WDFW regulations Questions

[dicinu]

I want to say the dates are set by federal GOV as most major Corps are the same way I know the company I work for is year ends march 31st starts April 1st. the only reason I can think of as to why they do it this way is tax time and budget have to be presented by the new year and with all the holidays at the end of the year makes it all the more difficult to do. that is just my out look on dates set Military I want to say was the same way.

[Amx]

Sooooo, I'd rather have 2 cards in the glove compartment at the same time, then forget have have problems.

In my case, there would be a half dozen or so cards in the glove box. Not good IF I ever needed to produce one. Honest officer, one of these is current, just give me a couple minutes to find which one. [lol]

I've done that.

[Marc Martyn]

I was told by the DOL to never keep old registrations and insurance cards in the car, only the current. She said that car break-ins are often targeted towards those. They can take the old registration, scan and alter them to look legit. They can also use the information as to where you live. Knowing that you work at a certain place between the certain hours of the day gives them a lot of information. Especially if you are driving a Lexus, BMW or Mercedes.
Granted, one would not usually miss a stolen current document for a while unless it is in plain site. However, you would never notice a missing expired one.

[dicinu]

I was told by the DOL to never keep old registrations and insurance cards in the car, only the current. She said that car break-ins are often targeted towards those. They can take the old registration, scan and alter them to look legit. They can also use the information as to where you live. Knowing that you work at a certain place between the certain hours of the day gives them a lot of information. Especially if you are driving a Lexus, BMW or Mercedes.
Granted, one would not usually miss a stolen current document for a while unless it is in plain site. However, you would never notice a missing expired one.

Marc the Police actually would like you to keep them on your person but they will not say this as it is conflicting with the laws for this reason even a new reg and Insurance card can be used against you and in the Washington area it is a big thing at this time. Most of my customers do not even know it was stolen unless I point it out to them. as for old info. cards best to shred them to be rid of them for good. this is just another way for people to use your info for Id theft! anything with a name and address is not good to be left in the car. as for my I take my work car to fish so they can try to rob our building lol as for my info it is always in my wallet. I printed a copy of my personal cars info and carry it in my wallet when I drive that car.

[Dave]

Hi All,

I was asked to clarify the laws regarding vehicle registrations and insurance cards for everyone which I am happy to do.

WA State law under title 46 which is the State traffic code requires the registered owner of a motor vehicle to sign the registration and keep it in the vehicle at all times. Failure to sign a vehicle registration is a civil infraction which carries a $124.00 fine. I see unsigned registrations often and just remind the drivers to sign them but I do know a few officers out there who will cite for it so sign your registration. The fine is the same for not having a vehicle registration in the vehicle. Here is that law for your viewing pleasure:

RCW 46.16.260 License registration certificate -- Signature required -- Carried in vehicle -- Penalty -- Inspection -- Exception. (Effective until July 1, 2011. Recodified as RCW 46.16A.180.)

A certificate of license registration to be valid must have endorsed thereon the signature of the registered owner (if a firm or corporation, the signature of one of its officers or other duly authorized agent) and must be carried in the vehicle for which it is issued, at all times in the manner prescribed by the department. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or have in his or her possession a vehicle without carrying thereon such certificate of license registration. Any person in charge of such vehicle shall, upon demand of any of the local authorities or of any police officer or of any representative of the department, permit an inspection of such certificate of license registration. This section does not apply to a vehicle for which annual renewal of its license plates is not required and which is marked in accordance with the provisions of RCW 46.08.065.

As for liability insurance, a person operating a vehicle is required to carry valid proof of liability insurance and is required to show that valid card to law enforcement upon request. If you don't have a valid insurance card, the law states it is presumed that the driver is not insured. So, carry a valid insurance card at all times. The good news is if you don't have a valid insurance card and you receive the $550.00 civil infraction, you may go to court and IF you can show the court that you were insured at the time of the stop, the ticket will be dismissed. If you can't make it in to court, you can mail written proof to the court and get the same result but with no cost to you. NOTE: There is no mention that you have to carry your insurance card in your vehicle so the option is yours. Like the old American Express commercial use to say, "Don’t leave home without it." Good advice. Here is the law:


RCW 46.30.020 Liability insurance or other financial responsibility required -- Violations -- Exceptions. (Effective until July 1, 2011.)

(1)(a) No person may operate a motor vehicle subject to registration under chapter 46.16 RCW in this state unless the person is insured under a motor vehicle liability policy with liability limits of at least the amounts provided in RCW 46.29.090, is self-insured as provided in RCW 46.29.630, is covered by a certificate of deposit in conformance with RCW 46.29.550, or is covered by a liability bond of at least the amounts provided in RCW 46.29.090. Written proof of financial responsibility for motor vehicle operation must be provided on the request of a law enforcement officer in the format specified under RCW 46.30.030.

(b) A person who drives a motor vehicle that is required to be registered in another state that requires drivers and owners of vehicles in that state to maintain insurance or financial responsibility shall, when requested by a law enforcement officer, provide evidence of financial responsibility or insurance as is required by the laws of the state in which the vehicle is registered.

