Washington § 46.09.495 - Failure to title or register an off-road vehicle — Penalty, circumstances when.

(1) It is a gross misdemeanor, punishable as provided under chapter 9A.20 RCW, for a resident, as identified in RCW 46.16A.140, to:

(a) Knowingly fail to apply for a Washington state certificate of title for, or to knowingly fail to register, an off-road vehicle within fifteen days of receiving or refusing a notice issued by the department under RCW 46.93.210; or

(b) Register an off-road vehicle in another state to avoid retail sales and use taxes under chapters 82.08 and 82.12 RCW.

(2) For a second or subsequent offense, the person convicted is also subject to a fine equal to four times the amount of avoided taxes and fees, which may not be suspended, except as provided in RCW 10.05.180.

(3) Excise taxes owed and fines assessed must be deposited in the manner provided under RCW 46.16A.030(6).

Effective date—2021 c 216: See note following RCW 46.09.420.

Finding—Intent—2017 c 218: "The legislature finds that many residents of Washington enjoy recreational opportunities for off-road vehicle and snowmobile use afforded by the natural beauty of the state and do so in compliance with vehicle titling and registration laws and other laws that govern off-road vehicle and snowmobile use. At the same time, the legislature recognizes that the current law and corresponding enforcement regime may not be robust enough to ensure full compliance with legal registration requirements and a level playing field for all users. It is therefore the intent of the legislature to modify the statutory framework governing penalties for off-road vehicle and snowmobile registration violations and to add requirements to the department of licensing in order to improve registration compliance." [ 2017 c 218 s 1.]

Effective date—2017 c 218: "This act takes effect August 1, 2017." [ 2017 c 218 s 6.]