Washington State Bill to Restrict Eligibility for Hobby Vehicle Registration Unfavorably Amended; Advances

You may use the following points in your message:
 

• S.B. 6156 unfairly raises the age of vehicles eligible to be registered as collector vehicles from at least 30 years old to at least 40 years old beginning July 1, 2026. 
   
• S.B. 6156 unreasonably increases the initial registration fee for collector vehicles from $35 to $100. 
   
• S.B. 6156 substantially raises the age of vehicles eligible for horseless carriage license plates to vehicles manufactured prior to 1916, removing the current rolling age requirement of 40 years old or older for these plates. 
   
• S.B. 6156 arbitrarily limits the display of DMV-approved year of manufacture (YOM) plates on collector vehicles to 1988 and earlier model years, removing the current rolling age requirement of 30 years old or older for these plates.
   
• S.B. 6156 makes it more difficult to register legitimate collector vehicles and horseless carriages, which are already limited to club activities, exhibitions, auto shows and occasional pleasure driving.
   

Overview: SAN-opposed legislation (S.B. 6156) has been introduced in Washington to significantly restrict eligibility of collector vehicles and horseless carriages. Currently, a collector vehicle must be at least 30 years old, while a horseless carriage must be at least 40 years old. If passed, collector vehicles would be required to be at least 40 years old, while horseless carriages would be defined as being manufactured prior to 1916. The bill would also restrict the issuance of year of manufacture (YOM) plates and considerably increase registration fees. While the SAN does not support this legislation, pro-hobby language from a 2018 bill allowing for personalized plates is now included in the most recent amendments. The bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee and awaits consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.