Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

SSB 6009

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 Description: Authorizing the issuance of personalized collector vehicle license plates.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Takko, Hobbs, Palumbo, Saldaña, Hunt, Conway, Chase and Mullet).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Creates the ability to personalize a collector license plate.

Hearing Date: 2/15/18

Staff: Patricia Hasan (786-7292).

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 that is 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. The original registration is $35, and the plates:

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

Under current law, for an additional fee, license plates displaying the standard background may be personalized using numbers and/or letters. The original registration is $52 for a personalized license plate, and the annual renewal is $42 for the plate.

Provisions do not exist allowing a registered owner to personalize a collector license plate.

Summary of Bill:

A registered owner with a collector vehicle license plate may personalize their plate for a one-time fee of $52 in addition to the collector license plate fee.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on April 1, 2019.