SEQUIM — Recent flyers showing up on out-of-state vehicles aren’t coming from the Sequim Police Department, Police Chief Sheri Crain said.
Crain said that tracking down the person or people circulating the laminated documents is a low priority for officers.
The document reads:
“Welcome to Washington. If you have any type of residence here, Apartment, condo, RV, or home, Washington residents must obtain driver’s & vehicle licenses within 30 days. Residents who license out-of-state are subject to 365 days in jail. RCW 46.16A.030(6); Minimum fine is $1,529.00; cannot be waived or suspended. Penalty increases for subsiquent (sic) violations. Vehicle licensing in Sequim: 649 West Washington, 9 to 5, M-F. 360 683 8375. Vehicle licensing in Port Angeles: County Courthouse 223 East 4th, Driver’s Licensing: 228 West 1st (Basement), Port Angeles.”
With the high number of visitors to Sequim, Crain said, people in violation of this are a low priority.
“I can think of a dozen reasons why someone from out-of-state would be here,” Crain said.
“This is certainly a town with a lot of retirees who come and visit or caretake and we have so many tourists and a lot of people in the military here who by law don’t have to change their license plate.”
One similar incident more than a year ago resulted in a charge for malicious mischief. A Sequim man had placed stickers on out-of-state vehicles with similar messaging as the current note.
Crain said it might or might not be this same person, but officers are not looking to track this current person or people down because the laminated notes left on windshields are not causing harm or damage.
Crain said having an out-of-state license plate cannot be a primary reason for a traffic stop, but it can be followed up with another potential infraction.
The city of Sequim does require peddlers and solicitors of a civic and/or political nature canvassing to notify the planning department or code compliance officer that the organization will be canvassing or soliciting within the city limits. They must also provide the planning department or code compliance officer with a copy of the organization’s nonprofit certification and state charitable solicitation organization registration.
Sequim Police officials advise residents to be aware of state licensing requirements and contact the state Department of Licensing directly for information through www.dol.wa.gov. Contact the Sequim Police Department at 360-683-7227 with questions.
