Washington Code 46.37.685 – License plate flipping device — Unlawful use, display, sale — Penalty
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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(1)(a) It is unlawful for a person to display a license plate on a vehicle that does not match or correspond with the registration of the vehicle unless the vehicle is inventory for a properly licensed vehicle dealer.
Attorney's Note
Under the Washington Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| gross misdemeanor | up to 364 days | up to $5,000 |
Terms Used In Washington Code 46.37.685
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
(b) It is unlawful for a person to have an installed license plate flipping device on a vehicle, use technology to flip a license plate on a vehicle, or use technology to change the appearance of a license plate on a vehicle.
(c) It is unlawful for a person or entity to sell a license plate flipping device or sell technology that will change the appearance of a license plate in the state of Washington.
(d) For purposes of this section, “license plate flipping device” means a device that enables a license plate on a vehicle to be changed to another license plate either manually or electronically. “License plate flipping device” includes technology that is capable of changing the appearance of a license plate to appear as a different license plate.
(2) A person who switches or flips license plates on a vehicle physically, utilizes technology to flip or change the appearance of a license plate on a vehicle, sells a license plate flipping device or technology that will change the appearance of a license plate, or falsifies a vehicle registration in violation of this section, in addition to any traffic infraction, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable by confinement of up to three hundred sixty-four days in the county jail and a fine of one thousand dollars for the first offense, two thousand five hundred dollars for a second offense, and five thousand dollars for any subsequent offense, which may not be suspended, deferred, or reduced.
(3) A vehicle that is found with an installed license plate flipping device or technology to change the appearance of a license plate may be impounded by a law enforcement officer as evidence.
(4) Citizens are encouraged to notify law enforcement immediately if they observe a vehicle with a license plate flipping device.
[ 2013 c 135 § 1.]