46.16A.425 - Farm vehicles based on gross weight -- Farm tabs -- Penalty.

Farm vehicles based on gross weight — Farm tabs — Penalty. (Effective July 1, 2011.)

(1) Motor trucks, truck tractors, and tractors owned and operated by farmers may receive a reduction in gross weight license fees as described in RCW 46.17.330 only if the vehicle is used exclusively to transport:

     (a) The farmer's own farm, orchard, dairy, or private sector cultured aquatic products as defined in RCW 15.85.020, from point of production to market or warehouse. Fish other than private sector cultured aquatic products or forestry products are not considered farm products;

     (b) Supplies used on the farmer's farm; or

     (c) Products owned by the farm as listed in (a) of this subsection for another farmer in the neighborhood on a seasonal or infrequent basis. This may only be for compensation other than money.

     (2) Farm vehicles that meet the requirements provided in subsection (1)(a) through (c) of this section may receive a reduction in gross weight license fees if the farm is exempt from property taxes under RCW 84.36.630. The reduction is the reduced gross weight license fee provided in RCW 46.17.330. To qualify for the additional gross weight license fee reduction, the farmer must submit copies of the forms as required under RCW 84.36.630.

     (3) An additional eight thousand pounds gross weight within the legal limits on farm vehicles may be used if the farmer is transporting the farmer's own farm machinery between the farmer's own farm or farms and for a distance of not more than thirty-five miles.

     (4) The application for a reduced gross weight license fee must be made by the farmer or the farmer's authorized representative to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director on a form furnished or approved by the department and must contain a statement that the vehicle will be used subject to the limitations of this section.

     (5) The department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall issue a unique series of license tabs for farm vehicles registered under this section. Farm tabs must be placed on all farm vehicles registered under this section to indicate that the vehicle is registered as a farm vehicle. The department may substitute a special license plate for farm vehicles.

     (6) It is a traffic infraction to operate a farm vehicle registered under this section on the public highways in violation of the limitations of this section.

[2010 c 161 § 423; 1989 c 156 § 3; 1986 c 18 § 10. Prior: 1985 c 457 § 16; 1985 c 380 § 18; 1979 ex.s. c 136 § 45; 1977 c 25 § 1; 1969 ex.s. c 169 § 1; 1961 c 12 § 46.16.090; prior: 1957 c 273 § 13; 1955 c 363 § 6; prior: 1953 c 227 § 1; 1951 c 269 § 12; 1950 ex.s. c 15 § 1, part; 1949 c 220 § 10, part; 1947 c 200 § 15, part; 1941 c 224 § 1, part; 1939 c 182 § 3, part; 1937 c 188 § 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 6312-17, part; 1931 c 140 § 1, part; 1921 c 96 § 15, part; 1919 c 46 § 1, part; 1917 c 155 § 10, part; 1915 c 142 § 15, part; RRS § 6326, part. Formerly RCW 46.16.090.]

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.

Application -- 1989 c 156: See note following RCW 46.16A.455.

Severability -- 1985 c 380: See RCW 46.87.900.

Effective date -- Severability -- 1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.

Unprocessed agricultural products, license for transport: RCW 20.01.120.