Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Environment Committee |
HB 2359
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: Exempting collectible vehicles from emission test requirements.
Sponsors: Representatives Kochmar, Fagan, Vick, Hurst, Kirby, Morrell, Orwall, Dahlquist, Tarleton and Freeman.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/31/14
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7291) and Jacob Lipson (786-7196).
Background:
The Department of Ecology (DOE) designates a region as a non-compliant area if the region exceeds, or will probably exceed, emission and ambient air quality standards in a period of less than one year, and the DOE determines the primary source of air contaminants to be motor vehicle emissions. Non-compliant areas include Seattle, Bellevue, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Everett. These non-compliant areas are then used to determine geographical boundaries in which to require vehicle emission testing in. These regions are called emission contributing areas and include multiple zip codes from the Puget Sound, Vancouver, and Spokane regions.
Emission Test Requirements
Vehicles five through 25 years old and registered in Washington at a zip code identified as an emission contributing area must pass vehicle emission standards set by the Department of Ecology (DOE) on a biennial basis.
The Department of Licensing is responsible for implementing and enforcing these emission standards by only issuing or renewing motor vehicle registrations which are accompanied by a valid certificate of compliance, valid certificate of acceptance, or is for an exempt vehicle. A certificate of compliance is issued when a vehicle passes emission testing requirements. A certificate of acceptance is issued when a vehicle fails a test and the owner has:
spent more than one hundred dollars on a 1980 or earlier model or spends more than one hundred fifty dollars on a 1981 or older model for repairs devoted to meeting emission standards by a certified emission specialist; and
in the case of a failed retest, if the vehicle has been in use for more than five years or fifty thousand miles, and if any component of the vehicle installed by the manufacturer for the purpose of reducing emissions is operative.
In 2011, street rod vehicles and custom vehicles were added to the list of motor vehicles exempted under the emission test requirements.
Collectible Vehicle Insurance
For a vehicle to be eligible for collectible vehicle or classic automobile insurance, the vehicle has to meet certain qualifications depending on the insurance company. Some of the typical requirements are as follows:
be driven on a limited basis with a mileage ceiling;
stored in a secure garage;
owner needs to provide proof of a second vehicle;
meet an age requirement, usually 15 or 25 years old or older; and
the vehicle has a stable market value and settled depreciation.
Summary of Bill:
Collectible vehicles are exempted from emission test requirements if the vehicle:
is of unique and rare design, of limited production, and an object of curiosity;
is maintained primarily for the use in car club activities, exhibitions, parades, or other activities of public interest or private collection, and is used only infrequently for other purposes; and
has collectible vehicle or classic automobile insurance coverage that restricts its mileage or use, or both, and requires the owner to have another vehicle for personal use.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.