The bill addresses issues related to the production of license plates in Washington State by amending RCW 46.16A.305 and adding a new section to chapter 72.60 RCW. It allows the department, county auditors, or appointed agents to issue temporary license plates for vehicles awaiting permanent registration. The bill specifies that these temporary plates must be durable, consecutively numbered, and displayed similarly to permanent plates. Additionally, it mandates that the application for a temporary plate be accompanied by a required fee and allows the department to adopt rules regarding the design and display of these plates.

A significant addition to the law is the requirement for the department to adopt rules by December 1, 2025, to implement contingency extensions for temporary license plates in the event of a shortage of permanent plates. This includes a communication plan with law enforcement to inform them of the extensions. Furthermore, the new section mandates that the department of corrections and the department of licensing must communicate anticipated license plate shortages and develop a mitigation plan, which may involve contracting with third-party vendors for production until the shortage is resolved.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.16A.305
Substitute Bill: 46.16A.305