WSR 98-19-075
PERMANENT RULES
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING
[Filed September 21, 1998, 11:58 a.m.]
Date of Adoption: August 29, 1998.
Purpose: 1) Meet criteria supporting Governor Locke's Executive Order 97-02. 2) To implement SHB 2858 as enacted during the 1998 legislative session.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 308-96A-010 Certificate of registration required, 308-96A-025 No fee where incorrect plates issued, 308-96A-035 Annual license renewal, 308-96A-040 Monthly abatement of license fees; and amending WAC 308-96A-015 Replacement certificate of registration--Documents required, 308-96A-021 Replacement plates--Requirements, 308-96A-026 Vehicle transit permit, 308-96A-180 Registration of rental cars, 308-96A-260 Assignment of original registration year, 308-96A-295 Display of tabs, and 308-96A-300 Changing assigned registration year.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [46.16.225], 46.16.490, and 46.16.276.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 98-14-012 on June 19, 1998.
Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: Added back into WAC 308-96A-180(3) the old (c), which was inadvertently left out of the proposed rule making filed under notice as WSR 98-14-012 on June 19, 1998. This section was previously in the WAC.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, amended 1, repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, amended 6, repealed 4.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, amended 7, repealed 4; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.
Other Findings Required by Other Provisions of Law as Precondition to Adoption or Effectiveness of Rule: To implement SHB 2858 as enacted during the 1998 legislative session.
Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
September 21, 1998
Evelyn P. Yenson
Director
OTS-2286.3
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order TL/RG 24, filed 5/5/86)
WAC 308-96A-015 ((Duplicate certificate of registration.))
Replacement certificate of registration--Documents required.
((If the current year's certificate of registration is lost,
stolen, or destroyed, the registered owner must apply at once for
a duplicate. The application must be accompanied by:
(1) An affidavit of loss signed by at least one owner of
record. Such signature must be either certified by a Washington
vehicle/vessel license agent or notarized; and
(2) A record of the licensing agent's verification of the
vehicle record.)) (1) How do I obtain a replacement certificate
of registration?
You obtain a replacement certificate of registration by applying, either in person or by mail, to a Washington vehicle licensing office.
(2) When do I need to replace my certificate of registration?
You need to replace your certificate of registration if it is lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated.
(3) Who can apply for a replacement certificate of registration?
One of the registered owners shall apply for a replacement certificate of registration.
(4) What documentation do I need to apply for a replacement certificate of registration?
You need an affidavit of loss or letter of request describing the vehicle by Washington license plate or vehicle identification number. The affidavit of loss or letter of request must be signed by at least one of the registered owners. The registered owner's signature must be either notarized by a notary public or certified by a Washington vehicle license agent or subagent.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-015, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-015, filed 7/24/75.]
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order TL/RG-34, filed 5/28/87)
WAC 308-96A-021 Replacement plates--((Sworn statement))
Requirements. ((A sworn statement as to cause or reason for
replacement plates shall not be required if the owner of record
is the person buying replacement plates, provided, that a sworn
statement will be required if someone other than the registered
owner of record is purchasing replacement plates.)) (1) How do I
obtain replacement plate(s)?
You obtain replacement plate(s) by applying, either in person or by mail, to a Washington vehicle licensing office.
(2) When do I need to replace my plate(s)?
You need to replace your place(s) if:
(a) Your plate(s) are lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated; or
(b) The primary use of your vehicle has changed requiring new plate(s) designated for the new use of the vehicle. Example: A passenger car used to transport commodities, merchandise, produce, freight or animals for commercial purposes may be licensed as a commercial use truck.
(3) Who can apply for replacement plate(s)?
One of the registered owners shall apply for replacement plate(s).
(4) What documentation do I need to apply for replacement plate(s)?
(a) If your plate(s) are lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated, you need to submit an affidavit of loss or letter of request describing the vehicle by Washington license plate or vehicle identification number. The affidavit of loss or letter of request must be signed by at least one of the registered owners. The registered owner's signature must be either notarized by a notary public or certified by a Washington vehicle license agent or subagent. A replacement plate fee will be charged.
(b) If the primary use of your vehicle has changed requiring new plate(s) designated for the new use of the vehicle, the department shall replace the plate(s) without the affidavit of loss or letter of request. A new plate fee will be charged.
(5) What if the department issued incorrect plate(s) for my vehicle?
When incorrect plate(s) have been issued due to departmental error, the department shall replace the plate(s) without the affidavit of loss or letter of request. No replacement plate fee will be charged.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-021, filed 5/28/87.]
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 92-15-025, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92)
WAC 308-96A-026 Vehicle transit permit. ((A vehicle
transit permit may be issued to authorize an individual to
operate a vehicle over and along a public highway of this state
solely for the purpose of doing what is necessary to qualify the
vehicle for a Washington certificate of ownership or
registration. Such purposes are limited to the following:
(1) Obtaining a Washington state patrol inspection (if
required);
(2) Obtaining a weight slip;
(3) Obtaining an emission test; or,
(4) Any other purpose which the director or designee in his
or her discretion deems necessary.
The permit is valid for a maximum of two days and shall
contain, but is not limited to, the following information:
(a) Signature and agency number of persons issuing the
permit;
(b) Signature and address of person receiving the permit;
(c) Description, including make, model, model year, and
vehicle identification number, of the vehicle for which the
permit is issued;
(d) Specific purpose for which the permit is issued; and,
(e) The date or dates on which the permit is valid, for a
maximum of two days.)) (1) What is a vehicle transit permit?
A vehicle transit permit is a document that authorizes an individual to operate a vehicle on a public highway of this state solely for the purpose of obtaining necessary documentation to complete an application for a Washington certificate of ownership or registration.
(2) What may a vehicle transit permit be used for?
A vehicle transit permit may be used to obtain:
(a) A Washington state patrol inspection;
(b) A scale weight slip;
(c) An emission test; or
(d) Any other purpose that the department deems necessary.
(3) Where do I obtain a vehicle transit permit?
You may obtain a vehicle transit permit from:
(a) Vehicle licensing offices; or
(b) Drivers services-licensing services offices.
(4) How long is the vehicle transit permit valid?
The permit is valid for a maximum of two days.
(5) What information is required to issue the vehicle transit permit?
The following information is required to issue the vehicle transit permit:
(a) Description of the vehicle for which the permit is issued, which may include make, model, model year, and vehicle identification number;
(b) Name and address of person obtaining the permit;
(c) Specific purpose for which the permit is issued; and
(d) The date or dates on which the permit is valid, for a maximum of two days.
(6) How much does a vehicle transit permit cost?
There is no fee for the vehicle transit permit, however vehicle-licensing subagents may charge a service fee.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. 92-15-025, § 308-96A-026, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276. 86-23-045 (Order TL/RG 28), § 308-96A-026, filed 11/18/86.]
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 95-15-028, filed 7/11/95, effective 8/11/95)
WAC 308-96A-180 Registration of rental cars. (((1) Rental
car businesses, registered pursuant to RCW 46.87.023 and chapter
308-88 WAC, shall register their rental cars prior to the
vehicles being operated upon the roadways of this state.
Registrations must be maintained for the period in which the
rental car is operated as part of the rental car business fleet.
(2) Rental cars properly registered in another jurisdiction
may be operated in this state without being titled and registered
in this state when:
(a) Rented by a customer at a location outside of the state
of Washington;
(b) The vehicle was dropped off at a Washington rental car
business by its previous renter and is being rented for a one-way
trip out of Washington; or
(c) The vehicle is part of a properly registered
International Registration Plan (IRP) rental car business fleet.
(3) If the rental car business is registered pursuant to the
provisions of the IRP, the rental car business will allocate
rental car registrations according to the provisions of section
1116 of the IRP, as now or hereafter amended. Franchised
businesses, receiving vehicles from their franchiser who is a
registered IRP rental car business, may engage in retail car
rentals for one-way trips into the state when receiving the
vehicle and out of the state when returning it to the franchiser.
(4) Rental car usage is restricted to operations by rental
customers, except when the rental car is being moved by the
business to another business site, to or from maintenance or
repair facilities, or for testing purposes.
(5) Vehicles that cease to be used for rental car purposes
shall be reregistered for the appropriate usage and pay the
proper motor vehicle excise tax pursuant to RCW 82.44.023 prior
to further operation on the public roadways of this state.)) (1)
What is a rental car?
A rental car is defined in RCW 46.04.465.
(2) How is a rental car licensed?
Registrations shall be maintained for the period in which the rental car is operated as part of the rental car business fleet.
(3) Do rental cars operated in Washington need to be registered in Washington?
Rental cars must be registered in Washington unless:
(a) Rented by a customer at a location outside of the state of Washington;
(b) The vehicle was dropped off at a Washington rental car business by its previous renter and is being rented for a one-way trip out of Washington; or
(c) The vehicle is part of a properly registered International Registration Plan (IRP) rental car business fleet.
(4) Does the current certificate of registration issued by the department need to be carried in the rental car?
A photocopy of the current certificate of registration may be carried in a rental car in lieu of the original certificate of registration.
(5) Who may operate a rental car?
Rental cars may only be used by rental customers, unless the rental car is being moved by the business to another business site, to or from maintenance or repair facilities, or for testing purposes.
(6) What does a rental car company do when they remove a rental car from their fleet?
When a rental car company removes a vehicle from their fleet, they shall alter the current month and year tab on the license plates. To alter these tabs, the rental car company will place blank tabs over both the month and year tab on the front and rear plate issued for that vehicle.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.87.023. 95-15-028, § 308-96A-180, filed 7/11/95 effective 8/11/95.]
