this subsection must include a list of examples of materials that will not be accepted for transportation. Examples may include, but are not limited to, the following items:

(i) Articles whose transportation as baggage are prohibited by law or regulation;

(ii) Fragile or perishable articles;

(iii) Articles whose dimensions exceed the size limitations in the company's filed tariff;

(iv) Packages, bags, or parcels that are leaking;

(v) Firearms;

(vi) Articles that have foul and obnoxious odors; or

(vii) Items that cause annoyance, discomfort, or harm to persons or property.

(3) Service requirement.

(a) An auto transportation company is a public service company with an obligation to provide service to the satisfaction of the commission to all customers within its certificated authority.

(b) Except to the extent allowed by WAC 480-30-451, no driver or operator of a motor vehicle used in the transportation of passengers by an auto transportation company shall refuse to carry any person presenting him or herself at a regular stopping place who tenders the appropriate fare. Exception: Companies limiting operations to passengers with prior reservations are not subject to this provision.

(4) Passenger loading capacity. No motor vehicle used in the transportation of passengers will carry more passengers than can be carried safely. In no case will a motor vehicle transport more than one hundred fifty percent of its rated seating capacity.

(5) Standing passengers. No passenger will be permitted to stand unless the vehicle is equipped with devices designed and permanently installed to provide stability and safety for standing passengers. Even if the vehicle is properly equipped, no passenger will be permitted to stand for a distance exceeding thirty-five miles.

(6) Double-decker bus. Any company that operates a double-decker bus must comply with the maximum height vehicle requirement of RCW 46.44.020.

(7) Reserve equipment. All auto transportation companies must maintain sufficient reserve equipment to insure the reasonable operation of established routes and fixed time schedules.

(8) Smoking on motor vehicles.

(a) Smoking or carrying lit cigars, cigarettes, or other smoking materials is prohibited on vehicles.

(b) Each company must post signs in its vehicles informing passengers that smoking is not permitted.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040, 80.04.160, 80.54.020, and 80.54.060. WSR 16-02-076 (Docket TE-151080, General Order R-583), § 480-30-216, filed 1/4/16, effective 2/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040, 81.04.160, 81.12.050, 81.68.030, and 81.70.270. WSR 06-13-006 (General Order No. R-533, Docket No. TC-020497), § 480-30-216, filed 6/8/06, effective 7/9/06.]

RCW 80.01.040, 80.04.160, 80.54.020, and 80.54.060. WSR 16-02-076 (Docket TE-151080, General Order R-583), § 480-30-216, filed 1/4/16, effective 2/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040, 81.04.160, 81.12.050, 81.68.030, and 81.70.270. WSR 06-13-006 (General Order No. R-533, Docket No. TC-020497), § 480-30-216, filed 6/8/06, effective 7/9/06.

Rules

480-30-451,