(c) When asked to do so by a law enforcement officer, failure to display an insurance identification card as specified under RCW 46.30.030 creates a presumption that the person does not have motor vehicle insurance.

(d) Failure to provide proof of motor vehicle insurance is a traffic infraction and is subject to penalties as set by the supreme court under RCW 46.63.110 or community restitution.

(2) If a person cited for a violation of subsection (1) of this section appears in person before the court or a violations bureau and provides written evidence that at the time the person was cited, he or she was in compliance with the financial responsibility requirements of subsection (1) of this section, the citation shall be dismissed and the court or violations bureau may assess court administrative costs of twenty-five dollars at the time of dismissal. In lieu of personal appearance, a person cited for a violation of subsection (1) of this section may, before the date scheduled for the person's appearance before the court or violations bureau, submit by mail to the court or violations bureau written evidence that at the time the person was cited, he or she was in compliance with the financial responsibility requirements of subsection (1) of this section, in which case the citation shall be dismissed without cost, except that the court or violations bureau may assess court administrative costs of twenty-five dollars at the time of dismissal.

(3) The provisions of this chapter shall not govern:

(a) The operation of a motor vehicle registered under RCW 46.16.305(1), governed by RCW 46.16.020, or registered with the Washington utilities and transportation commission as common or contract carriers; or

(b) The operation of a motorcycle as defined in RCW 46.04.330, a motor-driven cycle as defined in RCW 46.04.332, or a moped as defined in RCW 46.04.304.

(4) RCW 46.29.490 shall not be deemed to govern all motor vehicle liability policies required by this chapter but only those certified for the purposes stated in chapter 46.29 RCW.

[Marc Martyn]

Thanks, Dave:)

Isn't this website great! You have contacts with a whole lot of people "in the know" for all kinds of information.

Now, if we can find Stacey, maybe she can set us all straight as to the laws of the fishing licenses and vehicle parking permits. Then we'll be set for the season.

I have heard that you are suppose to have your fishing license on you, not in your tackle box, boat or in your vehicle. Physically on your body. And your parking permit has to be visible from outside the car, not in the glove box, under the seat or in the door pocket. Stacey...................?

[hewesfisher]

I have heard that you are suppose to have your fishing license on you, not in your tackle box, boat or in your vehicle. Physically on your body. And your parking permit has to be visible from outside the car, not in the glove box, under the seat or in the door pocket. Stacey...................?

Well, I'm not Stacey, but the parking permit clearly states that it is to be hung from the rear view mirror in plain view when parking in WDFW access areas.

As to the fishing license, I doubt any enforcement officer would cite an angler for having their license in their immediate presence, whether that be in the tackle box, boat glove box, etc. if you are fishing from where ever the license is stored, i.e. boat, tackle box at your feet, etc. Now, if you are down on the bank fishing and your license is in the glove box of your vehicle which is parked 400 yards away, well, I could see the potential for a citation. I was caught fishing without a license when I was 17, no citation issued, but had to call the officer and provide my license number to prove I bought one. Ever since then, and it's been a whole lot of years, I put my license in my wallet and forget about it until renewal time. Oh, and I've never again tempted fate, once was enough to teach me my lesson.

I'd rather keep my insurance cards in my vehicles, I don't have room for 5 insurance cards in my wallet along with everything else I have to carry.

[dicinu]

I was stopped yesterday and I did not have my lics on my person but i have mine and the rest of the family's with in 10 feet of me. the Officer did not say anything about it more along the lines of what am I fishing for and have I caught anything and barbed hooks. she was nice and we talked for a few about the crab pots out in the water and she gave me the gist of the crabbing in area 11.

[Marc Martyn]

Well, I'm not Stacey, but.....

You did stay in a Holiday Inn Express, right?:-"

LOL, just kidding Phil[wink]

[Shad_Eating_Grin]

I prefer the end of March expiration date. Saves me the trouble of having to remember to renew my license and get a new punchcard on January 1, in the middle of winter steelhead season

[Dave]

I looked through title 77 of the RCW and couldn’t find anything that says your fishing license has to be on your person. I've been checked a few times and retrieved my license from my boat glove box and nothing was ever said. I don't think enforcement is too concerned with whether you have it in your pocket or in your tackle box but it would be nice if someone from WDFW could show us the actual law. then we would know for sure. The vehicle use permit has to be displayed. I think they use this as a way to determine if folks using the area have purchased a fishing or hunting license. Just my guess.

[G-Man]

I just went and got my 2011 license and was wondering why I wasn't asked about getting a summer crab card?

This year may be different than the past few years as sport crabbers are guaranteed dates. In past seasons there was a count performed after the summer season to see what was left of the allocation for the winter. Keep your receipt just in case as in past years if you did not ask for your winter catch record at the time of initial purchase, you had to pay for a "lost" one if you wanted to crab that winter. I'm guessing the new regs will have all the details once they are made available.

[Toni]

I just went and got my 2011 license and was wondering why I wasn't asked about getting a summer crab card?

