FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2908

C 188 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Strengthening accountability for salvage vehicles.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Mielke, O'Brien, Ahern, Pearson and Boldt).

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation

Background:

When a vehicle is wrecked beyond repair or declared a total loss, the owner must surrender the title and registration to the Department of Licensing (DOL) within 15 days of the accident. Once the title is surrendered to the DOL on the grounds of being a total loss, the vehicle is considered a "salvage vehicle." If the salvage vehicle is rebuilt, the DOL is required to issue a special title and registration with the words "WA Rebuilt" displayed across the front of the document. After inspecting the rebuilt vehicle, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) inscribes a marking on the inside of the driver's side door indicating that the vehicle was previously destroyed or declared a total loss.

To be designated as a salvage vehicle, the vehicle must be damaged to the extent that the cost of repairs plus the salvage value make the vehicle uneconomical to repair and (1) must have a model year designation of a calendar year that is less than six years before the calendar year in which the vehicle was wrecked, destroyed, or damaged, unless (2) it has a model year designation of a calendar year that is less than 20 years before the calendar year in which the vehicle was wrecked, destroyed, or damaged and has a fair market value of at least $6,500 prior to being destroyed.

The WSP does not have specific rulemaking authority relating to salvage vehicles and salvage vehicle inspections.

Summary:

A physical examination is required for vehicles declared totaled or salvage under Washington law. The physical examination is also required for salvage vehicles from other states that have not been rebuilt or repaired within the jurisdiction of that state.

An inspection must verify that the vehicle identification number is genuine and agrees with the number shown on the original documents supporting the vehicle purchase or ownership. If the vehicle to be inspected has been rebuilt or repaired, all invoices, including retail sales or use tax, must be shown at the time of inspection. If the presenter is unable to provide proof of ownership for the vehicle or major component parts, an inspection must be completed for ownership-in-doubt purposes.

A vehicle must have all damaged major component parts replaced or repaired, and the vehicle presented for inspection must meet all lighting and equipment standards specified by statute.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 93  0

Senate 45  0

Effective: June 10, 2004