SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6156

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires collector license plates to be renewed every five years.
Clarifies the definition for collector vehicles to explicitly prohibit use for business or commercial purposes or routine transportation.
Makes other modifications to the collector vehicle laws, including allowing the Department of Licensing to cancel the registration of a collector vehicle that does not meet the requirements specified in law.
Modifies the definition for eligibility as a horseless carriage.

Background: A registered owner may apply for a collector vehicle plate for a motor vehicle that is at least 30 years old. The owner may receive a collector plate assigned by the Department of Licensing (DOL), or the owner can provide an actual Washington state-issued license plate designated for general use in the year the vehicle was manufactured. Under current law, the original registration is $35, and the plates:

are valid for the life of the vehicle;
are not required to be renewed;
may be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle if the plate was provided by the owner; and
must be displayed on the rear of the motor vehicle.

These vehicles may only be used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and occasional driving.

A registered owner may apply for a horseless carriage license plate if the vehicle is more than 40 years old, is capable of operating on the highway, and is owned and operated as a collector vehicle. Under current law, the original registration is $35, and the plates:

are valid for the life of the vehicle;
are not required to be renewed;
may not be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle; and
must be displayed on the rear of the motor vehicle.

Summary of Bill: The definition of collector vehicle is explicitly changed to prohibit use for business or commercial purposes or routine transportation of persons or property. The allowable uses of a collector vehicle are expanded to include use associated with operation and maintenance of the vehicle. The potential issuance of a Washington state issued license plate designated for general use is limited to vehicles manufactured and with a model year before January 1, 1989.

The collector plates are required to be renewed every five years and must be done so with a signed certification by the owner. There is no fee for the renewal of the collector plate. DOL is provided explicit authority to cancel the registration of a collector vehicle not meeting the requirements specified in law.

The definition of horseless carriage is changed from 40 years and older to requiring that the vehicle was manufactured or built before January 1, 1916.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There has been confusion over the provisions on this bill. The issue that we are attempting to address is the growing number of vehicles that might be eligible and ensure that the collector vehicles are being used for legitimate purposes. This bill strikes the appropriate middle ground of maintaining the collector plate license opportunities, and making sure that people are using the collecting plates properly.

CON: This will eliminate the motorcycle collector vehicle plates and many collector vehicle opportunities. This will potentially reduce the revenue to the state by some car enthusiasts no longer getting a collector plate. The certification process is unclear and should be defined in the legislation. There should have been better outreach to the impacted communities.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Dean Takko, Prime Sponsor; Beau Perschbacher, Department of Licensing; Thad Duvall, Co-Chair of Licensing Committee for County Auditors Association; Corry Cavin, Washington Association of Vehicle Sub Agents; Chester Baldwin, Washington Association of Vehicle Subagents. CON: Paul Lawson, citizen; Robert Combs, Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts.