SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5443

BYSenate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators von Reichbauer, Bender, Patterson, DeJarnatt, Conner and Hansen; by request of Legislative Transportation Committee)

Making various policy changes in vehicle laws.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1989; February 21, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5443 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, McMullen, Madsen, Sellar, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Louise Bray (786-7322); Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

                  April 12, 1989

House Committe on Transportation

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 14, 1989

BACKGROUND:

At the request of the Legislative Transportation Committee, the Department of Licensing reviewed its statutes relating to vehicles and drivers and recommended changes to statutes that are obsolete or unnecessary for the efficient and cost-effective operation of the department.

SUMMARY:

Changes are made to the Department of Licensing statutes dealing with mobile homes, vehicle dealers, driver license examinations, motorcycle instruction permits, motor vehicle wreckers, and driver schools.

New sections are added dealing with vehicle dealer consignment contracts, and defining new types of vehicles.

The definition of "mobile home" is expanded and new definitions for "park trailer" and "travel trailer" are added.  Changes are made concerning the required signatories to transfer title to a mobile home.

Temporary permits for vehicle dealers are limited to six permits per year.  Consignors and listing sellers may proceed against a vehicle dealer bond; wholesale dealers are required to be bonded; the definitions of wholesale dealer and retail dealer are clarified; and vehicle dealers must disclose that a vehicle has been rebuilt from a total loss, if the dealer knew that fact.  Listing sellers, consignees and motor vehicle dealer consignors cannot go against motor vehicle dealers surety bonds.

The requirement drivers notify the department of address changes on a form provided by the department is modified.

The department is authorized to waive the driving portion of the driver license examination for new residents with a valid out of state license.  Persons who supervise motorcycle operators operating with an instruction permit must have five years of riding experience.

Driving school instructors must requalify every five years.  The "place of business" for a driving school is clarified.

Motor vehicle wreckers may lose their license if convicted of crime related to the business of a motor vehicle wrecker within the last ten years or if a judgment has been entered against the licensee within the last five years.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Sandra Brooks, Heather Hamilton, Department of Licensing; Ray Harley, WA, ADA; Maggie Ross, Pierce County; Jim Boldt, Auto Dealers; Tom Harris, prof. school drivers

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

Language authorizing the Department of Licensing (DOL) to waive the driving portion of the driver's license examination for new residents with a valid out-of-state license is stricken.  Language is added authorizing DOL to issue criminal citations to enforce the "curbstoner" program.

A committee is created to study the driver's license issuance system.

Language is added authorizing DOL to sell lists of motor vehicle registrations to businesses for commercial purposes.

Portions of RCW 46.12.020 requiring possession of a valid driver's license in order to register a motor vehicle are stricken.