Section 308-96A-099. Use class descriptions.

(1) Why does the department assign use classes to vehicles?

The department assigns use classes to:

(a) Charge the proper license fees and taxes for vehicles;

(b) Assign special brands on subsequent owner's certificate of ownership;

(c) Apply certain restrictions on the use of the vehicles, which prints on the vehicle registrations;

(d) Assign the proper license plates, tabs or decals.

(2) Under what authority does the department assign use classes to vehicles?

The department assigns use classes under the authority of RCW 46.16.040.

(3) What use classes does the department assign and when do they apply?

The use classes the department assigns are described below:

(4) Do all powered three-wheeled vehicles need to be licensed as motorcycles?

Yes, a three-wheeled vehicle needs to be licensed as a motorcycle for street use as defined in RCW 46.04.330 or 46.04.332.

(5) What license plates and use class will be assigned to my for hire vehicle?

The license plates and use class assigned to your for hire vehicle depends upon how you use your vehicle. All for hire vehicles transport passengers and commodities for compensation. For hire vehicles include cabulances, limousines, taxi cabs, and buses hauling passengers for compensation in addition to transporting school children. There are two use classes and license plate combinations assigned to for hire vehicles:

(a) CAB use class vehicles are assigned passenger license plates. These vehicles are used exclusively for transporting passengers and their possessions; and

(b) F/H use class vehicles are assigned truck license plates. These vehicles not only transport passengers for compensation, but also transport commodities, without passengers, for compensation.

(6) When may truck license plates be assigned to my passenger vehicle?

Truck license plates may be assigned to your passenger vehicle whenever the vehicle is used to transport commodities, produce, freight or animals for commercial purposes. The use class would be COM instead of PAS. This would require a title application, a scale weight slip and a certified/notarized statement of use describing how the vehicle will be used commercially.

(7) What use classes and license plates will be assigned to school buses?

(a) EX use class and county exempt license plates will be assigned to a school bus owned or leased by an exempt agency (school district);

(b) SCH use class and passenger license plates will be assigned to a school bus owned or leased by an accredited private school;

(c) F/H use class and truck license plates will be assigned to school buses used for transporting passengers for compensation and not used exclusively for transporting school children to and from school or school related activities;

(d) (PAS) passenger; or

(e) (COM) commercial.

(8) May I license my motorcycle or any other motor vehicle for both road and off road use?

Yes, you may license your motorcycle or any other motor vehicle for both uses as long as the vehicle qualifies for road use. You will receive two registration certificates showing the vehicle is licensed for both uses. However, the certificate of ownership will show the use class associated with the road use.

(9) May I license my truck, truck tractor or tractor as a motor home?

Yes, you may license your truck, truck tractor or tractor as a motor home if:

(a) The vehicle has been permanently altered to meet the definition of a motor home in RCW 46.04.305; and

(b) You certify the vehicle qualifies as M/H and will be used exclusively as a motor home for personal use and not for commercial use.

(10) Is my truck, truck tractor or tractor which I use exclusively for towing my travel trailer licensed differently than any other like truck?

No. Your truck, truck tractor or tractor used exclusively for towing your travel trailer must be licensed in accordance with RCW 46.16.070. Depending on scale weight the use class will be TRK or COM.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 10-19-062, § 308-96A-099, filed 9/14/10, effective 10/15/10; WSR 07-22-091, § 308-96A-099, filed 11/6/07, effective 12/7/07; WSR 01-12-099, § 308-96A-099, filed 6/6/01, effective 7/7/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110. WSR 99-06-029, § 308-96A-099, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99.]

RCW 46.01.110. WSR 10-19-062, § 308-96A-099, filed 9/14/10, effective 10/15/10; WSR 07-22-091, § 308-96A-099, filed 11/6/07, effective 12/7/07; WSR 01-12-099, § 308-96A-099, filed 6/6/01, effective 7/7/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110. WSR 99-06-029, § 308-96A-099, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99.