HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1923
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
March 9, 2007
Title: An act relating to requirements for motor vehicle transporter license applications.
Brief Description: Modifying requirements for motor vehicle transporter license applications.
Sponsors: By Representatives Hunt and Condotta.
Brief History:
Transportation: 2/19/07, 3/1/07 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/9/07, 96-1.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 26 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Curtis, Dickerson, Eddy, Ericksen, Hailey, Hankins, Hudgins, Kristiansen, Lovick, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
Tow truck operators who impound vehicles from private or public property and/or tow for
law enforcement agencies are regulated under Chapter 46.55 RCW. Impounds, the taking
and holding of a vehicle in legal custody without the consent of the owner, may only be
performed by registered tow truck operators (RTTOs). If on public property, the impound is
at the direction of a law enforcement officer; if the vehicle is on private property, the
impound is at the direction of the property owner or his or her agent.
Registered tow truck owners are issued a tow truck permit by the Department of Licensing
(DOL), following payment of a $100 per company and $50 per truck fee, plus an inspection
by the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Registered tow truck owners must also file a surety
bond of $5,000 with the DOL and meet certain minimum insurance requirements.
Tow trucks are also used by nonregistered operators that, for example, manage gas stations,
repair shops, and auto dealerships. These trucks are used to aid the underlying business and
may not be used for impounding or responding to law enforcement calls. If these
nonregistered operators use their tow trucks to recover disabled vehicles for monetary
compensation, they must have insurance in the same manner and amount as an RTTO and
submit to a safety inspection of his or her truck.
Those who engage in the business of delivering, by the driveaway or towaway methods,
vehicles not owned by the transporter and of the type required to be registered for highway
use are required to obtain a transporter license and plates.
Summary of Bill:
An applicant for a transporter's license is required to indicate if the license will be used to
recover disabled vehicles from a public road or highway for compensation. If so, the
applicant will also be required to indicate if the applicant is a registered tow truck operator.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Last year the Legislature included a proviso in the transportation budget asking
the DOL, the WSP, and the towers to look into the issue of unregulated tow truck operators.
One of the issues that was identified was that there is currently no way of knowing how many
towers there are. Many towers use transporter plates. Under this bill, once an applicant is
asked what they do, the DOL will have an idea of the number of unregistered towers.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Stu Halsan, Towing and Recovery Association of Washington.