SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5381

As of February 6, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the retention and issuance of motor vehicle license plates upon sale or transfer of a vehicle.

Brief Description:  Requiring the surrender of license plates.

Sponsors:  Senators Gardner, Horn, Haugen, Prentice and Eide.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/6/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jennifer Strus (786‑7484)

Background:  When a used car is sold privately, the seller must complete a seller=s report and deliver it to the Department of Licensing (DOL) within five days of the sale.  The buyer of the used car must apply for title to the car within 15 days of the sale.  If the buyer fails to apply for title within 15 days, there is a penalty; in addition, should that used car be ticketed or towed, the seller rather than the buyer is notified because DOL would not yet have a record that the buyer purchased the car.

Summary of Bill:  When a used car is sold privately, the seller must remove the license plates  from the vehicle and retain them before the buyer takes possession of the vehicle.  The buyer must apply for, and DOL must issue, a new set of license plates for the used vehicle.  DOL may charge a fee to issue new license plates.

Effective July 1, 2001, motor vehicle license plates are not transferable between motor vehicle owners.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  July 1, 2001.