Scheduling a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
Three Months; It seems like I've been trying the Washington State Patrol website. Failed attempt after failed attempt to find an opening and schedule a VIN inspection. Now, I don't want to blame it on any of the obvious specific circumstances like Covid or state budget cuts and layoffs but it seems to me that every block of time in the inspection lanes was being eaten up by all the little fly-by-night, back yard body shops and vehicle flippers in this valley. OK, rant over and out of the way.
I was starting to lose faith. I had made a promise to Carrie that I would secure us an inspection for valentines day week, and it was quickly looking like I'd be eating my words. Defeated, I sent her a message telling her the bad news about striking out yet once again. She was completely understanding and reassured me that we would eventually get in to the VIN lanes for an inspection. Confidence boosted, I had a strange feeling that I should check one last time and try for a different week and/or time slot than the morning, so I picked noon. Holy Shit! An opening for 12-12:30 on Thursday had just opened up!!!! I snagged it so quickly my fingers stung from typing so fast!
Fast forward to Thursday.
With the van-fueled, tires aired, windshield washed, a full pre-trip complete, and all of our paperwork in order, I was ready to go. The only problem I encountered was the fact that all of the loose stuff in the back of the van (port-o-potty, tools, luggable loo bucket, fan surround and dog bed) made itself known as I negotiated the roundabout intersections at Union Gap, sliding all around on our nice flooring.
They recommended 5, so I arrived 8 minutes early for good measure and drove right in. No issues, and out the door with our approved inspection.
Now all that's left is to go and pay the state their massive itemized list of fees and taxes. Oh, and remove the yard number!
~Tim
Yippee
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