46.16.023 - Ride-sharing vehicles -- Special plates -- Gross misdemeanor.

Ride-sharing vehicles — Special plates — Gross misdemeanor. (Effective until July 1, 2011.)

(1) Every owner or lessee of a vehicle seeking to apply for an excise tax exemption under RCW 82.08.0287, 82.12.0282, or 82.44.015 shall apply to the director for, and upon satisfactory showing of eligibility, receive in lieu of the regular motor vehicle license plates for that vehicle, special plates of a distinguishing separate numerical series or design, as the director shall prescribe. In addition to paying all other initial fees required by law, each applicant for the special license plates shall pay an additional license fee of twenty-five dollars upon the issuance of such plates. The special fee shall be deposited in the motor vehicle fund. Application for renewal of the license plates shall be as prescribed for the renewal of other vehicle licenses. No renewal is required for vehicles exempted under RCW 46.16.020.

     (2) Whenever the ownership of a vehicle receiving special plates under subsection (1) of this section is transferred or assigned, the plates shall be removed from the motor vehicle, and if another vehicle qualifying for special plates is acquired, the plates shall be transferred to that vehicle for a fee of ten dollars, and the director shall be immediately notified of the transfer of the plates. Otherwise the removed plates shall be immediately forwarded to the director to be canceled. Whenever the owner or lessee of a vehicle receiving special plates under subsection (1) of this section is for any reason relieved of the tax-exempt status, the special plates shall immediately be forwarded to the director along with an application for replacement plates and the required fee. Upon receipt the director shall issue the license plates that are otherwise provided by law.

     (3) Any person who knowingly makes any false statement of a material fact in the application for a special plate under subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

[2004 c 223 § 2; 1993 c 488 § 5; 1987 c 175 § 2.]

Notes: Finding -- Annual recertification rule -- Report -- 1993 c 488: See notes following RCW 82.08.0287.

Effective date -- 1987 c 175 § 2: "Section 2 of this act shall take effect on January 1, 1988." [1987 c 175 § 4.]