SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6362

BYSenators Nelson, von Reichbauer, Barr and Patterson

Regulating license plates and fenders on antique vehicles.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Conner, DeJarnatt, Garrett, Hansen, Kiskaddon, McMullen, Metcalf, Owen, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

                  February 11, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 10, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Currently, any vehicle forty years or older shall, upon application, be issued a special commemorative license plate in lieu of the regular license plate.  Though statute mandates only one plate be issued, the Department of Licensing will issue the commemorative plates in sets of two until the existing inventory is depleted.  Legislation is needed to clarify the placement of the license plate when only one is issued.

The motor vehicle equipment laws of this state require that every motor vehicle be equipped with fenders, covers, flaps, or splash aprons adequate for minimizing the spray or splash of water or mud from the roadway to the rear of the vehicle.

SUMMARY:

Only one license plate for antique vehicles licensed under RCW 46.16.310 is required.  Current law is clarified, requiring the placement of the single license plate on the rear of the vehicle.

An exemption to the vehicle equipment laws is created.  Antique vehicles, forty years old and operated as collectors' items, are not required to have fenders when they are used and driven during fair weather on well-maintained, hard-surfaced roads.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: John Gilmore, Model T Ford Club of America (for); Ron Perkewicz, National Street Road Association (NSRA) (for); Brent Knott, NSRA (for)