SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5417

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

Allows military surplus vehicles to be titled and registered as collector vehicles.
Requires a military surplus owner to certify that they will not use the vehicle for daily use and use it only for travel to and from certain events.
Specifies certain motor vehicle liability insurance policy coverage and safety inspection requirements for military surplus vehicles.

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 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:

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.

Specific provisions do not exist allowing surplus military vehicle titling and registration.

Summary of Bill: The definition of a collector vehicle is expanded to include a military surplus vehicle and these types of vehicles are allowed to be registered as collector vehicles. A military surplus vehicle means a non-tracked vehicle manufactured and sold directly to the armed forces of the United States, but is no longer owned by the United States Armed Forces. The types of events allowed for a collector vehicle are expanded to include veterans' events.

Military surplus vehicles that have collector plates are exempted from vehicle lighting and other equipment requirements established by the Washington State Patrol.

In order to apply for a certificate of title for a military surplus vehicle, the vehicle owner must submit a certification that the military surplus vehicle:

will be maintained for occasional transportation, exhibitions, veterans' events, club activities, parades, tours, and similar uses;
will only be driven when covered by a motor vehicle liability insurance policy with the current liability limits for personal vehicle;
will not be used for daily transportation; and
received a certificate of safety inspection documenting the military surplus vehicle has the original safety equipment on the vehicle at the time of its manufacture in good operating condition or has been replaced by equal or more effective safety equipment in good working order.

A person who makes a false statement regarding the inspection of equipment required under the legislation is guilty of false swearing, which is a gross misdemeanor.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This allows the licensing of Humvee and surplus vehicles for occasional use. Any issues regarding the speed of these vehicles, emissions, and other safety issues are addressed by the military standards when these vehicles were originally made. This will allow preservation of these classic military vehicles for future generations.