SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5304

                    As of February 8, 1995

Title:  An act relating to vehicle identification number inspections on out‑of‑state vehicles.

Brief Description:  Inspecting vehicle identification numbers on out‑of‑state vehicles.

Sponsors:  Senators Heavey, Sellar, Schow, Oke, Kohl, Roach, Wood, Sheldon, Winsley, Fraser and Long.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/9/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Mary McLaughlin (786-7309)

Background:  The Vehicle Inspection (VIN) Program was established in 1974 and requires any vehicle, previously registered in another state or country, to be inspected prior to licensing in this state.  The purpose of the program is to prevent stolen vehicles from being licensed in Washington State. 

The inspection verifies that the VIN has not been altered and is the same as shown on the previous title and registration certificate.  VIN inspections are also conducted for rebuilt/salvage vehicles, homemade vehicles, assembled vehicles, or vehicles referred by the Department of Licensing (DOL), or any other authorized agency.  The examination and verification fee is $15.  The revenue is collected by DOL and deposited in the Motor Vehicle Fund (MVF).

Washington is a guarantee title state.  If a vehicle is determined to be a stolen vehicle after passing a VIN inspection and subsequently being licensed in this state, the vehicle owner is reimbursed from the MVF for the cost of the vehicle.

The VIN inspection program is conducted by the Washington State Patrol (WSP).  Twenty-four Trooper VIN specialists (12 full-time specialists) and 42 civilian VIN inspectors are assigned to the program.  Trooper VIN specialists receive 104 hours of training; civilian  VIN inspectors are required to have 72 hours of training.

Summary of Bill:  The chief of the WSP must use county auditors and subagents who  volunteer to conduct the VIN inspections for out-of-state vehicles being brought into the state.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.