Signs for the new Interstate 405 Express Toll lanes lit up Monday morning and some drivers found themselves confused. Many still don't know how the lanes will work. Here's a quick FAQ.
When does tolling begin?
Sunday, September 27
Do the Express Toll lanes run the entire length of I-405?
No. They run in both directions between the I-5/I-405 interchange in Lynnwood and NE 6th Street in Bellevue. South of NE 6th Street, the HOV lane will be the same as it has always been.
How much will I pay?
The toll varies based on time of day, level of traffic congestion, and where you intend to exit the lanes. The rates vary between 75 cents and $10.
How many times do I have to pay per trip?
You'll pay whatever the toll rate is when you enter the lanes. If the rate goes up while you are already in the lane, WSDOT says you will not be charged that higher rate, nor will you be charged twice, as long as you remain in the lane. So if the toll when you enter is $2, but you see toll signs farther down the road say $5, you'll only be charged the $2 you saw when you initially entered the Express Toll lane.
How do I pay?
The easiest way is with a Good To Go Flex Pass.
Can I pay by mail if I don't want to get a Flex Pass?
Yes. It costs $2 more if you don't have a Good To Go account, but only 25 cents more if you have a Good To Go account and no Flex Pass. A camera will shoot a photo of the license plate. The owner of the vehicle will get the bill in the mail. But if you want to use the lanes for free as a carpool, you still need the Flex Pass.
So you're saying I can still use the Express Toll lanes even without the Flex Pass?
Yes. You can use them, but with the Flex Pass, you won't be charged the additional fees for paying by mail. You will also avoid paying the toll as a carpool as long as you have the Flex Pass.
Are there toll booths?
No.
Are the toll lanes on 24-hours-a-day?
Yes. So even if you drive by yourself at midnight, you'll still be tolled.
What qualifies as a carpool in the Express Toll lanes?
On weekdays between 5-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m, you must have three people in your vehicle AND must have your Good To Go Flex Pass set to "HOV" mode in order to use the I-405 Express Toll lanes for free. At all other times, you only need two people for a carpool, but you still must have your Good To Go Flex Pass set to "HOV" mode.
Will I be charged if I qualify as a carpool but don't have a Flex Pass?
Yes. Having a Flex Pass is the only way to avoid the toll if you are in a carpool.
Can I ride alone on my motorcycle for free in the Express Toll lanes?
Yes, if you have a Good To Go motorcycle pass.
Can I enter the toll lanes anywhere?
No. You can only enter the express toll lanes at designated points, marked by a dashed white line. Crossing into the express toll lanes over the double white line is illegal. This is partly to prevent drivers from jumping in and out of the lanes to avoid the tolls. If you're caught crossing the double white line, you'll be fined $136.
This interactive map tells you where you can enter and exit the express toll lanes.
In most cases, you will have to enter the freeway on the right side and move across the lanes to enter the Express Toll lanes. But there are two direct access ramps in the middle of the freeway which allow you to enter from the on-ramp. They are at NE 6th Street in Bellevue and NE 128th Street in Kirkland.
How fast will I go in the toll lanes?
WSDOT claims using the express toll lanes will allow you to go at least 45 mph even when traffic is congested in the general purpose lanes.
How are these different from the HOT lanes on SR 167?
The SR 167 HOT lanes serve as a standard HOV lane, but solo drivers with a regular Good To Go transponder can use those lanes between 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. as long as they pay a toll. Standard carpools (two or more people) can use the SR 167 HOT lanes for free even without a Good To Go transponder.
But if you want to use the I-405 Express Toll Lanes for free, you need the special Good To Go Flex Pass. You need this no matter how many people you have in your vehicle, even if you qualify as a carpool.
If you just have a Good To Go transponder, that's not enough to use the Express Toll lanes for free as a carpool. You need the Flex Pass.
One last time, just to be clear -- I need a Flex Pass to drive for free even if I am in a carpool?
Yes, but just in the I-405 Express Toll lanes.
