I have read some of the boards and have come across the Nov. tabs thread, but what about tabs due in Dec.? When we bought our '93 truck (used), its tabs were still good till December. I'm not sure of the due date on them but if they are due on the 31st, will I be able to get my tabs for $30.00 (plus tonnage)? I can understand waiting for next year on my car for the $30.00 fee (tabs due August)but not really on the truck. Care to comment?

-- Tracie McKinnon (thewagmacs@aol.com), October 08, 1999

Answers

I believe all tabs due in any month are good through the end of the month, so December tabs are due by 12/31. (Don't ever go to a license agency near the last business day of the month)

If it passes, I-695 indicates it is effective 1/1/2000; which is the first day of the next registration period. I think you would have a good case for getting the $30 rate, if the initiative is not tied up in court by then.

You could also argue that the state constitution requires that an initiative become effective 30 days after the election. Actually, I think that is 30 days after the election results are finally certified. In either case, that will happen early in November so the effective date could be about 12/5/1999 by that method.

The biggest problem with these speculations, is that case filings are probably already drafted for submission as soon as the results are known. They will include motions for injunctive relief to delay implementation of the initiative until the court can rule on the constitutional challenges. What they do about MVET until they get a decision is just a guess. Whatever they do, they take the chance the court will rule the other way, and someone owes money to someone. I am sure you would prefer to owe the state, if it comes to that; and that may actually be the easiest process to manage.

How about this: While the initiative is being disputed, vehicle owners pay the $30 rate and get a conditional (yellow?) year tab. If the court rules it is unconstitutional, the state starts to issue unconditional (green?) tabs and charge the MVET for them. Those that were issued the conditional tab could be billed for the difference to get the unconditional tab, and be given a month or so to pay it. If the court rules in favor of the initiative, the condition is removed and the yellow tabs can be issued all year.

-- dbvz (dbvz@wa.freei.net), October 09, 1999.

d

Just info, vehicle tabs can expire on any day during the month. Technically there is no grace period, as it is an infraction to drive after it has expired. However most of the time people are given until the end of the month though as stated this is not by law.

The tabs for my truck expire on April 1st (no joke), but I usually renew when I get a refund from the IRS so I have the money for the tabs. Don't want one of my former buddies writing me up.

Also d loved your idea on the different colored tabs. But I think this would be better. How about if I-695 wins and all the people that paid $30 for their tabs get a letter on the state if it fails in court, to tell the state to stuff it were not paying anymore. We passed an initiative and you as our elected officials have to live by it. Just a pleasant little thought

Ed - saying a prayer for the family of Jim Saunders WSP, who was shot to death on 10/7/99 in Pasco, WA. While making a routine (?) traffic stop. Another thinning of the already Thin Blue Line. Go in peace brother.

-- Ed (ed_brigdes@yahoo.com), October 09, 1999.

Ed:

Thanks for the correction. Those long lines must be simply to get them in time to avoid being stopped for the not having the right year tab. I presume that a stop for some other infraction, after the expiration of the registration but before the end of the month, would result in a second citation. Something like a $400 fine, I think, for driving with an expired registration. More than the MVET for most people, so better get this right.

PS: I don't think your idea of a letter would stand up in court. The judge might not like it if you blow off a court decision as irrelevant.

-- dbvz (dbvz@wa.freei.net), October 09, 1999.

From a P-I article...

A chance to save money delays car registrations, slows sales

"Driving with an expired registration can bring a $71 fine within two months of the expiration date, and $157 after two months, according to the Washington State Patrol."

You can park your car and wait with no penalty.

-- Webmaster (Webmaster1@lifetel.com), October 09, 1999.

d

your probably right about the letter. So maybe I'll just challenge the state in court if they win in court. Haven't had a good court battle in a few years. Last time I did, it set statewide precedence on search and seizure laws.(State -v-Garcia)

Ed - back to boning up constitutional law

-- Ed (ed_brigdes@yahoo.com), October 10, 1999.

Webmaster

Haven't studied the Uniformed Model Traffic book for awhile but if you drive the vehicle and don't license it after a certain period or never license it then it would be a criminal charge (?).

The only flaw in parking your car and waiting that I see is if it is your only car. Of course you can take Transit. Of course for me to take it I would need to walk about 2 miles to the bench.

Also d, I do like riding Portland's Transit when I'm down there. Never gotten lost and the buses were mostly full. Of course it is Portland.

Ed - dam now I also have to break out the RCW's, the UMTC and that new Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords

-- Ed (ed_brigdes@yahoo.com), October 10, 1999.