The bill addresses the issue of defective license plates issued by the Department of Licensing in Washington State. It establishes a new section in chapter 46.17 RCW that allows individuals to request a replacement for defective license plates without incurring fees if the request is made within 24 months of issuance. If the request is made between 24 and 60 months, the replacement may still be free of charge, but the Department has discretion to impose fees based on specific circumstances. The bill defines a defective license plate as one that is no longer functional due to issues such as illegibility or degradation.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 46.16A.200 to clarify that fees associated with the initial purchase of a license plate do not apply when a defective plate is replaced. It also outlines conditions under which the Department is not required to provide a replacement at reduced charges, such as if the plate has been tampered with or if the requester has already received a replacement within the last five years. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and emphasizes a fair approach to replacing defective license plates.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 46.17.200, 46.68.510
Substitute bill: 46.17.200, 46.68.510
Bill as passed Legislature: 46.16A.200