Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

HB 2029

Brief Description:  Authorizing changes to the VIN inspection program.

Sponsors:  Representatives Hurst, Mitchell, Fisher, Hankins, Haigh, Anderson, Cooper, Ericksen, Ogden, Marine, Jarrett, Wood, Romero, Armstrong, Rockefeller, Mielke, Hatfield, Sump, Lovick, Simpson, Woods, Reardon, Morell, Skinner, Ahern, Jackley, Murray, Edmonds and Kenney.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Allows licenced motor vehicle dealers to perform physical inspections.

$Requests a report from the Washington State Patrol (WSP) outlining numbers of vehicles found to be stolen and an identification of any deficiencies in the self-inspection program.

Hearing Date:  2/26/01

Staff:  Melissa Beard (786‑7347).

Background: 

In order to receive a certificate of ownership, vehicles that are registered in another state or county, or rebuilt after surrender of the certificate of ownership to the Department of Licensing (DOL) due to the vehicle=s destruction or declaration as a total loss, must be inspected.  The Washington State Patrol (WSP) or another person authorized by the DOL performs this physical inspection and must verify the vehicle identification number.

Summary of Bill: 

Licensed motor vehicle dealers are given the authority to perform physical inspections.  The dealer=s inspector must be at least a full-time employee whose primary responsibility is the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles.  Dealers must complete a one-page vehicle identification number inspection form and submit a $15 fee to the DOL.  The WSP is still required to perform inspections on the following vehicles:  totaled, assembled, constructed, replica vehicles, vehicles that appear to have been wrecked or destroyed, or vehicles imported from another country and that have not been certified as conforming to federal standards.  By August 1, 2004 the WSP must provide a report that includes the number of vehicles inspected by the WSP found to be stolen, number of vehicles inspected by licensed motor vehicle dealers found to be stolen, and a comparative analysis to identify deficiencies in the self-inspection program.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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