BILL REQ. #:  H-3618.1 

Read first time 01/29/14.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to requirements before issuance of an initial vehicle registration; and amending RCW 46.16A.050.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 46.16A.050 and 2010 c 161 s 405 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall not issue an initial ((or renewal)) registration certificate for a motor vehicle to a natural person under this chapter unless the natural person at time of application:
     (a) Presents an unexpired Washington state driver's license; or
     (b) Certifies that he or she is:
     (i) A Washington state resident who does not operate a motor vehicle on public roads; or
     (ii) Exempt from the requirement to obtain a Washington state driver's license under RCW 46.20.025.
     (2) The department must set up procedures to verify that all owners meet the requirements of this section.
     (3) A person falsifying residency is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of five hundred twenty-nine dollars.
     (4) The department may adopt rules necessary to implement this section, including rules under which a natural person applying for registration may be exempt from the requirements of this section if the person provides evidence satisfactory to the department that he or she has a valid and compelling reason for not being able to meet the requirements of this section.