SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1963
As of February 19, 2024
Title: An act relating to prohibiting license plate covers.
Brief Description: Prohibiting license plate covers.
Sponsors: Representatives Ramos, Fitzgibbon, Ryu, Berry, Duerr, Reed, Callan, Donaghy and Hackney.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/8/24, 59-38.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/20/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires that license plates must be uncovered.
  • Requires that, until January 1, 2025, the penalty for a violation of using a license plate cover is a written warning.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Brandon Popovac (786-7465)
Background:

Vehicles required to be registered with the Department of Licensing (DOL) must display license plates or decals assigned by DOL. License plates must be:

  • attached conspicuously at the front and rear of each vehicle if two license plates have been issued, or at the rear of the vehicle if one license plate has been issued;
  • kept clean and be able to be plainly seen and read at all times; and
  • attached in a horizontal position at a distance of not more than four feet from the ground. 


The Washington State Patrol may grant exceptions to license plate display requirements if the body construction of the vehicle makes compliance impossible.
 
It is an unlawful to use a license plate holder, frame, or other material that changes, alters, or makes a license plate or plates illegible, with a base penalty of $93 for such unlawful use.
Summary of Bill:

License plates must be kept uncovered to be plainly seen and read at all times. It is unlawful to use any material that conceals, obstructs, or distorts the legibility of the license plate.
 
Until January 1, 2025, the penalty for using a license plate cover is only a written warning, which must include information about the new license plate display requirements and the applicable penalty.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.