Counties back bill to replace defective license plates at no charge

The Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 23 heard testimony supporting substitute House Bill 2114, a measure that would require the Department of Licensing to replace defective license plates at no charge within the first two years after issuance and permit discretionary fee waivers between the 24th month and the five‑year anniversary in certain cases.

Brian Moore, committee staff, said current law lacks a specific statutory requirement and that, under current practice, replacement sets generally cost $30 per plate (with a different lower amount for motorcycle plates). The Department of Licensing’s fiscal note estimated a small revenue loss — about $600 in the first biennium and roughly $1,200 in subsequent biennia — based on an assumption that about 10 plates per year would qualify.

Representative Andrew Engel, prime sponsor, told the committee the bill was prompted by constituent complaints and county auditor reports of widespread peeling paint and delamination in some areas, particularly Eastern Washington. "It feels like there should be some sort of a warranty on the license plates," Engel said, describing constituent frustration when faced with replacement costs.

Ponderay County Auditor Mary Ann Nichols and Douglas County Auditor Thad Duvall testified in support, describing daily customer contacts about delaminated or unreadable plates and urging the committee to approve the bill as a customer‑service improvement.

The committee concluded the public hearing; no vote was taken. Staff and county officials said they would work with the Department of Licensing on implementation details and standards for objectively defining defective plates.