Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Emissions Inspection Exemption

AFVs powered exclusively by electric, natural gas, and propane vehicles are exempt from state emissions control inspections. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that obtain a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating of at least 50 miles per gallon during city driving are also exempt from these inspections. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 46.16A.060)

Idle Reduction Weight Exemption

A motor vehicle equipped with a fully functional idle reduction system designed to reduce fuel use and emissions from engine idling may exceed the state maximum weight limitations by up to 550 pounds to compensate for the added weight of the idle reduction technology. The vehicle operator must provide written certification of the weight of the technology and demonstrate the technology is fully functional. (Reference Washington Administrative Code 468-38-073)

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Infrastructure and Battery Tax

Public lands used for installing, maintaining, and operating PEV infrastructure are exempt from leasehold excise taxes. Additionally, the state sales and use taxes do not apply to PEV and FCEV batteries or fuel cells; labor and services for installing, repairing, altering, or improving PEV and FCEV batteries or fuel cells and PEV and hydrogen fueling infrastructure; the sale of property used for PEV and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and the sale of zero emission buses. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 82.29A.125, 82.08.816, and 82.12.816)

Biodiesel Feedstock Tax Exemption

Waste vegetable oil, specifically cooking oil gathered from restaurants or commercial food processors, used by an individual to produce biodiesel for personal use is exempt from state sales and use taxes. The purchaser must provide the seller with an exemption certificate from the Washington Department of Revenue. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 82.08.0205 and 82.12.0205)

Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Charging Regulation Exemption

An entity that offers electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to the public for hire may not have their rates, services, facilities or practices regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (Commission). The exemption does not apply if the entity is otherwise subject to Commission jurisdiction as an electrical company, or if an entity's battery charging facilities and services are subsidized by any regulated service. A utility may offer battery charging facilities as a regulated service, subject to Commission approval. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 80.28.320)

Natural Gas Tax Exemptions

Compressed, liquefied, and renewable natural gas used as a transportation fuel are exempt from public utility taxes. In addition, natural gas distribution businesses are eligible for an exemption for machinery and equipment used for the production of natural gas for transportation fuel. This exemption is available quarterly as a remittance. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 82.08.02565 and 82.16.310)

Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption

The retail sales and state use tax of 6.5% does not apply to the sale or lease of new or used passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles that are exclusively powered by an alternative vehicle fuel or are capable of running solely on electricity for at least 30 miles. Eligible alternative fuels are natural gas, propane, hydrogen, and electricity. Vehicles must not have a selling price plus trade-in property value that exceeds $45,000 for new vehicles and $30,000 for used vehicles. The maximum eligible amount for used purchased or leased vehicles is $16,000. The maximum eligible amounts for new purchased or leased vehicles are as follows:

For more information, see the Renewable Energy/Green Incentives section of Washington Department of Revenue's Incentives Programs website.

(Reference Revised Code of Washington 82.12.9999)