Washington State Patrol - District 1 FAQs

District 1 - Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not find what you need, check the State Patrol’s main FAQ page. If you still cannot find an answer, write to us at Washington State Patrol, 2502 112th Street East, Tacoma, WA 98445-5104. Some questions may take ten business days to answer.

How do I make an appointment for a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection?

Effective December 2, 2002, 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 make 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.

Required documents at time of inspection are:

Bill of sale from the insurance company and/or wrecking yard in the purchaser/presenter's name.
In a private party sale, the bill of sale must be notarized and show the seller's name and address; the year, make, and model of the vehicle; and the Vehicle Identification Number of the vehicle sold whole and/or as parts.
Photograph identification.

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:

FIFE
4912 Pacific Highway East
(253) 926-3277

PUYALLUP
10322 122nd Street East
(253) 848-6399

SOUTH TACOMA
3003 107th Street South
(253) 581-5243

Is there a fee for a vehicle emission test?

Yes. There is a $15 fee, payable by cash, check, or credit card.

Further information is available at the Emission Check Program page of Washington State Department of Ecology's Air Quality Program internet site at: 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 do they take the place of 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, visit WSDOT's studded tire 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 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/.

What is the difference between the new seat belt law and the old seat belt law?

Under the new seat belt law, when an officer observes an individual driving a motor vehicle not wearing a seat belt, the officer can stop the individual and take enforcement. The old seat belt law required the officer to have another violation before the contact. The new law took effect June 13, 2002. For more information on child restraint and seat belt laws, see the Washington Seat Belt Laws on the main WSP FAQ page.

What changes are in the new child restraint law and when does it go into effect?

The new child restraint law went into effect on July 1, 2002. 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 FAQ page.

Where can I get a booster seat or child seat checked to see if it is properly installed?

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 complete list of rules and regulations governing equipment and special motor vehicles, search Washington Administrative Code (WAC), title 204; Revised Code of Washington (RCW) title 46; and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). 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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