Legislature clears bill to modernize temporary permits for new vehicles

March 4, 2008

OLYMPIA – The Senate passed legislation today that would develop a secure Internet-based system for producing temporary license plates for newly-purchased vehicles.  The House already approved the bill, so it now goes to the governor who will decide whether to sign it into law.

Rep. Deb Eddy, D-Kirkland, wrote the proposal to bring the pen-and-paper process into modern times.

“Anyone who has purchased a new vehicle has left the lot with a cardboard license taped to the back window,” Eddy said.  “We’re at a point where we can do better than cardboard and permanent markers.”

For Eddy, the biggest difference would be the ability for law enforcement to instantly have information on new vehicles with the temporary tags.

“The gap between buying a car and getting the permanent license plate is a gap in our public safety system,” Eddy said.  “Law enforcement deserves to have as much information as possible when they make a stop, and right now they don’t.”

According to Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA), there are over 350 new car dealers in the state and moving to an electronic system will ultimately increase security and substantially aid officials in the enforcement of the law.

“By moving to an electronic system, we think we can save some money, save some time for the customer and for dealers,” said WSADA’s Scott Hazelgrove of the bill’s benefits beyond public safety.

The legislation, House Bill 3029, requires the Department of Licensing to develop a secure system and by July 1, 2011 all temporary permits must be issued through the new system.