FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2359

C 72 L 14

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Exempting collectible vehicles from emission test requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Kochmar, Fagan, Vick, Hurst, Kirby, Morrell, Orwall, Dahlquist, Tarleton and Freeman.

House Committee on Environment

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

The Department of Ecology (DOE) designates a region as a noncompliant area if the region exceeds, or will probably exceed, emission and ambient air quality standards and the DOE determines that motor vehicle emissions are the primary source of air contaminents. Noncompliant areas include Seattle, Bellevue, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Everett. These noncompliant areas are then used to determine geographical boundaries in which vehicle emission testing is required. These regions are called emission contributing areas and include multiple zip codes from the Puget Sound, Vancouver, and Spokane regions.

Emission Test Requirements.

Vehicles five through 25 years old and registered in Washington at a zip code identified as an emission contributing area must meet vehicle emission standards set by the DOE on a biennial basis.

The Department of Licensing is responsible for implementing and enforcing these vehicle emission standards. Except for exempt vehicles, the Department of Licensing may only issue or renew motor vehicle registrations that are accompanied by either a valid certificate of compliance, or a valid certificate of acceptance. A certificate of compliance is issued when a vehicle passes emission testing requirements. A certificate of acceptance is issued to certain vehicles that fail emissions tests in spite of investments in repair work by the owner. Several types of vehicles are entirely exempt from emission testing requirements, including vehicles older than 25 or younger than five years old, farm vehicles, and structural and custom vehicles.

Collectible Vehicle Insurance.

For a vehicle to be eligible for collectible vehicle or classic automobile insurance, the vehicle must meet certain qualifications set by the insurance company. Some of the typical requirements may include:

• that the vehicle be driven on a limited basis with a mileage ceiling;

• that the vehicle be stored in a secure garage;

• that the owner provide proof of a second vehicle;

• that the vehicle meet an age requirement, usually 15 or 25 years old or older; and

• that the vehicle has a stable market value and settled depreciation.

Summary:

Collectible vehicles are exempted from emission test requirements if the vehicle:

• is of unique and rare design, of limited production, and an object of curiosity;

• is maintained primarily for use in car club activities, exhibitions, parades, or other activities of public interest or private collection, and is used only infrequently for other purposes; and

• has collectible or classic vehicle insurance coverage that restricts its mileage or use, or both, and requires the owner to have another vehicle for personal use.

Votes on Final Passage: