If an owner of proportionally registered vehicles for which an assessment has become final is delinquent in the payment of an obligation imposed under this chapter, the department may give notice of the amount of the delinquency by registered or certified mail to all persons having in their possession or under their control any credits or other personal property belonging to the vehicle owner or owing any debts to the owner, at the time of the receipt by them of the notice. Thereafter, a person so notified shall neither transfer nor make other disposition of those credits, personal property, or debts until the department consents to a transfer or other disposition. A person so notified shall, within twenty days after receipt of the notice, advise the department of any and all such credits, personal property, or debts in their possession, under their control or owing by them, as the case may be, and shall forthwith deliver such credits, personal property, or debts to the department or its duly authorized representative to be applied to the indebtedness involved.

     If a person fails to answer the notice within the time prescribed by this section, it is lawful for the court upon application of the department and after the time to answer the notice has expired, to render judgment by default against the person for the full amount claimed by the department in the notice to withhold and deliver, together with costs.

     Upon service, the notice and order to withhold and deliver constitutes a continuing lien on property of the taxpayer. The department shall include in the caption of the notice to withhold and deliver "continuing lien." The effective date of a notice to withhold and deliver served under this section is the date of service of the notice.

[1994 c 262 § 16; 1987 c 244 § 48.]

NOTES:

     Effective dates -- 1987 c 244: See note following RCW 46.87.010.