New Effective Date for Tolling Exemption Changes – August 1, 2019
On Tuesday, April 16, 2019, the Transportation Commission took action to change the effective date of the adopted tolling exemptions from June 1, 2019 to August 1, 2019. The Washington State Department of Transportation will begin processing exemption requests for eligible vehicles at that time.
Background
On Tuesday, July 17, 2018, after input from the public and stakeholders, the Transportation Commission adopted changes to some tolling exemptions and fees so they are consistent across all of the state’s tolled facilities.
These changes simplify use of all tolled facilities, reduce administrative efforts with streamlined regulations, support parity between communities with tolled facilities, and further align tolling policies with state transportation system goals. None of these changes are expected to result in the need for a toll rate increase.
Access the Rule and Compare the Changes
The permanent rule (pdf 271 kb) with the exemption changes is available in the Washington State Register.
Here are the current toll rate exemptions (pdf 131 kb) which will remain in place until July 31, 2019.
Check out the new exemptions (pdf 131 kb) that will begin on August 1, 2019.
Summary of adopted changes to current exemptions by category of exemption:
- Carpools:
- Adopted Change to Current Exemptions: No changes. Carpools remain exempt only on managed lane facilities (I-405 Express Toll Lanes and SR 167 HOT Lanes) with existing requirements.
- Motorcycles:
- Adopted Change to Current Exemptions: No changes. Motorcycles remain exempt only on managed lane facilities (I-405 Express Toll Lanes and SR 167 HOT Lanes) at all times.
- Transit / Vanpools:
- Adopted Change to Current Exemptions: Expands this exemption to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (TNB), the only tolled facility where transit and vanpools currently pay.
- Select Private Buses:
- Adopted Change to Current Exemptions: Expands exemption to all facilities for qualifying privately owned and operated passenger buses while serving the public and/or employees. This exemption is in compliance with federal regulations requiring select private buses be provided the same benefits as public transit.
- Emergency Vehicles:
- Adopted Change to Current Exemptions: Eliminates inconsistency in how the exemption applies by establishing that emergency vehicles are exempt on all facilities while on duty.
- Tow Trucks:
- Adopted Change to Current Exemptions: Expands this exemption to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (TNB). Also eliminates inconsistency in how the exemption applies by establishing that authorized tow trucks are exempt on all facilities while in service.
- Incident Response Vehicles:
- Adopted Change to Current Exemptions: Expands this exemption to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (TNB) and establishes that incident response vehicles are exempt on all facilities while on duty.
- Maintenance Vehicles:
- Adopted Change to Current Exemptions: Eliminates inconsistency in how the exemption applies by establishing that maintenance vehicles are exempt on all facilities while on duty.