Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Labeling Requirement

Every alternative fuel automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor home, or off-road vehicle must bear a reflective placard from the National Fire Protection Association indicating that the vehicle is powered by an alternative fuel. Alternative fuels include propane and natural gas. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 46.37.467)

Biodiesel Storage Regulations

Underground storage tank (UST) regulations apply to all biodiesel blends with the exception of 100% biodiesel (B100). If a UST owner increases the percentage of biofuel in a petroleum UST, they must prove that all UST materials are compatible with that product. UST owners must submit an Alternative Fuel Installation or Conversion Checklist when the percentage of ethanol in gasoline is greater than 10% or the biodiesel percentage in diesel is greater than 20%. For more information, see the Department's Biodiesel in Underground Storage Tanks fact sheet. (Reference Washington Administrative Code 173-360)

Biofuel Blend Dispenser Labeling Requirement

Pumps dispensing ethanol or biodiesel blends must have a label that specifies the percentage of ethanol or biodiesel present in the fuel. Ethanol pumps distributing between 1% and 10% must include a label stating that the fuel "contains up to 10% ethanol" and those distributing blends greater than 10% must be labeled with the capital letter E, followed by the numerical value volume of ethanol and the word "ethanol." Pumps dispensing biodiesel blends of 5% (B5) or less must include a label stating that the fuel "may contain up to five percent biodiesel" and those distributing blends greater than 5% must be labeled with the capital letter B, followed by the numerical value volume of biodiesel and the words "biodiesel" or "biodiesel blend." (Reference Revised Code of Washington 19.112.020, and Washington Administrative Code 16-662-115)

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Charging Signage and Parking Regulations

A public PEV charging station is defined as a public parking space that is served by charging equipment. Public PEV charging stations must have vertical signage that identifies the station and indicates that it is only for PEV charging. The signage must be consistent with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

By 2023, all public PEV charging stations must also display all charges and fees associated with operation. Any person who parks a vehicle in a public PEV charging station parking space and does not connect to the equipment is subject to a fine of $124.

By 2023, the Department of Agriculture must adopt rules requiring electric vehicle service providers (EVSP) to meet interoperability standards and offer multiple payment methods at public PEV charging stations. EVSPs must report inventory and payment information to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory annually. EVSE installed before January 1, 2024 are exempt from the rules until January 1, 2034.

(Reference House Bill 1287, 2021, Senate Bill 5192, 2021, and Revised Code of Washington 46.08.185)

Renewable Natural Gas and Renewable Hydrogen Fuel Sales Regulations

Public utility districts are authorized to sell renewable natural gas and renewable hydrogen to facilities that condense or dispense natural gas or renewable hydrogen for use as a motor fuel. Renewable natural gas is defined as methane gas or other hydrocarbons derived from organic materials. Renewable hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced using renewable resources as the source of the hydrogen and the source for the energy input into the production process. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 54.04.190)

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Fees

EVSE ports are subject to the following annual registration fees:

• $20 per Level 2 port
• $40 per Direct Current (DC) Fast port