(1) Subject to the provisions under chapter 36.73 RCW, a transportation benefit district may authorize vehicle tolls on state routes or federal highways, city streets, or county roads, within the boundaries of the district, unless otherwise prohibited by law. The department of transportation shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls authorized on state routes or federal highways, unless otherwise specified in law or by contract, and the state transportation commission, or its successor, may approve, set, and impose the tolls in amounts sufficient to implement the district's transportation improvement finance plan. The district shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls authorized on city streets or county roads, and shall set and impose the tolls, only with approval of the transportation commission, in amounts sufficient to implement the district's transportation improvement plan. Tolls may vary for type of vehicle, for time of day, for traffic conditions, and/or other factors designed to improve performance of the facility or the transportation network.

     (2) Consistent with RCW 47.56.820, vehicle tolls must first be authorized by the legislature if the tolls are imposed on a state route.

     (3) Consistent with RCW 47.56.850, vehicle tolls, including any change in an existing toll rate, must first be reviewed and approved by the tolling authority designated in RCW 47.56.850 if the tolls, or change in toll rate, would have a significant impact, as determined by the tolling authority, on the operation of any state facility.

[2008 c 122 § 12; 2005 c 336 § 25.]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 2005 c 336: See note following RCW 36.73.015.