Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1951

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Providing an exception to the display of license plates at the front of a vehicle.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunter and Angel.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Creates an exception allowing a vehicle owner to obtain a single license plate and display it on the rear of a motor vehicle for an administration fee of $200.

Hearing Date: 2/27/13

Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).

Background:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) must furnish to all persons making satisfactory application for a vehicle registration, two identical license plates each containing the license plate number; or one license plate if the vehicle is a trailer, semitrailer, camper, moped, collector vehicle, horseless carriage, or motorcycle. For a two-license-plate vehicle, the plates are attached conspicuously at the front and rear of each vehicle and attached at the rear of the vehicle if the vehicle is a one-license-plate vehicle.

The Washington State Patrol may grant exceptions to the two-plate requirement if the body construction of the vehicle makes display compliance impossible.

Summary of Bill:

The bill creates an exception to a registered owner for obtaining a single license plate to be attached to the rear of the motor vehicle. The fee for the exception is $200 and must be deposited in the Motor Vehicle Fund.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.