(1) The following organizations may apply for special parking privileges:

(a) Public transportation authorities;

(b) Nursing homes licensed under chapter 18.51 RCW;

(c) Assisted living facilities licensed under chapter 18.20 RCW;

(d) Senior citizen centers;

(e) Accessible van rental companies registered with the department;

(f) Private nonprofit corporations organized under chapter 24.03A RCW;

(g) Cabulance companies that regularly transport persons with disabilities who have been determined eligible for special parking privileges under this section and who are registered with the department under chapter 46.72 RCW; and

(h) Companies that dispatch taxicab vehicles under chapter 81.72 RCW or vehicles for hire under chapter 46.72 RCW, for such vehicles that are equipped with wheelchair accessible lifts or ramps for the transport of persons with disabilities and that are regularly dispatched and used in the transport of such persons. However, qualifying vehicles under this subsection (1)(h) may utilize special parking privileges only while in service. For the purposes of this subsection (1)(h), "in service" means while in the process of picking up, transporting, or discharging a passenger.

(2) An organization that qualifies for special parking privileges may receive, upon application, special license plates or parking placards, or both, for persons with disabilities as defined by the department.

(3) An organization that qualifies for special parking privileges under subsection (1) of this section and receives parking placards or special license plates under subsection (2) of this section is responsible for ensuring that the parking placards and special license plates are not used improperly and is responsible for all fines and penalties for improper use.

(4) The department shall adopt rules to determine organization eligibility.

Effective date—2021 c 176: See note following RCW 24.03A.005.

Effective date—2015 c 228: See note following RCW 46.87.010.

Finding—Intent—Effective date—2014 c 124: See notes following RCW 46.19.010.

Application—2012 c 10: See note following RCW 18.20.010.

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.