Paying tolls can often feel like a roadblock in your journey, adding unnecessary stress and costs. In Washington State, however, managing tolls and even saving money is simpler than you might think, especially when you know how to remove the common hassles of toll roads. The key is understanding and utilizing the Good To Go! system. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your toll road experiences in Washington state seamless and cost-effective.
Using a Good To Go! account is undoubtedly the most efficient way to pay tolls across all Washington state toll roads. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about smart savings and eliminating the worries of paper bills and missed payments. With Good To Go!, you can save money on every toll and enjoy the ease of automatic payments. Ready to simplify your travels? Create your account today or access your existing account now.
Alt text: Installing a Good To Go! sticker pass on a vehicle windshield for easy and automatic toll payments in Washington State, highlighting a convenient method to navigate toll roads.
Discover the Benefits of Good To Go! Accounts
Good To Go! is your all-access pass to every toll road in Washington State. Forget about the stress of receiving bills in the mail or fumbling for change at a toll booth. Opening a Good To Go! account offers numerous advantages:
- Significant Savings: Good To Go! account holders save a substantial $2 on every toll road trip compared to the more expensive Pay By Mail option. This quickly adds up, making your journeys more economical.
- Absolutely Free to Start: Opening a Good To Go! account comes with no monthly fees, and you aren’t required to prepay tolls to begin saving. While purchasing a Good To Go! pass is recommended for optimal convenience, it’s not mandatory to unlock savings.
- Ultimate Convenience: Set up your preferred automatic payment method and say goodbye to paper bills and payment deadlines. Manage your tolls effortlessly and focus on enjoying your drive.
When you decide to open a Good To Go! account, you have two primary payment options: Pre-Paid and Pay As You Go. Both options ensure you benefit from the lowest toll rates, allowing you to select the one that aligns perfectly with your financial habits and preferences:
Pre-Paid Account
- Initial Prepayment: Start your account by prepaying $30, which will be used to cover your future toll charges.
- Automatic Refills: When your account balance dips low, it’s automatically replenished via your linked credit card, ensuring uninterrupted service. Alternatively, you can schedule specific days each month for refills via electronic checks, giving you greater control over your account management.
Pay As You Go Account
- No Upfront Payment: You can open a Pay As You Go account without any initial prepaid balance.
- Post-Trip Toll Payment: Tolls are conveniently charged to your credit card twice per month after you’ve used the toll roads. This option offers maximum flexibility and is ideal if you prefer to pay for tolls after you travel.
For in-depth information about Good To Go! accounts, explore MyGoodToGo.com or reach out to their dedicated customer service team at 1-866-936-8246. They can provide personalized assistance and answer any questions you might have.
Understanding Toll Payments Without a Good To Go! Account
If you happen to drive on a Washington toll road without a Good To Go! account, don’t worry. The system will capture a photo of your license plate, and a toll bill will be mailed to the address linked to your vehicle registration with the Department of Licensing. However, it’s important to note that the Pay By Mail toll rate is $2 higher per trip.
It’s generally advised to avoid using third-party bill payment services or apps. These external services may impose extra fees, cause delays in payment processing, and complicate the process if you need customer service assistance regarding your payment. Dealing directly with Good To Go! ensures a smoother and more reliable payment experience.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive a Toll Bill
If you’ve driven on a toll road and haven’t received a toll bill, or if you’ve misplaced your bill, you’ll need to contact customer service at 1-866-936-8246 to obtain your statement ID number. Customer service representatives can use your license plate number and other identifying details to locate your information within their system. They can then assist you with making a payment, disputing a charge, or provide you with the necessary information to manage your bill online at www.MyGoodToGo.com.
Considerations for Paying Toll Bills by Check or eBanking
While paying toll bills by check or through bill pay eBanking services is possible, it’s not recommended without first establishing a Good To Go! account. If you opt for eBanking services, be aware that you might need to update your Customer ID number with each payment you make, as it can change from statement to statement.
When sending payments, adhere to the following guidelines:
- Make Checks Payable To: Good To Go!
- Include Customer ID: Always include the Customer ID number found on your Statement or Notice of Civil Penalty. Each statement has a unique ID, which might have changed since your last payment.
- License Plate Reference: If you don’t have your current Customer ID, you can reference your license plate number instead. If using your license plate, be sure to use the license plate number as it appears on the specific bill you received.
It’s strongly discouraged to use unofficial mobile applications that may charge additional fees for toll payments and Good To Go! account management. To avoid unnecessary charges and ensure secure management of your account, use the official MyGoodToGo.com website directly from your mobile device or computer.
