HOUSE BILL REPORT

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.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Transportation

Title: An act relating to the creation of intermittent-use trailer license plates.

Brief Description: Creating intermittent-use trailer license plates.

Sponsors: Representatives Holy, Shea, Short, Clibborn, Schmick, Ormsby, Fagan, Crouse, Riccelli, Blake and Kristiansen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/26/13, 4/2/13 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

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

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 30 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Fey, Vice Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Moscoso, Vice Chair; Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Overstreet, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Bergquist, Farrell, Fitzgibbon, Habib, Hayes, Johnson, Klippert, Kochmar, Kretz, Kristiansen, Moeller, Morris, O'Ban, Riccelli, Rodne, Ryu, Sells, Shea, Takko, Tarleton, Upthegrove and Zeiger.

Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).

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 (DOL) 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.

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Summary of Substitute 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 not be transferred from one intermittent-use trailer to another intermittent-use trailer. A person must apply to the DOL and pay the initial registration fee of $187.50 to receive an intermittent-use trailer license plate for a different trailer, which is either assigned by the DOL or use an actual Washington-issued license plate. 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.

A person that is determined to be in violation of inappropriately using an intermittent-use trailer with the intermittent-use trailer plate:

must surrender the intermittent-use trailer license plate to the DOL;
is subject to a traffic infraction of $124;
must apply for a Washington original-issue license plate and pay the appropriate license fees; and
will be prohibited from applying for an intermittent-use license plate for any trailer in the future.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

Intermittent-use trailer license plates may not be transferred from one intermittent-use trailer to another intermittent-use trailer. A person must apply to the DOL and pay the initial registration fee of $187.50 to receive an intermittent-use trailer license plate for a different trailer, which is either assigned by the DOL or use an actual Washington-issued license plate. Intermittent-use trailer license plates cannot be used for special parking privileges.

A person that is determined to be in violation of inappropriately using an intermittent-use trailer with the intermittent-use trailer plate:

must surrender the intermittent-use trailer license plate to the DOL;
is subject to a traffic infraction of $124;
must apply for a Washington original-issue license plate and pay the appropriate license fees; and
will be prohibited from applying for an intermittent-use license plate for any trailer in the future.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The bill provides an option to purchase this type of plate. The plate has a one-time registration fee and is valid until the trailer is sold or no longer used as an intermittent-use trailer. Existing trailers are registered under the RCW 46.17.350 and the current fees are $15 to $30 per year. This is a substantial enhancement and could reduce staffing required at the DOL. This encourages a person to maintain their trailer and make sure the trailer is safe for operation on the roads. The plate can stay with the owner when the trailer is sold and another trailer is purchased.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Holy, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.