46.12.520 - Certificate required to operate and sell vehicle -- Manufacturer or dealer testing -- Security interest, how perfected.

Certificate required to operate and sell vehicle — Manufacturer or dealer testing — Security interest, how perfected. (Effective July 1, 2011.)

(1) A person shall not:

     (a) Operate a vehicle in this state with a registration certificate issued by the department without having a certificate of title for the vehicle that contains the name of the registered owner exactly as it appears on the registration certificate; or

     (b) Sell or transfer a vehicle without complying with the provisions of this chapter relating to certificates of title and vehicle registration.

     (2) A certificate of title does not need to be obtained for a vehicle owned by a manufacturer or dealer and held for sale, even though incidentally moved on the highway or used for purposes of testing and demonstration, or for a vehicle used by a manufacturer or dealer solely for testing. A security interest in a vehicle held as inventory by a manufacturer or dealer must be perfected as described in chapter 62A.9A RCW. An endorsement is not required on certificates of title held by a manufacturer or dealer to perfect the security interest. A certificate of title may be issued for any vehicle without the vehicle needing to be registered.

[2010 c 161 § 301; 1997 c 241 § 3; 1979 c 158 § 132; 1975 c 25 § 6; 1967 c 140 § 1; 1967 c 32 § 6; 1961 c 12 §46.12.010 . Prior: 1937 c 188 § 2; RRS § 6312-2. Formerly RCW 46.12.010.]

Notes: Effective date -- Intent -- Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session -- 2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

Effective date -- 1967 c 140: "This act shall become effective at midnight on June 30, 1967. It applies to transactions entered into and events occurring after that date." [1967 c 140 § 11.]