SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6195
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Transportation, February 5, 2024
Title: An act relating to addressing the current backlog of vehicle inspections.
Brief Description: Addressing the current backlog of vehicle inspections.
Sponsors: Senators Braun and Schoesler.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/25/24, 2/05/24 [DPS].
Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill
  • Exempts all-terrain vehicles, wheeled all-terrain vehicles, and utility-type vehicles from most vehicle identification number inspection requirements.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6195 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Liias, Chair; Lovick, Vice Chair; Shewmake, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Holy, Assistant Ranking Member; Cleveland, Fortunato, Hansen, Hawkins, Kauffman, Lovelett, MacEwen, Nobles, Padden, Valdez, Wilson, C. and Wilson, J..
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background:

The Washington State Patrol is required to complete a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection when a vehicle:

  • is declared a total loss or salvaged and not kept by the registered owner;
  • has been rebuilt after the certificate of title was returned to the state; or
  • has been presented to the state with documents that show the vehicle was a total loss or salvaged in another state and has not been reissued a valid registration certificate.

 

A VIN inspection is also required when certain kinds of vehicles are being titled in the state for the first time, including a kit vehicle, a homemade vehicle, a street rod, a custom vehicle, or a vehicle where there is question about the VIN documentation on the vehicle.

 

The VIN inspection is required by the Department of Licensing before the vehicle owner can receive a certificate of title.  The VIN inspection fee is $65 which is deposited into the State Patrol Highway Account.
Summary of Bill (First Substitute):

All-terrain vehicles, wheeled all-terrain vehicles, and utility-type vehicles that have been declared a total loss or salvaged are exempt from the VIN inspection requirements.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (First Substitute):
  • The effective date is changed from 90 days after adjournment to July 1, 2025.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill:

The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO:  This is straightforward bill that removes these lower priority vehicles from the VIN inspection requirements.  Last year, funding was provided for additional staff to address the VIN inspection backlog.  While relatively small, the removed inspections will provide some workload relief to the state patrol as they continue to address that VIN inspection backlog.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator John Braun, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.