April 27, 2011
SHB 1136 is Has yet to be scheduled for signing.
On signing day show your support and participate in the event. Class A’s and B uniforms please.
With SHB 1136 scheduled for the Governor’s signature, the WSFFA now will focus on particulars of the plate, design, WAC’s and WSFFA obligations.
FAQ’s
Q: What will the volunteer firefighter special license plate look like?
A: The design still needs to be approved by the Department of Licensing.
Q: Will I be able to comment on the plate design?
A: The plate design will be approved by the WSFFA Board. There will, however, be opportunities to provide your comments if time allows.
Q: When can I purchase a special volunteer firefighter license plate?
A: In accordance with the Bill, the plate will be available after January 1, 2012.
Q: What will the special volunteer firefighter license plate cost me?
A: The cost of the plate has been set at $40 initially, and then $30 over the renewal cost of applicable motor vehicle fees and assessments.
Q: What does my $40/$30 go for?
A: 1. Repay the Department of Licensing the $31,000 cost of producing the volunteer firefighters special license plates.
A: 2. Revenue shall be directed to the WSFFA Benevolent Fund.
Q: What is the WSFFA Benevolent Fund?
A: The Benevolent Fund disseminates funds on behalf of members of the Washington state fire fighters’ Association, their families, and others deemed in need.
Q: Who qualifies for the license plates?
A: Volunteer Firefighters (Additional clarification will forthcoming).
A: Applicants for initial volunteer firefighter special license plates must have been a volunteer firefighter for at least ten years or currently be a volunteer firefighter for one or more years and have documentation of service from the district of the appropriate fire service.
Q: What must I do to get license plates for my vehicle?
A: You will need to present an approved application form with applicable payment to a vehicle vessel licensing agent.
Q: What’s an approved application form?
A: You will be able to get a form online to complete. Your Fire Chief will be the approving fire department authority.
Q: Can I get a plate for both of my registered vehicles?
A: Yes. A qualifying volunteer firefighter may have no more than one set of license plates per vehicle, and a maximum of two sets per applicant, for their personal vehicles.
Q: Are volunteer firefighter license plates available for motorcycles?
A: Yes.
Q: Will I be able to personalize my volunteer firefighters special license plate?
A: Yes. You will need to fill out additional Department of Licensing forms. Personalized plate fees would apply.
Q: If I leave the volunteer fire service can I keep the license plates?
A: If the volunteer firefighter leaves firefighting service before ten years of service have been completed, the volunteer firefighter shall surrender the license plates to the Department of Licensing on the registration renewal date.
Q: What if I leave the volunteer fire service after serving more than ten years?
A: If the volunteer firefighter stays in service for at least ten years and then leaves, the license plate may be retained by the former volunteer firefighter and as long as the license plate is retained for use the person will continue to pay the future registration renewals.
Q: Can a retired volunteer get a volunteer firefighters special license plate?
A: If the volunteer firefighter stays in service for at least ten years and then leaves, the license plate may be retained by the former volunteer firefighter and as long as the license plate is retained for use the person will continue to pay the future registration renewals.
(We are certain that many more questions remain. Continue to check back for new additions)
For additional information: Contact the WSFFA office at 1-800-340-8023 or (360) 754-3312 or email T.J. Nedrow, Leg. Chairman, tjn@wsffa.org