(1) How is a model year assigned to a vehicle? The model year for a vehicle is the model year assigned by the manufacturer. If an original manufacturer has not assigned a model year, or your vehicle is rebuilt, homemade, a street rod, or assembled vehicle, the following criteria will be used to establish the model year:

(a) When possible, the model year will be determined from the vehicle identification number (VIN). When the VIN does not identify the production date, corresponding production records of the original manufacturer must be used.

(b) The model year for a homemade vehicle will be the year of inspection for the purpose of making an application for certificate of ownership.

(c) The model year for assembled vehicles will be determined at the time of inspection based on the date of manufacture of the vehicle that the newly assembled vehicle most closely resembles.

(2) Are there standards for assigning model years that manufacturers must follow? Manufacturers must adopt standards for assigning model years based on the date of manufacture as outlined in 46 C.F.R. Manufacturers must designate the model year on the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO), manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO) or similar documents.

(3) How are model years assigned to vehicles that are incomplete? Manufacturers of chassis or incomplete vehicles sold to manufacturers who issue separate MCOs/MSOs need not assign model year to the chassis or incomplete vehicle. The final stage manufacturer of these vehicles must assign the model year as provided in subsection (2) of this section. In the event a model year is assigned by both the incomplete vehicle manufacturer and the completing manufacturer, the completing manufacturer assigned model year will be used on the certificates of ownership and registration.

(4) For purposes of this section the following terms will have the meanings indicated:

(a) "Manufacture" means to produce or assemble vehicles or vehicle equipment in the customs territory of the United States or to import.

(b) "Manufacturer" means:

(i) A person engaged in the business of manufacturing vehicle or vehicle equipment, including predecessor or successor of the person to the extent provided under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation in 49 C.F.R.; and

(ii) If more than one person is the manufacturer of a vehicle, the person specified under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation in 49 C.F.R.

(i) Frame and chassis structure;

(ii) Power train;

(iii) Steering system;

(iv) Suspension system; and

(v) Braking system.

To the extent that those systems are to be part of the completed vehicle that requires further manufacturing operation; other than the additions of readily attachable components, such as mirrors or tire and rim assemblies, or minor finishing operations such as painting, to become a completed vehicle.

(d) "Model" means a name that a manufacturer applies to a family of vehicles of the same type, make, line, series, and body type.

(e) "Assembled and homemade vehicles" have the meaning provided in WAC 308-56A-455.

PDFWAC 308-56A-160

Model year—How determined.