46.70.090 - License plates -- Use.

License plates — Use.

(1) The department shall issue a vehicle dealer license plate which shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle only and which is capable of distinguishing the classification of the dealer, to vehicle dealers properly licensed pursuant to this chapter and shall, upon application, issue manufacturer's license plates to manufacturers properly licensed pursuant to this chapter.

     (2) The department shall issue to a vehicle dealer up to three vehicle dealer license plates. After the third dealer plate is issued, the department shall limit the number of dealer plates to six percent of the vehicles sold during the preceding license period. For an original license the vehicle dealer license applicant shall estimate the first year's sales or leases. The director or director's designee may waive these dealer plate issuance restrictions for a vehicle dealer if the waiver both serves the purposes of this chapter and is essential to the continuation of the business. The director shall adopt rules to implement this waiver.

     (3) Motor vehicle dealer license plates may be used:

     (a) To demonstrate motor vehicles held for sale or lease when operated by an individual holding a valid operator's license, if a dated demonstration permit, valid for no more than seventy-two hours, is carried in the vehicle at all times it is operated by any such individual.

     (b) On motor vehicles owned, held for sale or lease, and which are in fact available for sale or lease by the firm when operated by an officer of the corporation, partnership, or proprietorship or by their spouses, or by an employee of the firm, if a card so identifying any such individual is carried in the vehicle at all times it is operated by such individual. Any such vehicle so operated may be used to transport the dealer's own tools, parts, and equipment of a total weight not to exceed five hundred pounds.

     (c) On motor vehicles being tested for repair.

     (d) On motor vehicles being moved to or from a motor vehicle dealer's place of business for sale.

     (e) On motor vehicles being moved to or from motor vehicle service and repair facilities before sale or lease.

     (f) On motor vehicles being moved to or from motor vehicle exhibitions within the state of Washington, if any such exhibition does not exceed a period of twenty days.

     (4) Mobile home and travel trailer dealer license plates may be used:

     (a) On units hauled to or from the place of business of the manufacturer and the place of business of the dealer or to and from places of business of the dealer.

     (b) On mobile homes hauled to a customer's location for set-up after sale.

     (c) On travel trailers held for sale to demonstrate the towing capability of the vehicle if a dated demonstration permit, valid for not more than seventy-two hours, is carried with the vehicle at all times.

     (d) On mobile homes being hauled from a customer's location if the requirements of RCW 46.44.170 and 46.44.175 are met.

     (e) On any motor vehicle owned by the dealer which is used only to move vehicles legally bearing mobile home and travel trailer dealer license plates of the dealer so owning any such motor vehicle.

     (f) On vehicles being moved to or from vehicle exhibitions within the state of Washington, if any such exhibition does not exceed a period of twenty days.

     (5) Miscellaneous vehicle dealer license plates may be used:

     (a) To demonstrate any miscellaneous vehicle: PROVIDED, That:

     (i) No such vehicle may be demonstrated on a public highway unless the customer has an appropriate endorsement on his or her driver's license, if such endorsement is required to operate such vehicle; and

     (ii) A dated demonstration permit, valid for no more than seventy-two hours, is carried with the vehicle at all times it is operated by any such individual.

     (b) On vehicles owned, held for sale, and which are in fact available for sale, by the firm when operated by an officer of the corporation, partnership, or proprietorship or by a bona fide full-time employee of the firm, if a card so identifying such individual is carried in the vehicle at all times it is operated by him or her.

     (c) On vehicles being tested for repair.

     (d) On vehicles being transported to or from the place of business of the manufacturer and the place of business of the dealer or to and from places of business of the dealer.

     (e) On vehicles on which any other item sold or to be sold by the dealer is transported from the place of business of the manufacturer to the place of business of the dealer or to and from places of business of the dealer if such vehicle and such item are purchased or sold as one package.

     (6) Manufacturers properly licensed pursuant to this chapter may apply for and obtain manufacturer license plates and may be used:

     (a) On vehicles being moved to or from the place of business of a manufacturer to a vehicle dealer within this state who is properly licensed pursuant to this chapter.

     (b) To test vehicles for repair.

     (7) Vehicle dealer license plates and manufacturer license plates shall not be used for any purpose other than set forth in this section and specifically shall not be:

     (a) Used on any vehicle not within the class for which the vehicle dealer or manufacturer license plates are issued unless specifically provided for in this section.

     (b) Loaned to any person for any reason not specifically provided for in this section.

     (c) Used on any vehicles for the transportation of any person, produce, freight, or commodities unless specifically provided for in this section, except there shall be permitted the use of such vehicle dealer license plates on a vehicle transporting commodities in the course of a demonstration over a period not to exceed seventy-two consecutive hours from the commencement of such demonstration, if a representative of the dealer is present and accompanies such vehicle during the course of the demonstration.

     (d) Used on any vehicle sold to a resident of another state to transport such vehicle to that other state in lieu of a trip permit or in lieu of vehicle license plates obtained from that other state.

     (e) Used on any new vehicle unless the vehicle dealer has provided the department a current service agreement with the manufacturer or distributor of that vehicle as provided in RCW 46.70.041(1)(k).

     (8) In addition to or in lieu of any sanction imposed by the director pursuant to RCW 46.70.101 for unauthorized use of vehicle dealer license plates or manufacturer license plates, the director may order that any or all vehicle dealer license plates or manufacturer license plates issued pursuant to this chapter be confiscated for such period as the director deems appropriate.

[2001 c 272 § 5; 1994 c 262 § 10; 1992 c 222 § 2; 1991 c 140 § 1; 1983 c 3 § 123; 1981 c 152 § 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 13; 1971 ex.s. c 74 § 7; 1969 ex.s. c 63 § 3; 1961 c 12 § 46.70.090. Prior: 1955 c 283 § 1; 1951 c 150 § 10.]