State troopers issue 52 warnings on first day of I-405 express tolling

Troopers will use the first several weeks educating motorists of the changes involved in the new toll lanes with warnings and literature, according to the state patrol, so commuters have a better understanding of the new rules associated with the toll lanes.

By Dean Radford • September 28, 2015 6:17 pm

Washington State Patrol troopers issued 52 warnings to motorists who violated the laws that govern the use of the new Interstate 405 express-toll lanes Sunday, their first day of operation.

The 17 miles of lanes – ETL for short – opened in both directions of I-405 at 1 p.m. on Sunday between Bellevue and Lynnwood.

The majority of those warnings were for motorists crossing the double white line that separates the toll lanes from the regular lanes of traffic, according to the state patrol.

Troopers will use the first several weeks educating motorists of the changes involved in the new toll lanes with warnings and literature, according to the state patrol, so commuters have a better understanding of the new rules associated with the toll lanes.

As with any traffic stop, a trooper has discretion in whether or not to issue a citation, according to the state patrol.  If a trooper believes that a motorist is deliberately defrauding the new toll system or driving in a manner that is not safe, a citation may be issued to the driver, according to the state.

Any driver who plans to use or wants to learn more about the new tolling system is encouraged to contact the DOT website, http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Tolling/405/

Beginning Sunday, there were several major changes drivers should prepare for:

· The new carpool rules set by the Washington State Transportation Commission will require three or more people during weekday commute periods from 5 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Two people qualify as a carpool all other times, including weekends.

· Qualifying carpools must have a Good To Go! account and Flex Pass set to HOV mode to travel toll-free in the express toll lanes. In addition, motorcyclists must have a Good To Go! motorcycle pass to ride toll free in the express toll lanes. WSDOT is offering one free motorcycle through a brief online survey while supplies last.

· New double white lines mean drivers may only enter and exit the express toll lanes at designated access points marked by a dashed white line. Drivers who illegally cross the double white line could receive a $136 ticket from Washington State Patrol. WSDOT developed an interactive map of entry and exit points to help drivers plan their trips in the express toll lanes and understand how the toll-rate signs work.