SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5462
As Passed Senate, February 19, 2025
Title: An act relating to addressing the current backlog of vehicle inspections.
Brief Description: Addressing the current backlog of vehicle inspections.
Sponsors: Senators Braun, Chapman and Wilson, J..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/03/25, 2/06/25 [DP].
Floor Activity: Passed Senate: 2/19/25, 48-0.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Exempts all-terrain vehicles, wheeled all-terrain vehicles, and utility-type vehicles from most VIN inspection requirements.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Liias, Chair; Lovick, Vice Chair; Ramos, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Goehner, Assistant Ranking Member; Alvarado, Chapman, Christian, Cortes, Fortunato, Harris, Holy, Krishnadasan, Lovelett, MacEwen, Nobles, Shewmake, Valdez 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:

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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO:  This is the third year we have attempted to get this bill passed.  The State Patrol has made progress on reducing their VIN backlog for which they should be proud.  While this bill will have a relatively small impact on the workload and revenue, it will allow the State Patrol to concentrate on the types of vehicles that should actually be focused on.  Snowmobiles are currently exempt from the VIN inspections, so this bill  exempts similar types of off-road vehicles from the VIN requirements.  These types of off-road vehicles have a relatively low probability of being stolen vehicles or other types of problems.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator John Braun, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.