(1) The provisions of this chapter relating to the registration of vehicles and display of license plates and registration certificates do not apply to vehicles owned by nonresidents of this state if:

(a) The owner has complied with the law requiring the registration of vehicles in the names of the owners in force in the state, foreign country, territory, or federal district of residence; and

(b) The license plate showing the initial or abbreviation of the name of the state, foreign country, territory, or federal district is displayed on the vehicle substantially as required in this state.

(2) This section applies only if the laws of the state, foreign country, territory, or federal district of the nonresident’s residence allow similar exemptions and privileges to vehicles registered under the laws of the foreign state, country, territory, or federal district.

(3) Foreign businesses owning, maintaining, or operating places of business in this state and using vehicles in connection with those places of business shall comply with this chapter. Under provisions of the international registration plan, the nonmotor vehicles of member and nonmember jurisdictions that are properly based and registered in such jurisdictions have reciprocity in this state as provided in RCW 46.87.070.

(4) The director may adopt and enforce rules for the registration of nonresident vehicles on a reciprocal basis and with respect to any character or class of operation.

Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

Purpose—Effective dates—Application—Implementation—1990 c 42: See notes following RCW 46.68.090.