Washington State Reintroduces Bill to Allow Military Vehicle Titling

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• H.B. 1439 authorizes the use of military surplus vehicles on public highways while not to be used for general daily transportation. Such a vehicle is defined as not operated using continuous tracks, was originally manufactured and sold directly to the armed forces of the United States and is no longer owned by the United States armed forces.
   
• H.B. 1439 amends the definition of “collector vehicle” to include a military surplus vehicle.
   
• H.B. 1439 recognizes the important historical and patriotic purpose of these vehicles.
   
• H.B. 1439 acknowledges the fact that government surplus (former military) vehicles are becoming valued collectors’ items among the automotive community.
   
• H.B. 1439 would bring the state in line with others that are moving to allow former military vehicles similar accommodations as those available to civilian vehicles.
   

Overview: Washington state introduced SAN-supported legislation (H.B. 1439) to allow for the registration of former military surplus vehicles. “Military surplus vehicles” is defined as a vehicle that is not operated using continuous tracks, was originally manufactured and sold directly to the armed forces of the United States and is no longer owned by the United States armed forces. Under current law, former military vehicles are not able to be titled in the state. 

The bill specifies that when applying for a certificate of title, the vehicle owner must certify that the military surplus vehicle: will be maintained for occasional transportation, exhibitions, veterans' events, club activities, parades, tours, and similar uses; will only be driven when covered by a motor vehicle liability insurance policy, will not be used for general daily transportation; and provide a certificate of safety inspection on a form created by the department. The bill currently awaits consideration in the House Transportation Committee.