Washington State
House of Representatives
 BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

HB 1343

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.

Brief Description: Adding a physical examination requirement for certificate of ownership applications.

Sponsors: Representatives Takko and Armstrong; by request of Washington State Patrol.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Removes the requirement for rebuilt vehicle inspections for owner-retained vehicles after destruction or being declared as a total loss.

Hearing Date: 2/13/07

Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).

Background:

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) performs Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspections in Washington. Mandatory inspections prior to Department of Licensing (DOL) issuing a title are: rebuilt vehicles after being destroyed or declared a total loss by an insurance company. They also perform physical inspections on vehicles reported stolen, homemade vehicles, or other vehicles without a proper VIN, when there is a VIN discrepancy, when there is a recorded dispute, when ownership is in doubt, or other special cases. The fee for a rebuilt vehicle or an assembled vehicle is $50.

Upon the destruction of any vehicle that was issued a title or a license registration, the registered owner and the legal owner will surrender the certificate to the DOL, together with a statement for the reason for the surrender and the date and place of the loss. The registered/legal owner of the vehicle at the time of the loss may keep the vehicle and have the vehicle rebuilt. The WSP will perform an inspection of the salvage rebuilt vehicle prior to the re-issuance of a 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.

In 2006, the WSP performed 11,731 owner-retained inspections, which accounts for approximately 25 percent of the VIN inspections.

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: Available.

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