Exploring Good To Go! Pass Options
Good To Go! offers four distinct pass types, each designed to ensure you pay the lowest toll rate on any toll road in Washington. Certain passes are tailored for specific driving needs. For instance, the Flex Pass is perfect for carpoolers, allowing free travel in the I-405 express toll lanes and SR 167 HOT lanes when your vehicle meets the occupancy requirements.
Even without a physical pass, you can still benefit from the savings of a Good To Go! account. However, driving without a pass will result in a small 25-cent additional fee for each toll road trip.
Choosing the Right Pass Type
You can conveniently purchase a Good To Go! pass online at MyGoodToGo.com or by calling their customer service line at 1-866-936-8246. Select retail locations like QFC and Fred Meyer also carry passes, but it’s advisable to call ahead to confirm availability. Note that retail stores typically only stock the sticker pass and Flex Pass.
If you purchase a pass from a retail store, remember to activate it online before using it to ensure it’s properly linked to your account. Installation guides for each pass type are available online to assist with setup.
Pass Features | Sticker Pass $5 plus tax | Flex Pass $15 plus tax | Motorcycle Pass $8 plus tax | License Plate Pass* $12 plus tax |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pay lowest toll rate on every road in WA | X | X | X | X |
Ride a motorcycle for free on I-405/SR 167 | X | |||
Carpool for free on I-405/SR 167 | X | |||
Keep the same pass if you buy a new vehicle | X | X | ||
Works with specialized windshields | X |
*License plate passes: Certain vehicles have windshields containing metal components that can interfere with the signal from standard Good To Go! passes. This is often due to features like heated windshields, infrared light blockers, or advanced driver-assistance systems. However, many of these windshields include a designated area where Good To Go! passes will function correctly. If you suspect your windshield might be causing interference, follow these steps:
- Consult Dealership/Owner’s Manual: Check with your local dealership or your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine if your windshield has a designated area suitable for Good To Go! passes.
- License Plate Pass if No Designated Area: If your windshield lacks a designated area, a license plate pass will be necessary for your vehicle to ensure reliable toll collection.
- Carpooling with License Plate Pass: If you carpool in the I-405 express toll lanes and require a license plate pass, additional steps may be needed to ensure toll-free travel when carpooling. Contact customer service for specific guidance in these situations.
Pass Installation Guides
Detailed installation instructions are provided for each type of Good To Go! pass to ensure proper setup and functionality. Refer to the official Good To Go! website for the most current guides.
Understanding Late Fees, Civil Penalties, and Dispute Processes
It’s crucial to address toll bills promptly. Ignoring them can lead to additional charges. If tolls are not paid by the initial due date, a $5 late fee is applied. Further delay, specifically failing to pay within 80 days, results in a notice of civil penalty of $40 for each unpaid toll. Additionally, the Department of Licensing may place a hold on your vehicle registration until outstanding amounts are settled.
- Late Fee: A $5 late fee is charged for each unpaid bill if it’s not paid in full by the due date.
- Civil Penalty: A $40 civil penalty is issued for each unpaid toll trip if tolls remain unpaid 80 days after the travel date.
- Vehicle Registration Hold: Failure to pay a civil penalty within 20 days can lead to a hold being placed on your vehicle registration, preventing renewal.
- Collections: Unpaid tolls and penalties may be forwarded to a collections agency, potentially incurring additional service fees on top of the original amounts.
Penalty Forgiveness Program
If you’ve received a notice of civil penalty for unpaid tolls, you might be eligible for the penalty forgiveness program. Contact Good To Go! customer service to inquire about a one-time waiver of all outstanding late fees and penalties. Eligibility requires paying the original toll amounts at the time of your request. This is a valuable option to remove accumulated toll road penalties and get your account back on track.
Disputing Toll Charges
If you believe a toll charge is incorrect, you have the option to dispute it online. Most disputes can be resolved within a few days. To initiate a dispute, visit MyGoodToGo.com and have your toll bill readily available, as it contains necessary information for the dispute process.
Valid reasons for disputing a toll include:
- Vehicle Ownership Issues: You did not own the vehicle at the time of the toll, or you sold your car before the toll date. (Requires a Report of Sale with confirmation from the Department of Licensing).
- Vehicle Theft: Your vehicle or license plate was stolen. (Requires a police report).
- Death of Registered Owner: The registered owner of the vehicle has passed away. (Requires a death certificate and legal documentation if you are not the informant).
- No Toll Road Usage: You never drove on a toll road on the date in question.
