(1) If the department determines at any time that an applicant for proportional registration of a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles is not entitled to a cab card for a vehicle or fleet of vehicles, the department may refuse to issue the cab card(s) or to license the vehicle or fleet of vehicles and may for like reason, after notice, and in the exercise of discretion, cancel the cab card(s) and license plate(s) already issued. The department shall send the notice of cancellation by first-class mail, addressed to the owner of the vehicle in question at the owner's address as it appears in the proportional registration records of the department, and record the transmittal on an affidavit of first-class mail. It is then unlawful for any person to remove, drive, or operate the vehicle(s) until a proper certificate(s) of registration or cab card(s) has been issued.

     (2) Any person removing, driving, or operating the vehicle(s) after the refusal of the department to issue a cab card(s), certificate(s) of registration, license plate(s), or the revocation or cancellation of the cab card(s), certificate(s) of registration, or license plate(s) is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

     (3) At the discretion of the department, a vehicle that has been moved, driven, or operated in violation of this section may be impounded by the Washington state patrol, county sheriff, or city police in a manner directed for such cases by the chief of the Washington state patrol until proper registration and license plate have been issued.

[2003 c 53 § 256; 1997 c 183 § 6; 1987 c 244 § 42.]

NOTES:

     Intent -- Effective date -- 2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

     Effective dates -- 1987 c 244: See note following RCW 46.12.020.