Brief Description: Ensuring proper ownership of vehicle parts used in reconstruction.

Sponsors: Senators Rasmussen, Esser, Kastama and Benson.

Hearing Date: 3/23/05

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

Currently, when a vehicle is wrecked beyond repair or declared a total loss, the owner must surrender the title and registration to the Department of Licensing (DOL) within 15 days. Once the title and registration are surrendered, the vehicle is considered a "salvage vehicle." If the salvage vehicle is rebuilt, the DOL must issue a certificate of ownership indicating that the vehicle was rebuilt.

A physical examination, by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), is also required for salvage vehicles that are rebuilt. The examination must verify that the vehicle identification number is genuine and matches the number on the original documents supporting the vehicle purchase or ownership. The WSP must insure that all major component parts used for the reconstruction of a salvage vehicle were obtained legally, which may include review of invoices or notarized bills of sale.

Summary of Bill:

The invoices used to establish the legality of the used replacement component parts in a rebuilt vehicle must be from a Washington licensed vehicle wrecker or a comparable business in a jurisdiction outside of Washington. Private individuals who sell used components or parts for rebuilt vehicles must have title to the vehicles from which the parts are taken.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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