CHOKEPOINTS

WSDOT says not so fast toll cheater

Oct 1, 2015, 4:20 PM | Updated: 4:22 pm

WSDOT’s tolling system can tell the difference between a car and motorcycle. The people in ca...

WSDOT's tolling system can tell the difference between a car and motorcycle. The people in cars trying to cheat the toll system by using a motorcycle pass will be fined. (AP)

(AP)

Remember those drivers who planned to cheat the new I-405 tolling system by slapping a motorcycle pass on their cars? The state knows who they are.

After the Washington State Department of Transportation made it clear motorcycles ride for free in the express toll lanes, several drivers said they were going to evade charges with the wrong pass

But that isn’t exactly accurate. Though the system won’t toll you, it can tell that you’re in a car using a motorcycle pass.

Related: I-405 tolls may be dispersing traffic on to local streets

“We can tell, based on our equipment, that vehicle is narrow like a motorcycle or wide like a car,” said Craig Stone, WSDOT tolling division director.

Eight drivers tried to pass off as a motorcyclist on Monday; six did it on Tuesday.

“We know who you are,” Stone said. “We can send you a toll bill, but we’re going to educate you first.”

Don’t expect any sympathy from a state trooper if you’re caught. A toll evasion ticket costs $136, quite a bit more than the 75 cents to $10 fee.

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WSDOT says not so fast toll cheater