How to use new I-405 Express Toll Lanes if you’re a motorcyclist

Based on the number of questions to KIRO Radio, it’s apparent that many motorcycle riders are unclear about the new Express Toll Lanes coming to I-405 in September.

While the lanes are free to ride in, motorcyclists still need a Good to Go Motorcycle Pass to use the lanes without being charged a toll.

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“We do need motorcyclists to put that on their vehicle, that’s how we know they’re a motorcycle,” said Ethan Bergerson, spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Transportation. “That’s how we know not to charge them because they do have access to these lanes.”

The system is designed to read license plates, but Bergerson says there are occasional issues with identifying motorcycles.

“The way our tolling equipment works is it can’t always tell that a motorcycle is a motorcycle,” he said. “So if a motorcyclist gets a bill in the mail, they can call us up, let us know they’re a motorcyclist and we’ll take care of it. We’ll encourage them to get the pass so that it never happens again.”

The tolling division did make a compromise with motorcyclists. Unlike car drivers, they don’t have to set up a prepaid Good To Go Account.

“Motorcycles now have the option to use that pass without linking it to a Good to Go Account,” Bergerson said. “So, in other words, once you get the pass, if you put it on your bike, you don’t need to set up an account with a prepaid balance.”

Motorcyclists can apply for a free pass until they run out. After that, they will cost $8.

While the Express Toll Lanes on I-405 are free, motorcyclists must still pay for tolls on the 520 bridge and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

More information from WSDOT.