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WSDOT and the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) file all proposed, emergency, amended, new, and repealed rules with the Office of the Code Reviser.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 Chapter 468-410 WAC (titled “Special highway uses—Special events within highway right-of-way”). This rule making establishes permitting requirements and conditions for special events conducted within a state highway right-of-way to ensure public safety and minimize disruption to highway operations.
  We held a virtual public hearing in Microsoft Teams on June 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. We have adopted the proposed rule. It is effective on July 11, 2026.
   
• Rule making for Chapter 468-420 WAC (titled “Event signs, banners, and decorations”). This rule making reestablishes rules on event signs, banners, and decorations. 
  We held a virtual public hearing in Microsoft Teams on June 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. We have adopted the proposed rule. It is effective on July 11, 2026.
   
• Rule making for Chapter 468-15 WAC (titled “Small works roster”). This rule making allows use of the small works roster contracting process for Washington State Ferries vessels.
  We held a virtual public hearing in Microsoft Teams on June 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. We have adopted the proposed rule. It is effective on July 12, 2026.
   
• You can access all WSDOT filings in the Washington State Register.

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

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