2011 Washington Code
Title 46 Motor vehicles
46.16 Vehicle licenses.
46.16.233 Standard background -- Periodic replacement -- Retention of current plate number.

(1) Except for those license plates issued under *RCW 46.16.305(1) before January 1, 1987, under *RCW 46.16.305(3), and to commercial vehicles with a gross weight in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds, effective with vehicle registrations due or to become due on January 1, 2001, the appearance of the background of all vehicle license plates may vary in color and design but must be legible and clearly identifiable as a Washington state license plate, as designated by the department. Additionally, to ensure maximum legibility and reflectivity, the department shall periodically provide for the replacement of license plates, except for commercial vehicles with a gross weight in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds. Frequency of replacement shall be established in accordance with empirical studies documenting the longevity of the reflective materials used to make license plates.

     (2) Special license plate series approved by the special license plate review board created under **RCW 46.16.705 and enacted by the legislature prior to June 30, 2010, may display a symbol or artwork approved by the special license plate review board. Beginning July 1, 2010, special license plate series approved by the department and enacted into law by the legislature may display a symbol or artwork approved by the department.

     (3) By November 1, 2003, in providing for the periodic replacement of license plates, the department shall offer to vehicle owners the option of retaining their current license plate numbers. The department shall charge a retention fee of twenty dollars if this option is exercised. Revenue generated from the retention fee must be deposited into the multimodal transportation account.

[2010 1st sp.s. c 7 § 91. Prior: 2003 c 361 § 501; 2003 c 196 § 401; 2000 c 37 § 1; 1997 c 291 § 2.]

Notes:

     Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 46.16.305 was repealed by 2010 c 161 § 438, effective July 1, 2011.

     **(2) RCW 46.16.705 was amended and recodified by 2010 c 161 §§ 602 and 1226, effective July 1, 2011, respectively, and repealed by 2010 1st sp.s. c 7 § 90, effective June 30, 2010.

     Effective date -- 2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

     Findings--Part headings not law -- Severability -- 2003 c 361: See notes following RCW 82.36.025.

     Effective dates -- 2003 c 361: See note following RCW 82.08.020.

     Part headings not law -- 2003 c 196: See note following RCW 46.16.700.