Removes 'Excessive Penalties' For Late Registration With The State

A bill sponsored by WA state representative Tom Dent (R) to remove excessive penalties for past due aircraft registrations was signed into law Friday by WA Gov. Jay Inslee (D).

House Bill 2413 authorizes the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to levy a single $100 penalty on individuals whose aircraft registrations are 60 days or more past due.

"A potential $400 penalty on a $65 combined annual aircraft registration and excise tax fee is simply excessive," said Dent, R-Moses Lake. "This small change to current law provides a fairer approach and will be helpful to many in the aviation community."

Currently, state law sets the following penalties for late registration:

• 60 to 119 days past due, $100 penalty;
• 120 days to 180 days past due, $200 penalty; and
• 180 or more days past due, $400 penalty

In addition to changing the penalty structure, Dent's bill also redirects penalty revenue from the general fund to the aeronautics account.

House Bill 2413 passed the House 98-0 and Senate 45-1 before being signed into law by the governor. It will go into effect later this year.

(Image provided with Rep. Tom Dent news release)

FMI: HB 2413