Driver gets $18,000 toll bridge bill

Elisa Hahn | KING-TV, Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.

Show Caption Hide Caption Driver billed more than $18K for tolls A Seattle-area driver was billed more than $18,000 for unpaid tolls. He knew he should have been using a Good to Go pass during his commute, but he never imagined the penalties would add up to so much.

POULSBO, Wash. -- A Washington man says he is reeling after paying more than $18,000 in bridge tolls owed by his son.

Tom Rose of Poulsbo says his son, who just got his first job, crossed the 520 bridge in Seattle every day for work, but neglected to open a Good To Go pass account to pay the tolls.

"He thought he'd be bill later for it," said Rose."He was living hand to mouth. He thought he ... could save up and pay for them later."

Rose says his son never received a bill. He learned the total of what he owed when he tried to sell his car. The tab was more than $18,000 -- $1,360 in tolls and more than $16,000 in penalties.

When father and son contacted the state's Good To Go office, they were told they could seek recourse before an administrative judge, but it probably wouldn't do them any good.

KING-TV has heard similar stories from other drivers. A class action lawsuit was filed this week, claiming the state Department of Transportation was violating due process.

"They need to pay their tolls. We all need to do our part," Rose said. "But to not have a proper recourse, and not have the administrative process correct, is really an affront. It's almost an abuse."

A state DOT spokesman said they tried to send the bills out to Rose's son, but their letters were returned.

The spokesman said the department is willing to work with Rose's son. He will have to pay the tolls, but officials say they will try to work something out concerning the penalties.

"We would welcome any type of remediation in this. A second look, that would be great," said Rose.