Green Driver State Incentives in Washington
Washington entices locals to go green with numerous money-saving green driver incentives. These eco-friendly perks include emissions test exemptions for electric vehicles, hybrids, and other fuel-efficient vehicles, state and federal tax incentives, auto insurance discounts, and more.
These incentives and related green vehicle laws are subject to change. Refer to the content below, your local Washington Department of Licensing branch , and the government's Alternative Fuels Data Center to keep pace with the latest.
On January 2, 2020, the state of Washington ended its requirement for vehicle emissions inspections prior to registration and/or renewal. The clean air program begun in 1982 had a projected end date of 2020—as the state has confirmed a significant improvement in air quality, the program is no longer needed.
For more information, head over to the Washington Department of Ecology's announcement.
WA Auto Insurance Discounts for Eco-Friendly Driving and Green Vehicles
You might be eligible for an auto insurance discount if your Washington car insurance company rewards green driving habits and/or driving a fuel-efficient vehicle. Consult your auto insurance provider about potential green vehicle discounts such as:
- Hybrid auto discounts.
- Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) discounts.
- Economy car discounts.
- Low-mileage discounts.
- Pay as you drive discounts.
Auto insurance discounts vary by provider and circumstances. For example, you might receive a 10% discount on car insurance for owning or leasing a hybrid car, while maintaining low mileage can earn you up to a 30% auto insurance discount.
If your current Washington auto insurance carrier doesn't offer such insurance rate discounts, find one that does. Compare auto insurance rates online and save some green for going green.
State and Federal Tax Incentives
Washington taxpayers can save even more with tax incentives offered by the State and federal government. Read on for specifics.
New and Used Clean Alternative Fuel Vehicle Tax Exemptions
Washington exempts the following new and used-and-converted vehicles that run on clean alternative fuels from state motor vehicle sales use taxes:
- Passenger cars.
- Light-duty trucks.
- Medium-duty passenger vehicles.
For the purpose of these tax exemptions, clean alternative fuel means electricity, hydrogen, natural gas, or propane when used to power a motor vehicle that both:
- Meet California motor vehicle emissions standards (Title 13 of the CA Code of Regulations).
- Comply with Washington Department of Ecology rules.
Note that you can only take advantage of these sales and use tax exemptions. For more, refer to the Revised Code of Washington (82.08.809).
Washington Natural Gas Tax Exemptions
Washington exempts new passenger cars, light duty trucks, and medium duty passenger vehicles using compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the following taxes if the vehicle was purchased for $35,000 or less:
Also note that natural gas distribution businesses can take advantage of a tax exemption for machinery and equipment used to produce CNG and LNG for transportation fuel.
For more on natural gas tax exemptions, refer to the AFDC and the Revised Code of Washington.
Federal Tax Credits for Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Owners
Federal tax credits offer new fuel-efficient car buyers yet another reason to switch to eco-friendly vehicles. You might qualify for tax credits offered by the federal government if you purchase:
- Electric cars (EV).
- Hybrids.
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEV).
- Diesels.
- Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV).
To find out if you're eligible, check out fueleconomy.gov.
Idle Reduction Technology Weight Exemption
Washington grants a weight exemption for vehicles equipped with idle reduction technology. Specifically, if this equipment is designed to cut back on fuel usage and engine-idling emissions, Washington exempts up to 400 pounds in total gross, axle, tandem, or bridge formula weight.
To take advantage of the weight exemption, you (as the operator) must be able to prove:
- The weight of your idle reduction technology (by written certification),
- That your idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times (either by demonstration or certification).
For further details, refer to Washington Administrative Code (468-38-073).
