(1) Any person who is a veteran as defined in RCW 41.04.007 who submits to the department of licensing satisfactory proof of a service-connected disability rating from the veterans administration or the military service from which the veteran was discharged and:

     (a) Has lost the use of both hands or one foot;

     (b) Was captured and incarcerated by an enemy of the United States during a period of war with the United States and received a prisoner of war medal;

     (c) Has become blind in both eyes as the result of military service; or

     (d) Is rated by the veterans administration or the military service from which the veteran was discharged and is receiving service-connected compensation at the one hundred percent rate that is expected to exist for more than one year;

is entitled to regular or special license plates issued by the department of licensing. The special license plates shall bear distinguishing marks, letters, or numerals indicating that the motor vehicle is owned by a disabled veteran or former prisoner of war. This license shall be issued annually for one personal use vehicle without payment of any license fees or excise tax thereon. Whenever any person who has been issued license plates under the provisions of this section applies to the department for transfer of the plates to a subsequently acquired motor vehicle, a transfer fee of ten dollars shall be charged in addition to all other appropriate fees. The department may periodically verify the one hundred percent rate as provided in subsection (1)(d) of this section.

     (2) Any person who has been issued free motor vehicle license plates under this section prior to July 1, 1983, shall continue to be eligible for the annual free license plates.

     (3) For the purposes of this section: (a) "Blind" means the definition of "blind" used by the state of Washington in determining eligibility for financial assistance to the blind under Title 74 RCW; and (b) "special license plates" does not include any plate from the armed forces license plate collection established in RCW 46.16.30920.

     Any unauthorized use of a special plate is a gross misdemeanor.

[2008 c 183 § 4; 2005 c 216 § 6. Prior: 2004 c 223 § 6; 2004 c 125 § 1; 1987 c 98 § 2; 1983 c 230 § 2; 1982 c 115 § 1; 1980 c 88 § 2; 1979 c 158 § 221; 1972 ex.s. c 60 § 1; 1971 ex.s. c 193 § 1; 1951 c 206 § 1; 1949 c 178 § 1; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 6360-50-1.]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 1983 c 230: See note following RCW 41.04.005.

Persons with disabilities, versions of special plates for: RCW 46.16.385.