(1) Except for those license plates issued under RCW 46.16.305(1) before January 1, 1987, under RCW 46.16.305(3), and to commercial vehicles with a gross weight in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds, effective with vehicle registrations due or to become due on January 1, 2001, the appearance of the background of all vehicle license plates may vary in color and design but must be legible and clearly identifiable as a Washington state license plate, as designated by the department. Additionally, to ensure maximum legibility and reflectivity, the department shall periodically provide for the replacement of license plates, except for commercial vehicles with a gross weight in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds. Frequency of replacement shall be established in accordance with empirical studies documenting the longevity of the reflective materials used to make license plates.

     (2) Special license plate series approved by the special license plate review board created under RCW 46.16.705 and enacted by the legislature may display a symbol or artwork approved by the special license plate review board.

     (3) By November 1, 2003, in providing for the periodic replacement of license plates, the department shall offer to vehicle owners the option of retaining their current license plate numbers. The department shall charge a retention fee of twenty dollars if this option is exercised. Revenue generated from the retention fee must be deposited into the multimodal transportation account.

[2003 c 361 § 501; 2003 c 196 § 401; 2000 c 37 § 1; 1997 c 291 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2003 c 196 § 401 and by 2003 c 361 § 501, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).

     Findings--Part headings not law -- Severability -- 2003 c 361: See notes following RCW 82.36.025.

     Effective dates -- 2003 c 361: See note following RCW 82.08.020.

     Part headings not law -- 2003 c 196: See note following RCW 46.16.700.