WAC 480-30-236   Leasing vehicles.  (1) A passenger transportation company operating a leased vehicle must have a written lease agreement with the owner of the vehicle.

     (2) It is the company's responsibility to ensure that:

     (a) A copy of the lease is carried in each leased vehicle, unless the vehicle's registration names the certificate holder as registered owner or lessee.

     (b) A copy of the lease is kept in the company's files during the effective period of the lease and for at least one year after the lease expires;

     (c) A copy of the lease is provided to the owner of the leased vehicle;

     (d) The company has complete possession, control, and use of the motor vehicle at all times during the period of the lease;

     (e) The leased motor vehicle is properly insured as specified in WAC 480-30-191;

     (f) The leased vehicle is properly identified as specified in WAC 480-30-231;

     (g) The leased vehicle is operated in compliance with all safety laws and rules, including those regarding vehicle inspection, records, and maintenance; and

     (h) The terms of the lease are followed.

     (3) If a company leases a vehicle with a driver, the company must also ensure that:

     (a) The driver of the leased motor vehicle is on the company's payroll during the lease period;

     (b) The driver operates in compliance with all driver qualification, safety and hours of service laws and rules;

     (c) The driver is subject to the company's alcohol and controlled substance policies; and

     (d) The company maintains appropriate files and paperwork on the driver for a period of at least one year following the expiration of the lease.

     (4) The company and the owner of the leased vehicle must specify in the lease who is responsible for all expenses relating to the leased motor vehicle. The lease must contain all information shown in the following sample lease form. If a company uses an alternate form, the company must ensure the alternate form contains all information requested on the sample. These requirements do not apply to substitute vehicles or vehicles leased without drivers from a person principally engaged in the business of leasing vehicles.

     Sample lease form.








[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040, 81.04.160, 81.12.050, 81.68.030, and 81.70.270. 06-13-006 (General Order No. R-533, Docket No. TC-020497), § 480-30-236, filed 6/8/06, effective 7/9/06.]