RCW 46.18.220
1,208 words·~5 min read·
/wa/title-46/chapter-46-18/46-18-220·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
(1)A registered owner may apply to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director for a collector vehicle license plate for a motor vehicle or travel trailer that is at least 30 years old. The motor vehicle must be operated primarily as a collector vehicle and be in good running order. The applicant for the collector vehicle license plate shall:
(a)Purchase a registration for the motor vehicle or travel trailer as required under chapters 46.16A and 46.17 RCW; and
(b)Pay the special license plate fee established under RCW 46.17.220 (5), in addition to any other fees or taxes required by law.
(2)A person applying for a collector vehicle license plate may:
(a)Receive a collector vehicle license plate assigned by the department; or
(b)Provide an actual Washington state issued license plate designated for general use in the year of the vehicle's manufacture.
(3)Collector vehicle license plates:
(a)Are valid for the life of the motor vehicle or travel trailer;
(b)Are not required to be renewed; and
(c)Must be displayed on the rear of the motor vehicle or travel trailer.
(4)A collector vehicle registered under this section may only be used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and occasional pleasure driving.
(5)Collector vehicle license plates under subsection (2)(b) of this section may be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle described in subsection
(1)of this section upon application to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director.
(6)Any person who knowingly provides a false or facsimile license plate under subsection (2)(b) of this section is subject to a traffic infraction and fine in an amount equal to the monetary penalty for a violation of RCW 46.16A.200 (7)(b). Additionally, the person must pay for the cost of a collector vehicle license plate as listed in RCW 46.17.220 (5), unless already paid.
(7)A collector vehicle that is a motor vehicle may tow a trailer if the trailer is being used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, and parades.
[ 2024 c 131 s 1 ; 2015 c 200 s 3 . Prior: 2011 c 243 s 1 ; 2011 c 171 s 70 ; 2010 c 161 s 617 .]
Notes:
Effective date — 2015 c 200: See note following RCW 46.16A.428 .
Effective date — 2011 c 243 s 1: "Section 1 of this act takes effect August 1, 2011." [ 2011 c 243 s 3 .]
Intent — Effective date — 2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210 .
Effective date — Intent — Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session — 2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013 .
RCW 46.18.220
Collector vehicle license plates. (Effective January 15, 2026.)
(1)A registered owner may apply to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director for a collector vehicle license plate for a motor vehicle or travel trailer that is at least 30 years old. The motor vehicle must be operated primarily as a collector vehicle and be in good running order. The applicant for the collector vehicle license plate shall:
(a)After January 15, 2026, provide proof of ownership and a valid registration certificate for a second vehicle that will be used for daily driving, commuting, or business purposes;
(b)After January 15, 2026, provide proof of a current vehicle liability insurance policy or collector vehicle insurance policy for the vehicle being registered, with liability limits of at least the amounts listed under RCW 46.29.090 ;
(c)Purchase a registration for the motor vehicle or travel trailer as required under chapters 46.16A and 46.17 RCW; and
(d)Pay the special license plate fee established under RCW 46.17.220 (5), in addition to any other fees or taxes required by law.
(2)A person applying for a collector vehicle license plate may:
(a)Receive a collector vehicle license plate assigned by the department; or
(b)Provide an actual Washington state issued license plate designated for general use in the year of the vehicle's manufacture.
(3)Collector vehicle license plates:
(a)Are valid for the life of the motor vehicle or travel trailer;
(b)Are not required to be renewed; and
(c)Must be displayed on the rear of the motor vehicle or travel trailer.
(4)A collector vehicle registered under this section may only be used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and occasional pleasure driving.
(5)Collector vehicle license plates under subsection (2)(b) of this section may be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle described in subsection
(1)of this section upon application to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director.
(6)A person driving a motor vehicle with a collector vehicle license plate must maintain collector vehicle insurance with respect to the vehicle and comply with all requirements of chapter 46.30 RCW.
(7)Any person who knowingly provides a false or facsimile license plate under subsection (2)(b) of this section is subject to a traffic infraction and fine in an amount equal to the monetary penalty for a violation of RCW 46.16A.200 (7)(b). Additionally, the person must pay for the cost of a collector vehicle license plate as listed in RCW 46.17.220 (5), unless already paid.
(8)A collector vehicle that is a motor vehicle may tow a trailer if the trailer is being used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, and parades.
(9)Any person who does not meet the requirements of subsections
(1)through
(8)of this section must surrender the current license plate or plates to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director. A person whose collector vehicle registration has been canceled may operate the vehicle once the applicable requirements of chapters 46.16A and 46.17 RCW have been satisfied.
(10)The department is authorized to make exceptions to the requirements under subsection (1)(a) of this section if the owner demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the owner has alternative means for addressing the owner's regular transportation needs.
(11)The requirements of subsections (1)(b) and
(6)of this section apply only when the collector vehicle is operated on a public highway pursuant to RCW 46.30.020 .
(12)The department shall adopt rules to define collector vehicle insurance for the purposes of this section.
[ 2025 c 332 s 4 ; 2024 c 131 s 1 ; 2015 c 200 s 3 . Prior: 2011 c 243 s 1 ; 2011 c 171 s 70 ; 2010 c 161 s 617 .]
Notes:
Effective date — 2025 c 332: See note following RCW 46.18.255 .
Effective date — 2015 c 200: See note following RCW 46.16A.428 .
Effective date — 2011 c 243 s 1: "Section 1 of this act takes effect August 1, 2011." [ 2011 c 243 s 3 .]
Intent — Effective date — 2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210 .
Effective date — Intent — Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session — 2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013 .