HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6362

BYSenators Nelson, von Reichbauer, Barr and Patterson

Regulating license plates and fenders on antique vehicles.

House Committe on Transportation

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (24)

      Signed by Representatives Walk, Chair; Baugher, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Cantwell, Cooper, Day, Doty, Fisher, Fox, Gallagher, Haugen, Heavey, Jacobsen, Jones, Kremen, Meyers, Patrick, Prince, Schmidt, Smith, D. Sommers, Sutherland, S. Wilson and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Mary McLaughlin (786-7309)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 29, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Currently, any vehicle forty years or older shall, upon application, be issued a special commemorative license plate in lieu of the regular license plate.  Though statute mandates only one plate be issued, the Department of Licensing will issue the commemorative plates in sets of two until the existing inventory is depleted.  Legislation is needed to clarify the placement of the license plate when only one is issued.

The motor vehicle equipment laws of this state require that every motor vehicle be equipped with fenders, covers, flaps, or splash aprons adequate for minimizing the spray or splash of water or mud from the roadway to the rear of the vehicle.

SUMMARY:

Only one license plate for antique vehicles licensed under RCW 46.16.310 is required.  Current law is clarified, requiring the placement of the single license plate on the rear of the vehicle.

An exemption to the vehicle equipment laws is created.  Antique vehicles, forty years old and operated as collectors' items, are not required to have fenders when they are used and driven during fair weather on well-maintained, hard-surfaced roads.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.