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WSDOT and the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) file all proposed, emergency, amended, new, and repealed rules with the Office of the Code Reviser.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

• Rule making for WAC 468-305-100 and 468-305-300 on toll payment options. This rule updates the WAC to address toll payment options that are now available on the SR 167 express toll lanes. 
  We held a virtual public hearing in Microsoft Teams on January 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. We have adopted the proposed rule. It is effective on March 14, 2026.
   
• Expedited rule making for WAC 468-06-090 on copying fees for public records requests. This proposal adds an RCW citation to the WAC text.
  The expedited rule-making process does not require a public hearing. The comment period closed on February 23, 2026.
   
• Rule making for WAC 468-06-140 (titled “Department index”). This proposal reflects requirements for the department index for certain records.
  We held a virtual public hearing in Microsoft Teams on February 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. The comment period has closed. 
   
• Public hearing on March 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. for rule making for proposed Chapter 468-712 WAC (titled “Turnback agreements”). This proposal will establish procedures for the transfer of right of way to local agencies for highway use.
  Location: Virtual hearing in Microsoft Teams (on turnback agreements)
  You may submit comments and any supporting data in writing (including electronically) by March 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to:
  Erin Morsell
  P.O. Box 47329 
  310 Maple Park Ave SE 
  Olympia, WA 98504-7329
  Email: erin.morsell@wsdot.wa.gov
  
  Assistance for persons with disabilities: request by March 17, 2026: 
  Contact: WSDOT Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) office
  Phone: Toll-free: 855-362-4ADA(4232)
  TTY: 711 
  Email: wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov
   
• You can access all WSDOT filings in the Washington State Register.

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

• Public hearing on March 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. for rule making for Chapter 468-270 WAC (titled “Setting toll amounts for toll facilities in Washington state”). This proposal will establish new toll rate setting procedures in accordance with state laws passed in 2025.
  Location:  Virtual hearing in Zoom (on toll rate setting procedures) 
  You may submit comments and any supporting data in writing (including electronically) by March 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to:
  Washington State Transportation Commission
  P.O. Box 47308
  Olympia, WA 98504-7308
  Fax: 360-705-6802
  Email: transc@wstc.wa.gov 
  
  Assistance for persons with disabilities: request by March 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.: 
  Contact: Kristi Haines
  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.