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

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