Brief Description: Exempting vehicles in inaccessible national recreation areas from license renewal fees.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Parlette, Swecker, Honeyford, Mulliken, Sheldon and Benton).

Hearing Date: 3/30/05

Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).

Background:

Under current law, failure to initially register a vehicle in the state prior to operation on highways of the state is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of no less than $330. Failure to renew an expired registration before operating on a highway of the state is a traffic infraction. Exemptions are allowed for: state and publically owned vehicles; vehicles owned by Indian tribes; motorized foot scooters; electric assisted bicycles; farm vehicles if operated within a fifteen mile radius of the farm; spray or fertilizer applicator rigs; fork lifts under certain conditions; and certain highway construction equipment.

Summary of Bill:

If a motor vehicle is operated solely within a national recreation area that is not accessible by a state highway, it is exempt from the annual registration renewal and associated fees after it has been initially registered.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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