Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1902

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 Summary of Bill

Establishes a new vehicle class entitled "intermittent-use trailer."
Provides restrictions on the amount and type of use for an intermittent-use trailer.
Establishes an intermittent-use trailer license plate and one-time initial registration fee of $187.50.

Background:

There are different types of trailers registered in the State of Washington. A private-use single trailer has an initial registration and annual renewal fee of $15. Trailers that are over 2,000 pounds and travel trailers have an initial registration and renewal fee of $30. Trailers also pay a license-plate technology fee of 25 cents and a license service fee of 50 cents. In addition to the registration fees, a boat trailer pays a $3 aquatic fee and travel trailers pay a $3 recreational vehicle sanitary disposal fee.

Horseless carriage license plates may be issued to a motor vehicle that is at least 40 years old. Collector vehicle plates may be issued to a motor vehicle that is at least 30 years old. Persons applying for a collector plate may receive a collector vehicle license plate assigned by the Department of Licensing or use an actual Washington-issued license plate designated for general use in the year of the vehicle's manufacture. These vehicles may only be used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and occasional pleasure driving. The plates have an initial fee of $35 and no renewal fees.

Summary of Bill:

The bill establishes a new vehicle class entitled "intermittent-use trailer," which means a trailer in working order that is used only for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, and parades, and for occasional pleasure use. "Occasional pleasure use" means use of a trailer that is not general or daily, but seasonal or sporadic, and not more than once a week on average. The initial registration fee is $187.50.

A person applying for an intermittent-use trailer license plate may receive an intermittent-use trailer license plate or the person may provide an actual Washington-issued license plate used in the year of the trailer's manufacture. A person that provides a false or facsimile license plate is subject to a traffic infraction plus the cost of an intermittent-use trailer license plate.

Intermittent-use license plates:

are valid for the life of the intermittent-use trailer;
are not required to be renewed; and
must be displayed on the rear of the intermittent-use trailer.

If the trailer is conveyed to a new owner, prior to the sale, the intermittent-use license plate must be removed and the new owner must obtain a new registration and appropriate license plate. Intermittent-use trailer license plates may be transferred from one intermittent-use trailer to another intermittent-use trailer. Intermittent-use trailer license plates cannot be used for special parking privileges. Intermittent-use trailer license plates are not eligible for a special license plate background.