FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6560

                              C 238 L 90

BYSenate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Nelson, Madsen and Rasmussen; by request of Department of Licensing)

Strengthening odometer disclosure requirements.

Senate Committee on Transportation

House Committe on Transportation

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

State law requires that the odometer reading be written on the application for certificate of title at the time of sale.  The odometer reading is recorded and maintained on the Department of Licensing microfiche files for reference.  The odometer reading is not displayed upon the title certificate.

In late 1986 Congress enacted a federal odometer act, known as the "Truth in Mileage Act."  It mandates that the odometer reading be displayed upon the title of all vehicles.  Upon the transfer of ownership, the transferee must submit an odometer disclosure from the seller to the state for vehicle registration.  Additionally, the federal act requires the title to be present at the time of sale.

The federal civil penalty for odometer tampering violations is raised from $1,000 to $3,000 per violation, and the criminal penalties are raised from a maximum of one year to three years in jail.

SUMMARY:

Every application for title shall contain an odometer reading.  After April 30, 1990 all registration and titles issued by the department will reflect the odometer reading.

An odometer disclosure statement must be provided:  (1) by the owner when a vehicle is transferred; (2) to fleet vehicle purchasers at the beginning and end of a lease; (3) by a dealer on assignment of title when transferring or selling a vehicle.

A transferee of a vehicle must apply for title within 15 days of vehicle delivery.  A dealer must apply on behalf of a new owner, sending assignment of title to the department.  If the previous owner failed to record the mileage on the title, a dealer must attach an odometer disclosure statement attesting to the odometer reading as it appeared when the vehicle was obtained.

An increase of 25 cents per title application is provided for, to cover the costs of the new program.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   46    0

     House 96  0 (House amended)

     Senate   44    0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:May 1, 1990