Brief Description: Modifying procedures for applications for title reissuance when a vehicle has been declared a total loss.

Sponsors: Representatives Takko, Skinner, Blake, Hudgins, Hankins, Kenney and Dickerson; by request of Washington State Patrol.

Hearing Date: 1/26/06

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) performs inspections of salvage rebuilt vehicles prior to the re-issuance of Washington title in order to verify that the vehicle identification number is genuine and that the parts used to repair the vehicle are not stolen. As of August, 2005, WSP personnel performed more than 31,000 inspections that year on a first come, first served basis. The average statewide wait time has been 30 days, with a western Washington average wait time of 45 days.

One type of salvage inspection performed by the WSP occurs when the registered or legal owner of the vehicle retains possession after the vehicle is declared a total loss and submits an application for title re-issuance. This type of inspection makes up approximately 25 percent of the salvage inspections performed by WSP, but has led to the recovery of only one stolen vehicle in the last two years.

Eliminating the requirement for inspections of owner retained total loss vehicles prior to title re-issuance is estimated to reduce inspector workload by approximately 25 percent across the state and 35 percent in western Washington. This translates into a seven and a half day decrease in wait time across the state and a more than 15 day decrease in wait time in western Washington.

Summary of Bill:

The owner of a vehicle that has been rebuilt after being declared a total loss is not required to present the vehicle for physical inspection prior to title re-issuance if the person retained ownership after the vehicle was declared a total loss.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.