License Plate-Flipping Devices

[Xack]

Originally Posted by BruceSnyder

I thought I'd post this new bill Governor Inslee signed into law because I know a few of us have use license plate-flipping devices.

Bruce

ESHB 1944 Addressing vehicle license plate and registration fraud:
The bill makes it unlawful for a person to display a license plate that does not match or correspond with the registration of the vehicle unless the vehicle is inventory for a vehicle dealer; and to have an installed license plate-flipping device on a vehicle, to use technology to flip a license plate, or to use technology to change the appearance of a license plate on a vehicle. It is also 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.
Effective Date: July 1, 2015

The first paragraph describes the intent of the law. It is to make illegal anything which alters the viewed license plate number. There is a significant difference between altering between 2 sides, numbers and removing the plate from blocking air to the induction of the cooling system or intake to cool the engine compartment. "Flipping" is to indicate that the opposite side yeilds another number. If this interpretation were the intent, a plate which hung on 2 wire ties tied to the bumper such that it blew back in the wind would be illegal.