46.12.655 - Release of owner from liability.

Release of owner from liability. (Effective July 1, 2011.)

(1) An owner is relieved of civil or criminal liability for the operation of a vehicle by another person when the owner has:

     (a) Made a bona fide sale or transfer of a vehicle;

     (b) Delivered possession of the vehicle to the person acquiring ownership;

     (c) Released interest in the vehicle and provided the certificate of title and registration certificate to the person acquiring ownership; and

     (d) Filed a report of sale that meets all the requirements in RCW 46.12.650(2).

     (2) A person acquiring a vehicle assumes civil or criminal liability for any traffic violation under this title, whether designated as a traffic infraction or classified as a criminal offense, that occurs after the date of sale or transfer of ownership based on the vehicle's identification including, but not limited to:

     (a) Parking infractions;

     (b) High occupancy toll lane violations; and

     (c) Violations recorded by automated traffic safety cameras.

     (3) A person shown as the buyer of a vehicle on an abandoned vehicle report submitted to the department by a registered tow truck operator assumes liability for the vehicle. Any previous owner is relieved of civil or criminal liability for the operation of the vehicle from the date of sale.

     (4) A person who had no knowledge of the filing of the report of sale is relieved of civil or criminal liability for the operation of the vehicle. Liability is then transferred to the seller shown on the report of sale.

[2010 c 161 § 310; 2006 c 291 § 3; 2005 c 331 § 1; 2002 c 279 § 2; 1984 c 39 § 2. Formerly RCW 46.12.102.]

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.