FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1933

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.

Background:

A registered owner may apply for a horseless carriage license plate for a motor vehicle that is at least 40 years old. The original registration fee is $35, and the plates are valid for the life of the motor vehicle, are not required to be renewed, may not be transferred to any other motor vehicle, and must be displayed on the rear of the motor vehicle. There are approximately 9,000 horseless carriage vehicles registered.

A registered owner may apply for a collector vehicle plate for a motor vehicle that is at least 30 years old. The owner may receive a collector plate that is assigned by the Department of Licensing (DOL) or the owner can provide an actual Washington state-issued license plate designated for general use in the year of the vehicle's manufacture. The original registration is $35, and the plates are valid for the life of the vehicle, are not required to be renewed, may be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle if the plate was provided by the owner, and must be displayed on the rear of the motor vehicle. There are approximately 111,000 collector vehicles registered.

These vehicles may only be used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and occasional driving.

Law enforcement officers, when stopping a motor vehicle, in many cases will run a "wants and warrants" on the registered vehicle's license plate to receive information on the registered owner and vehicle.

Summary:

Any person who knowingly provides a false or facsimile collector license plate for a collector vehicle is subject to a traffic infraction. The person must also pay for the cost of a vehicle license plate.

The DOL must provide a method by which law enforcement officers may readily access vehicle information for collector vehicles by using the collector vehicle license plate number.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	98	0
Senate	47	2	(Senate amended)
House	95	2	(House concurred)

Effective:	August 1, 2011
	January 1, 2012 (Section 2)