Washington State
House of Representatives
BILL
ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1955


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: Establishing licensing requirements for certain vehicle dealers.

Sponsors: Representatives Wood, B. Sullivan, Kristiansen, Condotta, Crouse and Lovick.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Licenses off-road vehicle and snowmobile dealers as miscellaneous vehicle dealers.

Hearing Date: 2/19/07

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) licenses and regulates persons and businesses that sell motor vehicles, off-road vehicles, and snowmobiles. There are several categories of dealer licenses, including off-road vehicle dealers, snowmobile dealers, and miscellaneous vehicle dealers.

Off-Road Vehicle License
Businesses that sell motorized vehicles, other than snowmobiles or watercraft, intended for use on nonhighway roads, trails, or other natural terrain must hold either an off-road vehicle license or a miscellaneous vehicle dealer license. The annual fee for the off-road vehicle dealer license is $25.

Snowmobile Dealer License
Businesses that sell motorized snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles must hold a snowmobile dealer license. The annual fee for the snowmobile dealer license is $25.

Miscellaneous Vehicle Dealer License
Businesses that sell motorcycles, off-road vehicles, trailers, and any other vehicle other than a motor vehicle, mobile home, or travel trailer must hold a miscellaneous vehicle dealer license. The fee for the original miscellaneous vehicle dealer license is $750, and the annual renewal fee is $250.

When applying to the DOL for a miscellaneous vehicle dealer license, applicants must provide a $5,000 surety bond; provide information on business, financial, and criminal history; provide information on the vehicles to be sold; and maintain an established place of business.

The DOL may deny, suspend, or revoke a miscellaneous vehicle dealer license, or assess monetary penalties, for reasons outlined in state law including: failing to honor written service agreements, making illegal vehicle sales, certain criminal history, falsifying information, or improper record keeping.

Summary of Bill:

The off-road vehicle and snowmobile vehicle dealer licenses are removed. Persons or businesses that sell off-road vehicles or snowmobiles must hold a miscellaneous vehicle dealer license.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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