MYNORTHWEST NEWS

You can’t talk your way out of a toll or a fine

Aug 27, 2012, 5:10 AM | Updated: 9:29 am

Don’t expect any leniency from the judge in Washington’s new toll court. It’s not...

Don't expect any leniency from the judge in Washington's new toll court. It's not like talking your way out of a speeding ticket. (AP Photo/file)

(AP Photo/file)

Don’t expect any leniency from the judge in Washington’s new toll court. It’s not like talking your way out of a speeding ticket.

If you’re expecting to get your 520 toll and penalties for not paying it on time cut down just because you can tell a good story to the judge, you’re in for a surprise.

The Seattle Times reports 75 percent of people who choose to go to court to fight them come away with no reductions. That’s because toll judges, by law, can’t reduce fines unless they rule the toll or fine was levied incorrectly.

They have reduced fines if people put money in their “Good to Go” accounts right after crossing the bridge, if their car was stolen or if the driver was shipped off to war.

If you don’t pay your fines, the state can block you from getting new car tabs until you do. Find out more about Good to Go or pay your toll bill online

MyNorthwest News

ICE facility Tacoma hunger strike...

Jack Bilyeu, KIRO 7 News

US representatives investigate hunger strike at Tacoma ICE facility

A hunger strike is underway at the ICE facility in Tacoma, according to the activist group La Resistencia.

26 minutes ago

video bloody pilot yakima...

Brittany Perry, KIRO 7 News

New video shows bloody pilot seeking help after fiery jet crash near Yakima

New video shows bloody pilot seeking help after fiery jet crash near Yakima

12 hours ago

5-year-old dead large animal attack aggressive dog...

Jack Bilyeu, KIRO 7 News

5-year-old dead after “large animal attack” in Graham; aggressive dog shot and killed

A five-year-old girl is dead following a large animal attack in Graham. Deputies shot and killed an aggressive dog that was found near her body.

1 day ago

construction roadways weekend...

Paola Tristan Arruda, KIRO 7 News

Prepare for another weekend of major construction on three roadways

Travelers in the Puget Sound region should prepare for delays and road closures this weekend as construction takes place across I-405, SR 99, and I-5.

1 day ago

Costco (2)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Costco semi-sweet treat returns to shoppers’ excitement

To the joy of bakers, home cooks, and late-night snackers, a Costco favorite is back.

2 days ago

Fife...

Julia Dallas

Construction material wholesaler closing Fife facility, laying off 54 employees

Construction material wholesaler Norwesco is closing its facility in Fife, effectively laying off more than 50 employees.

2 days ago

You can’t talk your way out of a toll or a fine