FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6005

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: Exempting certain vehicles from the written estimate requirement for auto repair facilities.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Senators Carrell, Delvin, Fain, Sheldon, Hill and Benton).

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection

House Committee on Business & Financial Services

Background: In 1993 RCW 46.71.025 was enacted to require auto repair shops to provide customers with the opportunity to receive a written estimate of the cost of repair before providing parts or labor. A customer may require the repair facility to obtain oral or written authorization to exceed the written price estimate or may waive their right to receive a written price estimate. The repair facility may not charge the customer more than 110 percent of the total shown on the written price estimate unless the repair facility obtains either oral or written authorization from the customer before providing additional parts or labor.

Summary: An exception to the written estimate requirement is provided for vehicles that qualify for a horseless carriage license plate as defined in RCW 46.04.199 or a collector vehicle license plate as defined in RCW 46.04.1261. The exception also extends to parts cars and street rod vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.572, and custom vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.161.

A customer seeking repair services for one of the vehicles listed under this subsection may still request a written estimate from the auto repair facility.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	47	0
House	96	0