Washington State Patrol
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District 1· Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you do not find the answer you need, please check the State Patrol’s main FAQ page. If you still cannot find an answer, write to us at: Washington State Patrol Some questions may take ten business
days to answer. How do I schedule a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection?The Tacoma VIN lane is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., for inspections by appointment only. All lanes are closed on state holidays. To schedule an appointment or if you have questions about the VIN inspection process, please call (253) 536-4330 and ask to speak to a VIN inspection officer. For additional information, please see the VIN Inspection page. Required documents at time of inspection are:
Where and when can I take my vehicle for an emission test?Any questions on emission testing can be directed to the information/ complaint line, at 1-800- 453-4951. (TTY callers please use 1-800-833-6388 to contact the Washington State Relay Operator for assistance.) Staff is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Testing is done at the following locations:
Is there a fee for a vehicle emission test?Yes. There is a $15 fee, payable by cash, check, or credit card. Additional information is available on the Department
of Ecology's Web site: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/cars/automotive_pages.htm Can I stop by any State Patrol office in Pierce County to pick up found property or evidence without an appointment?No. Please call our Property and Evidence Custodians at (253) 536-4316 or (253) 536-4317 and be prepared to provide the date of the incident, the name of the arresting officer, and the evidence number. What is a "winter traction" tire?Tires that are labeled snow tire, all-season, all-weather, or studded
(must be labeled M&S on the sidewall) qualify so long as they
meet the standards set in WAC
204-24-040 Traction Devices. More information
is available at the WSP traction tire page. When are studded tires legal to use and can they substitute for chains?Studded tires are approved for use from November 1 to March 31. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) determines additional periods in which they can be used. Studded tires are not allowed on vehicles over 10,000 pounds. Studded tires are not a substitute for chains. For more information, see our Traction
Devices Web page. What is the phone number for road and weather pass conditions?For Washington state road and travel conditions, you can dial 5-1-1 or our the DOT toll-free number at 1-800-695-7623. You can also go to the DOT travel conditions web page at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic. What is the current seat belt law?An officer who observes an individual
driving a motor vehicle and not wearing their seat belt can stop
the individual and take enforcement. For more information on child
restraint and seat belt laws, see the Washington Seat Belt Laws on
the main WSP FAQs page. What changes were made to the child restraint law?Infants are to ride in rear-facing infant seats until they are 1 years old or weigh 20 pounds. Children 1 to 4 years old or weighing 40 pounds are to ride in forward-facing child car seats. Washington law requires a child who is less than 8 years of age or 4'9" tall (which ever comes first) be properly restrained in a child booster seat when both lap and shoulder belts are available. For more information on child restraint and seat belt laws, see
the Washington Seat Belt Laws on the main WSP
FAQs page. Where can I get a booster or child seat checked for proper installation?Free child car seat checks are held in the area you live. To find
a time and location for the next car seat check, call the Washington
Safety Restraint Coalition at 1-800-BUCK-L-UP. How can I find out if the equipment I want to add to my vehicle is legal?For a list of rules and regulations governing equipment and special motor vehicles, see our Passenger Vehicle Equipment page. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) may be accessed from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's Web page at www.nhtsa.com. You may also call the Washington State Patrol Equipment and Standards Section in Olympia at (360) 753-3697 or send your inquiries via e-mail to equipment@wsp.wa.gov. |
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