OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has signed a new law that requires shippers to provide restroom access to truck drivers during normal business hours.
House Bill 1457 goes into effect on July 23.
According to the law, restrooms must be located in an area “where providing access would not create an obvious health or safety risk to the motor carrier.”
Additionally, there must not be any obvious security, health or safety risk to the shipper, consignee or its employees.
A shipper or consignee is not required to make any physical changes to a restroom and may require that an employee accompany a motor carrier to the restroom, the law states.
Under the law, a consignee is described as a person or business who takes delivery of property, cargo or materials transported in interstate or intrastate commerce from a motor carrier.
Failing to comply with the new law will mean the department of health issuing a warning letter for a first violation. A shipper or consignee that violates the law after receiving a warning letter will be found guilty of a class 2 civil infraction.
The maximum penalty for a class 2 civil infraction is $300, not including statutory assessments, according to the state of Washington.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
It’s about time. The way some companies treat drivers is unacceptable. Though the fine needs to be tripled.
I worked in dispatch for 20+ years. most of these drivers are pussy ass complainers! in the 50 and 60’s we were pulling loads, not complaining about where we took a piss! Grow some balls and grit!!
auhhh…you worked in dispatch; unlimited indoor bathroom access.
A few thoughts for Gary, not all truck drivers are men. Women can’t just pull to the side of the road whip it out and take a piss. If the need to take a shit presents itself, I and I’m sure many others would prefer to have a restroom, toilet paper along with a sink to wash my hands in available. Has nothing to do having balls and grit, or being pussy ass complainers. how bout you catch up with the times, instead of complaining
where did you shit Gary