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 92-02-100, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92)
WAC 308-96A-260 Assignment of original registration year.
((Vehicles licensed for the first time in this state will have
expiration dates assigned as follows:
(1) Fleet vehicles and prorated vehicles will have a
registration year ending December 31. A full month's fees are
charged for any partial month.
(2) Snowmobiles will have a registration year ending
September 30. Snowmobile fees may not be abated.
(3) Exempt vehicles are not required to have their licenses
renewed so will not have an expiration date assigned, except that
exempt vehicles using propane, butane or natural gas will have a
June 30 expiration date for special fuel billing purposes. This
does not apply to federal exempt vehicles which are required to
be registered annually and pay the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
fee at the time of registration renewal.
(4) All other vehicles, including those issued amateur radio
operator plates, personalized plates, and off-road vehicle use
permits, will have a registration year beginning at 12:01 a.m. on
the day which the vehicle is first licensed and ending at 12:00
midnight on the same date the succeeding year.
(5) A license purchased on February 29 will have an
expiration date of March 1.
(6) In the event that the final day of a registration year
falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, such period shall
extend through the end of the next business day.)) How are
registration years assigned?
Vehicles licensed for the first time in this state will have expiration dates assigned under RCW 46.16.006 except as follows:
(1) Fleet vehicles will have a registration year ending December 31. A full month's fees are charged for any partial month.
(2) City, state and county exempt vehicles using propane, butane or natural gas will have a June 30 expiration date for special fuel billing purposes. This does not apply to federal exempt vehicles, which are required to be registered annually and pay the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fee at the time of registration renewal.
(3) Vehicles delivered on dealer temporary permits shall be assigned expiration dates based on date of delivery as documented by the dealer.
(4) A February 29 expiration date will be reassigned to March 1.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. 92-02-100, § 308-96A-260, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-260, filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: 1985 c 109 §§ 2, 4, 6 and 8, RCW 46.80.140, 46.70.080 [46.79.080], 46.70.160, 46.76.070 and 46.16.225. 86-08-028 (Order DLR-091), § 308-96A-260, filed 3/26/86; Order MV-355, § 308-96A-260, filed 5/10/76.]
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 93-14-083, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93)
WAC 308-96A-295 Display of tabs. ((The department shall
issue license plate tabs, or emblems to identify the month and
year of the vehicle registration expiration. They may be
displayed as soon as they are purchased. Tabs or emblems must be
displayed starting with the first day of the current registration
year. If tabs are issued, they shall be displayed on the front
and rear license plates as indicated on the tab in the following
manner:
(1) Motorcycle plates shall display the year tab in the
upper right corner and the month tab lengthwise down the right
side of the plate between the plate number and the outer frame of
the plate.
(2) Plates with the state identification at the bottom of
the plate shall have the month tab displayed in the lower left
corner and the year tab in the lower right corner.
(3) Plates with the state identification at the top left of
the plate shall have the month tab displayed immediately
following the final "N" in Washington. The year tab shall be
displayed to the immediate right of the month tab in the upper
right corner.
(4) Plates with the state identification at the top center
of the plate shall have the month tab displayed to the left of
the "W" and the year tab displayed to the right of the final "N"
in Washington.)) (1) What is a tab?
A tab is a decal that is affixed to the license plates and identifies the registration expiration date for a specific vehicle.
(2) Which tabs are valid to be displayed on the vehicle license plate?
Only the tabs depicting the current registration may be displayed on the vehicle license plates.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. 93-14-083, § 308-96A-295, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-295, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-355, § 308-96A-295, filed 5/10/76.]
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 92-02-100, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92)
WAC 308-96A-300 Changing assigned registration year. (((1)
If a vehicle remains unlicensed for a full registration year, a
new registration expiration date shall be assigned in accordance
with WAC 308-96A-260.
(2) If a vehicle license has expired at the time of title
transfer, the new owner shall be assigned a new expiration date
in accordance with WAC 308-96A-260.)) When may the assigned
registration year of a vehicle be changed?
(1) The department will change the registration year of a vehicle if the vehicle remains unlicensed for more than the entire assigned registration year.
(2) The registered owner may request a change of registration expiration month. This can only be done at the time of renewal and requires the registered owner to purchase more than twelve months of registration, limited to the vehicle field system constraints and tab availability.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. 92-02-100, § 308-96A-300, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-300, filed 5/28/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-300, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-355, § 308-96A-300, filed 5/10/76.]
REPEALER
The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
WAC 308-96A-010 Certificate of registration required.
WAC 308-96A-025 No fee where incorrect plates issued.
WAC 308-96A-035 Annual license renewal.
WAC 308-96A-040 Monthly abatement of license fees.