Brief Description: Prescribing license fees for small trailers.

Sponsors: Representatives Rockefeller, Nixon, Haigh, Morris, Jarrett, Campbell and McDermott.

Hearing Date: 2/10/03

Staff: Melissa Beard (786-7347).

Background:

Prior to 2002, trailers under 2,000 pounds were exempted from paying vehicle registration fees. They paid $4.50 for an original registration and $3.25 for a renewal registration.

In the 2002 session, the legislature repealed the statute that exempted small trailers from paying vehicle registration fees. Because of this, small trailers became subject to the $30 registration fee and, in certain counties, became subject to the local licensing fees.

Summary of Bill:

This bill will exempt small trailers under 1,500 pounds from paying the $30 vehicle registration fee and local licensing fees. It will require owners to pay a registration fee based on the weight of the trailer. The fee schedule is as follows:

Under 200 pounds      no fee

200-499 pounds          $5.00

500-999 pounds          $10.00

1000-1499 pounds      $20.00

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on September 1, 2003.