SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5585

As of February 10, 2011

Title: An act relating to street rod and custom vehicles.

Brief Description: Concerning street rod and custom vehicles.

Sponsors: Senator Carrell.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/09/11.

Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)

Background: Currently, a street rod vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, that meets the following conditions:

• the vehicle was manufactured before 1949;

• the vehicle has been assembled or reconstructed using major component parts of a motor vehicle manufactured before 1949; or

• the vehicle was assembled or manufactured after 1949, to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1949; and

• the vehicle has been modified in its body style or design through the use of nonoriginal or reproduction components, such as frame, engine, drive train, suspension, or brakes in a manner that does not adversely affect its safe performance as a motor vehicle or render it unlawful for highway use; or

• the body has been constructed from nonoriginal materials or has been altered dimensionally or in shape and appearance from the original manufactured body.

Further, a parts car is currently defined as a motor vehicle that is owned by a collector to furnish parts for restoration or maintenance of a collector vehicle, thus enabling a collector to preserve, restore, and maintain such a vehicle.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): A street rod vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle that is a 1948 or older vehicle or the vehicle was manufactured after 1948 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1949 and has been altered from the manufacture's original design or has a body constructed from nonoriginal materials.

A custom vehicle is defined as:

• a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948; or

• was manufactured to resemble a vehicle at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948; and

• has been altered from the manufacturer's original design or has a body constructed from nonoriginal materials.

A procedure for submitting an application for an original certificate of title for a street rod vehicle or a custom vehicle is outlined.

Current law which excludes certain vehicles from emission test requirements is amended to include street rod and custom vehicles.

Before accepting an application for a certificate of title, the Department of Licensing, county auditor or other agent, or subagent must require an applicant to provide a certificate of vehicle inspection completed by the Washington State Patrol or other authorized inspector when the application is for a vehicle being titled for the first time as a street rod or custom vehicle. The inspection must verify that the vehicle identification number is genuine and agrees with the number shown on the certificate of title and registration certificate.

A street rod or custom vehicle is allowed to use blue dot taillights for various vehicle equipment lamps.

Various provisions of existing law regarding parts cars and street rod vehicles are repealed.

Both street rod and custom vehicles will be maintained for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, and similar uses. These vehicles are not to be used for general daily transportation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on October 1, 2011.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Street rod and custom vehicles are restricted to car shows parades; increases money for the state; supports hobbyists; would eliminate confusion on what is legal and illegal; and helps charities associated with car events.

OTHER: This act will be difficult to enforce.

Persons Testifying: PRO: David Miller, Cascade Car Club; Tim Dutton, citizen; Craig Morrison, Art Morrison Enterprises.

OTHER: Jason Berry, WA State Patrol.