This year may be different than the past few years as sport crabbers are guaranteed dates. In past seasons there was a count performed after the summer season to see what was left of the allocation for the winter. Keep your receipt just in case as in past years if you did not ask for your winter catch record at the time of initial purchase, you had to pay for a "lost" one if you wanted to crab that winter. I'm guessing the new regs will have all the details once they are made available.

That was for the winter season. The summer season has already been set.

I just sent a email to WDFW and asked why it is different this year.

I purchased it directly from WDFW site like I did last year.

[G-Man]

Sorry Toni, I must be missing something. If you go to purchase a Puget Sound crab endorsement, the default is to provide you just the summer catch record as there was no guarantee of a winter season. I made a point of always asking for both when I bought my license in the beginning of the year. The endorsement is good for the summer and subsequent winter season only. That is if you didn't buy a crab endorsement until after the summer season passed, all it is then good for is the winter season.

[Toni]

Sorry Toni, I must be missing something. If you go to purchase a Puget Sound crab endorsement, the default is to provide you just the summer catch record as there was no guarantee of a winter season. I made a point of always asking for both when I bought my license in the beginning of the year. The endorsement is good for the summer and subsequent winter season only. That is if you didn't buy a crab endorsement until after the summer season passed, all it is then good for is the winter season.

I bought it online so I couldn't ask.
There wasn't a place to get the crab card. It did show me what I got last year and there was a crab card that I got at the same time as the rest.

Unless I have to pay $12 for a shell fish endorsement which would be new.

[G-Man]

Ok, I think I got it.

Puget Sound Dungeness Crab Endorsement: This endorsement can be added to a Combination or Shellfish/Seaweed license for a fee of $2.50 and allows you to harvest Puget Sound Dungeness crab (a $.50 fee will allow you to add this endorsement to a 1-5 Day Combination License). Separate catch record cards are required and come free with the endorsement (see: catch record card requirements on page 16). There is no fee for juveniles age 14 and under but the endorsement is still required.

You need the combination license or the shellfish/seaweed license and the Puget Sound Dungeness Crab Endorsement to fish for and harvest dungeness crab in all Puget Sound waters. If you are after crab on the coast or Columbia river only, you can skip the Puget Sound endorsement. Ain't our State great?

[Toni]

Ok, I think I got it.

Puget Sound Dungeness Crab Endorsement: This endorsement can be added to a Combination or Shellfish/Seaweed license for a fee of $2.50 and allows you to harvest Puget Sound Dungeness crab (a $.50 fee will allow you to add this endorsement to a 1-5 Day Combination License). Separate catch record cards are required and come free with the endorsement (see: catch record card requirements on page 16). There is no fee for juveniles age 14 and under but the endorsement is still required.

You need the combination license or the shellfish/seaweed license and the Puget Sound Dungeness Crab Endorsement to fish for and harvest dungeness crab in all Puget Sound waters. If you are after crab on the coast or Columbia river only, you can skip the Puget Sound endorsement. Ain't our State great?

Exactly! But I did not find the Puget Sound Dungeness Crab Endorsement square to check to be charged for the extra amount.

Our state is very confusing. Do not even get me going on destination sales tax.

[Dave]

Hi Toni, Thanks for sharing your experience with your online license purchase. I think I will play it safe and buy mine in person this year. In addition, thanks to G-Man, when I buy my combo license I will make sure to ask for both summer and winter crab catch record cards even though winter crab season has always sucked for me in area 9. I sure wish they would allow a winter season in 8-1 and or 8-2.

[Stacie Kelsey]

Thanks, Dave:)

Isn't this website great! You have contacts with a whole lot of people "in the know" for all kinds of information.

Now, if we can find Stacey, maybe she can set us all straight as to the laws of the fishing licenses and vehicle parking permits. Then we'll be set for the season.

I have heard that you are suppose to have your fishing license on you, not in your tackle box, boat or in your vehicle. Physically on your body. And your parking permit has to be visible from outside the car, not in the glove box, under the seat or in the door pocket. Stacey...................?

Your license needs to be on you. If it's in your car or somewhere else and the Officer doesn't have time to follow you around to get, you can likely get cited. So, keep it on you, in your pocket, around your neck from a lanyard, etc.

The parking permit needs to be visible so someone walking by can see it.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

stace

[Toni]

I wrote the WDFW to find out why I couldn't buy my PS Crab Endorsement and after them telling me at first I didn't buy it. DUH! I knew that. I wrote them back telling them I knew that. I got this email.

Toni

Thank you for contacting the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

You are correct, last year the crab endorsement was available December 1st with the rest of the license items. The fish program decided with the changes to the reporting requirements and the reporting deadline being in February, they did not want to start 2011 sales until March 1, 2011. At this time this looks to be a change that will continue in years to come.

If you have any further questions or concerns, you may contact us at 360-902-2464.

Have a great day!

Evan Yett

WDFW Licensing

360-902-2452
evan.yett@dfw.wa.gov



So you can't buy the Crab Card until Mar. 1