SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5050

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As of January 19, 2001

Title:  An act relating to motor vehicle transfer of ownership.

Brief Description:  Requiring prompt removal of names from vehicle titles after transfer.

Sponsors:  Senator Fairley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/22/01.

______________________________________________________________________________SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Dean Carlson (786‑7305)

Background:  It has come to the attention of the Legislature that persons who have sold vehicles are contacted about the misuse of the vehicle after the sale has taken place.  This contact can come from towing companies, local parking enforcement jurisdictions, and other interested parties.

Under current law, upon selling a vehicle, the owner has five days to provide the Department of Licensing (DOL) with a seller's report of sale, which provides information regarding the sale including the name and address of the buyer and flags the vehicle on DOL's system as a vehicle that has been sold.  Upon doing so, the owner is released from any civil or criminal liability for the operation of the vehicle, however, the owner's name still remains on the title of the vehicle.  The buyer of the vehicle has 15 days to execute an application for a new certificate of ownership.  Once DOL receives the application, it issues a new title in the buyer's name and the original owner's name is removed.

Summary of Bill:  When a vehicle owner sells a vehicle and complies with the statutory requirements for transfer of ownership, DOL must immediately remove his/her name from the title and registration of the vehicle.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 15, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.