Agency rule making

Rule-making process

WSDOT and the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) file all proposed, emergency, amended, new, and repealed rules with the Office of the Code Reviser. The Office of the Code Reviser publishes them in the Washington State Register (WSR). Adopted rules become part of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

WSDOT and WSTC are committed to developing and adopting rules that are necessary, fair, understandable, and consistent. WSDOT's Business Support Services Division oversees and provides information about rules administered by WSDOT and WSTC. The Business Support Services Division is the official WSDOT and WSTC liaison with the Office of the Code Reviser and the Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee (JARRC).

The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) is the state law that outlines the standards that WSDOT and WSTC must follow to adopt a rule. The Regulatory Fairness Act requires WSDOT and WSTC to analyze the impact of their rules on small businesses.

If you would like to receive notifications about WSDOT and WSTC Washington State Register filings, please email the WSDOT WAC Rules Coordinator.

WSDOT proposed rules, public hearings, and filings

• There are no proposed rules or scheduled WAC hearings for WSDOT at this time.
• You can access all WSDOT filings in the Washington State Register.

Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) proposed rules, public hearings, and filings

• Rule making for multiple sections in Chapter 468-270 WAC (titled “Setting toll amounts for toll facilities in Washington state”). This rule making is about toll rates and policies for the SR 167 and SR 509 expressways (Puget Sound Gateway) and the SR 167 and I-405 express toll lanes.
  WSTC held a virtual public hearing in Zoom on June 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. WSTC adopted the proposed rule, with the exception of removing the proposed minor change to WAC 468-270-085 from this rule making. (Please see below for an expedited rule making that proposes changes to WAC 468-270-085.) The adopted rule is effective on August 7, 2025.
• Expedited rule making for WAC 468-270-085 (titled “What vehicles are exempt from paying tolls on all toll facilities on Washington state highways?”). This proposal adjusts tolling exemptions on tolled bridges, as required by state law.
  The expedited rule-making process does not require a public hearing. You may send comments and any supporting data in writing (including electronically). WSTC must receive them by August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. You must send them to:
  Carl See
  Washington State Transportation Commission
  P.O. Box 47308
  Olympia, WA 98504-7308
  Phone: 360-705-7070
  Fax: 360-705-6802 
  Email: TransC@wstc.wa.gov

• Public hearing on August 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. for a rule making for Chapter 468-300 WAC (titled “State ferries and toll bridges”). This proposal adjusts ferry fares and fare policies to meet legislative financial requirements.
  Location: Virtual hearing over Zoom
  You may submit comments and any supporting data in writing (including electronically) by August 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., to:
  Washington State Transportation Commission
  P.O. Box 47308
  Olympia, WA 98504-7308
  Fax: 360-705-6802
  transc@wstc.wa.gov

  Assistance for persons with disabilities: request by August 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
  Contact: Doreen Maasjo
  Phone: 360-705-7070
  Fax: 360-705-6802
  TTY: 711 connect to 360-705-7070
  Email: transc@wstc.wa.gov

• You can access all WSTC filings in the Washington State Register.