Driving gets more expensive due to fee increases

OLYMPIA – As if high fuel prices were not enough, it’s now more expensive to drive or get an official state identification.

As of July 1, motorists and residents were hit with numerous fee increases as a result of Senate Bill 5974.

The following fees increased:

· New license plate fee – Increased from $10 to $50; a 400% increase.

· Replacement license plate fee – Increased from $10 to $30; a 200% increase.

· New motorcycle license plate fee – Increased from $4 to $200; a 400% INCREASE.

· Replacement motorcycle license plate fee – Increased from $4 to $12; a 200% increase.

· Dealer temporary vehicle license fee – Increased from $15 to $40; a 166% percent increase.

· Stolen vehicle check fee – increased from $15 to $50; a 234% increase.

And more increases are coming this year.

Under the bill, the following fee increases are set to be implemented Oct. 1:

· 6-Year enhanced drivers license or ID card – Increasing from $24 to $42; a 75% increase.

· 8-Year enhanced drivers license or ID card – Increasing from $32 to $56; a 75% increase.

· Updated drivers license photo – Increasing from$10 to $20 a 100% increase.

The fee increases with being a licensed driver in Washington state as fuel prices continue to soar statewide.

According to GasBuddy.com, the average price for gas in Washington State on Monday, July 11, was $5.324 per gallon for regular gasoline.

The average in Adams and Lincoln counties was $5.317, while the average in Franklin County was $5.113, Spokane County was $5.081 and Whitman County was $5.330.

Several area gas stations were selling fuel for $4.99 per gallon, including:

· Ritzville – Circle K, 102 W. Galbreath Way; Chevron, 101 W. Galbreath Way; Texaco, 1508 W. First St.; and Love’s Travel Stop, 1370 N. Highway 261.

· Sprague – Big B Truck Stop, 208 N. Durry Road.

· In Othello, the lowest reported price was $5.09 per gallon at both Conoco, 860 E. Main St., and 76, 565 E. Main St.