District 8 Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find what you need, check the State Patrol’s main FAQ Page or check these other resources: Revised Code of Washington or Washington Administrative Code .

If you still can’t find an answer, write to us at District 8, 4811 Werner Road, Bremerton WA 97312-3333. Some questions may take ten business days to answer.

VIN inspections are conducted at the Bremerton District Office on Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment only. For an appointment, call (360) 405-6632.

Shelton Detachment Office:
Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For appointments call 360-426-6674

Hoquiam Detachment Office:
The Hoquiam VIN lane is closed; call the Shelton or Chehalis offices for appointments.

Port Angeles Detachment Office:
Thursdays 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For appointments, call 360-417-1738

You may also visit the VIN locations page or view the VIN schedule page for a current list of inspection times and locations.

Documents required for inspection are photo identification, Bill of Sale, and receipts for major component parts. If the bill of sale is from a private party, it must be notarized.

Check with your local license agent to find out if emission testing is required for the address on the registration of the vehicle. None of the counties in District 8 require an emission test for license. If the vehicle is from an area that requires an emission test, it will need to be completed before the vehicle can be registered.

The Washington State Patrol does not conduct vehicle safety inspections. Out-of-state VIN inspections are conducted for military personnel, non-resident students paying out-of-state tuition, and government employees on special assignment.

Ferries depart from Southworth, Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Kingston, and Port Townsend. The sailing schedules and destinations are different for each dock. Check the Washington State Ferries Web site (link is http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/ ) for current sailing information. Also be aware that schedules may be different on weekdays, holidays, and weekends.

No. Please call our property and evidence custodian at (360) 405-6611 Monday-Thursday, between 7am and 4pm, to schedule an appointment. Be prepared to give him/her the date of the incident, the name of the arresting officer, and the evidence number.

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.

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.

For Washington state road and travel conditions, you can dial 5-1-1 or 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/.

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).

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.

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.

Information and schedules are available from WSDOT, or call 1-800-808-7997.

The Washington State Legislature directed the Washington State Patrol to provide security in the ferry terminals and on the vessels. In some areas, the Patrol contracts these services to adjoining law enforcement agencies.

Please refer to the Washington State Patrol Collision Reports page. This page will also give you directions on how to request copies of any other records involving a collision or traffic incident.

The Hood Canal Bridge is a floating bridge, which sits on top of the water. Federal regulations require the bridge to open to vessel traffic when it receives a 24-hour notice. If a vessel is unable to proceed under either end of the bridge, arrangements are made for the bridge to open. Most bridge openings last approximately 20 minutes. Vessel traffic has priority over vehicle traffic.

You can view the DOT web site for construction updates of the Hood Canal Bridge project www.hoodcanalbridge.com.

View the Tacoma Narrows Bridge construction web site at www.tacomanarrowsbridge.com for further updates.