Licensing in Washingto State

[SeattleTurbo]

The nice folks at the Washington State HP, who perform the VIN inspection, tell me I need to have an airbag in a kit car. The sent me the checklist they use and airbags is the first item. Bumpers are also on the list but I was directed to Senate Bill 5585 which exempts cars like the roadster from bumpers. It however does not exempt it from airbags.

I know these cars are getting licensed in Washington State but before I buy this (or maybe a Roadster, still undecided) I need to know I can license it.

Can anyone send me the law that exempts a kit car from Federal motovehicle safety laws, as this should include the airbag exemption. I would also appreciate anything that exempts a kit car from airbags under Washington State law.

Thanks,
Mike

[sittinSideways]

Greetings fellow Seattelite, I too am interested in getting the 818. The stock WRX steering wheel has an airbag built into it, would that count? Or are more airbags needed (like in the passenger dash)?

And are there any other items of interest on the checklist?

[Evan78]

Hi Mike,

There's a dedicated 818 "Registration & Emissions" subforum (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/forumdisplay.php?89-Registration-amp-Emissions-818) for this topic.

If you haven't already, I suggest you start with SEMA's website that has state by state guidelines.
http://www.bipac.net/page.asp?content=tag_title_toolbox&g=SEMAGA

The airbag requirement sounds like a misinterpretation of Washington Senate Bill 5719, passed in 2009 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Passed%20Legislature/5719-S.PL.pdf). From what I am reading, it is the bill that created the ability to register kit cars in Washington.

Section 3(1)(b) reads:


(b) "Major component part" includes at least each of the following
vehicle parts: (i) Engines and short blocks; (ii) frame; (iii)
transmission or transfer case; (iv) cab; (v) door; (vi) front or rear
differential; (vii) front or rear clip; (viii) quarter panel; (ix)
truck bed or box; (x) seat; (xi) hood; (xii) bumper; (xiii) fender; and
(xiv) airbag.

This appears to be simply defining what minimum items constitute "major component parts" that require bills of sale or invoices as described in Section 1(5)(c). If this is the basis for requiring an airbag, ask them if everyone has to have a truck bed or box as well.

Section 3(2) starts with "A kit vehicle must, prior to inspection, contain the following components:" and goes on to a list of bunch of items, none of which are airbags. You might want to ask them why they think there is an airbag requirement.

I don't find anything on airbag exemptions, probably because no requirement for them exists in the first place.

As a disclaimer, I knew nothing about kit car registration in Washington until 10 minutes ago, so take my analysis with a grain of salt.