Please be aware that mistakenly driving on a toll road or someone else driving your vehicle does not exempt you from toll charges as the registered vehicle owner. A comprehensive list of reasons for disputing tolls, fees, or civil penalties is available at MyGoodToGo.com.
Ensure you provide all required documentation when submitting a dispute, as incomplete submissions may be denied.
A dispute form (PDF) is available in multiple languages, linked at the bottom of the page in the Translated Materials section.
Other Potential Fees
Good To Go! does not charge fees for account creation, maintenance, or closure. While paper statements are available for a fee, electronic statements via email are free and commonly used. For complete details on account requirements and regulations, refer to the Terms and Conditions (PDF).
Good To Go! for Visitors and Temporary Use
Good To Go! accounts are exceptionally beneficial for visitors or individuals who only need to use toll roads temporarily. To save money and simplify toll payments during your visit:
- Open a Temporary Account: Create a Good To Go! account and select the option to mark it as temporary.
- Choose Pay As You Go: Opt for the Pay As You Go payment method and link your credit card for automatic toll charges.
- Set Account Closure Date: Specify a date within 90 days for automatic account closure after your visit concludes.
With a temporary account and without needing to purchase a pass, visitors can save $1.75 on each toll compared to paying by mail. This eliminates the need to wait for and manage paper bills.
Keep in mind that while a temporary account provides savings, it does not enable free carpooling in the I-405 express toll lanes or solo use of the SR 167 HOT Lanes.
Tolls and Rental Vehicles
Always review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement regarding toll roads before driving on them. Rental agencies have varying policies, and some may impose additional fees that are beyond the control of Good To Go!. Understanding your rental company’s toll policies is essential to avoid unexpected charges.
Translated Resources
English Dispute Form (PDF 728KB)
How to use Good To Go! (PDF 295KB)
How to open a Good To Go! account (PDF 606KB)
How to open a Good To Go! account from a toll bill (PDF 676KB)
How set up online access for an existing Good To Go! account (PDF 272KB)
Good To Go! Terms & Conditions (PDF 193KB)
Good To Go! ACH Terms & Conditions (PDF 156KB)
عربى نموذجإخطار بالاعتراض على الغراماتالمدنیة (PDF 208KB)
الشروطوالأحكام الخاصة بصاحب الحساب (PDF 305KB)
شرح شروط وأحكام خدمة الشيكات الإلكترونية (PDF 168KB)
电子支票授权Good To Go!条款和条件 (PDF 502KB)
한국어민사금전벌 이의 제기 양식 통지서 (PDF 221KB)
전자 수표 승인 Good To Go! 이용 약관 (PDF 286KB)
РусскийУведомление об административном штрафе: форма оспаривания (PDF 182KB)
Как работает эта система (PDF 182KB)
ПРАВИЛА И УСЛОВИЯ ДЛЯ ВЛАДЕЛЬЦЕВ АККАУНТОВ (PDF 80 KB)
Разрешение на использование электронного чека Условия и положения Good To Go! (PDF 138KB)
Soomaali Wargelinta Foomka Ka Doodida Ciqaabka Madaniga ah (PDF 92KB)
Sida uu nidaamka u shaqeeyo (PDF 275KB)
SHURUUDAHA IYO XEERARKA QOFKA LEH KOONTO (PDF 128KB)
Ogolaanshaha Jeega Elelktarooniga Good To Go! Xeerarka iyo Sharuudaha (PDF 98KB)
EspañolFormulario de notificación de disputa por sanción civil (PDF 96KB)
Cómo funciona el sistema (PDF 285KB)
Cómo abrir una cuenta Good To Go! (PDF 595KB)
Cómo abrir una cuenta Good To Go! desde una factura de peaje (PDF 678KB)
Cómo configurar el acceso en línea para su cuenta Good To Go! (PDF 279KB)
TÉRMINOS Y CONDICIONES PARA EL TITULAR DE LA CUENTA (PDF 125KB)
Autorización de cheques electrónicos Good To Go! Términos y condiciones (PDF 100KB)
Tiếng ViệtMẫu Thông Báo Khiếu Nại Phạt Dân Sự (PDF 215KB)
Cách hoạt động của hệ thống (PDF 200KB)
ĐIỀU KHOẢN VÀ ĐIỀU KIỆN DÀNH CHO CHỦ TÀI KHOẢN (PDF 68KB)
Ủy Quyền Séc Điện Tử Điều Khoản và Điều Kiện của Good To Go! (PDF 144KB)