Can a Carrier With an Out-of-Service USDOT Number Use a Washington Trip Permit?

Can a Carrier With an Out-of-Service USDOT Number Use a Washington Trip Permit?

Table Of Contents

• Introduction

• What a Washington Trip Permit Does

• What the Law Says About Out-of-Service Carriers

• Penalties for Violating the Rule

• What Out-of-Service Means

• What to Do If Your Carrier Is Out of Service

• Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

• FAQ

Introduction

A Washington Trip Permit is one of the fastest ways to legally move an unregistered vehicle through the state. Many carriers assume it can solve almost any short-term registration problem. There is one situation, however, where Washington law flatly says no: when the motor carrier's USDOT number has been placed out of service.

This guide explains what RCW 46.16A.320 says, the penalties involved, and what a carrier should do if it finds itself in that position.

What a Washington Trip Permit Does

Under RCW 46.16A.320, a vehicle may be operated under a trip permit if it is unregistered for one of the reasons listed in the law, such as expired license tabs or registration that is required but has not been completed.

The key details are:

• Validity: Each permit is valid for three consecutive days, beginning with the day of first use.

• Single vehicle: Each permit authorizes the operation of one vehicle at the maximum legal weight limit for that vehicle.

• Our price: We provide a Washington Trip Permit for $95.

What the Law Says About Out-of-Service Carriers

RCW 46.16A.320(2)(b) states that trip permits may not be used for commercial motor vehicles owned by a motor carrier subject to RCW 46.32.080 "if the motor carrier's department of transportation number has been placed out of service by the Washington state patrol."

In plain terms, if the Washington State Patrol has placed your USDOT number out of service, a Washington Trip Permit cannot be used to keep your commercial trucks moving. The permit is not a workaround for an out-of-service status.

Penalties for Violating the Rule

Washington treats this violation seriously. According to RCW 46.16A.320, a violation of or failure to comply with this subsection is:

• A gross misdemeanor

• Subject to a minimum monetary penalty of $2,500 for the first violation

• Subject to a $5,000 penalty for each subsequent violation

Those amounts are minimums, and repeat violations quickly add up. Using a Washington Trip Permit on a truck from an out-of-service carrier can cost far more than resolving the underlying problem.

What Out-of-Service Means

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration publishes a list of commercial motor carriers it has placed out of service. According to the agency, reasons a carrier may be placed out of service include:

• An imminent safety hazard

• An unpaid civil penalty

• An "unsatisfactory" safety rating

The agency also notes that a carrier whose order has been rescinded is kept on its list for an additional 15 calendar days before being removed.

Keep in mind that the Washington trip permit rule specifically refers to a USDOT number placed out of service by the Washington State Patrol.

What to Do If Your Carrier Is Out of Service

1. Stop Operating the Affected Commercial Vehicles. Do not try to use a Washington Trip Permit to keep running.

2. Find Out Who Issued the Order. Determine whether the out-of-service status came from the Washington State Patrol, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or both.

3. Contact the Right Federal Service Center. For federal out-of-service orders, carriers are directed to contact the appropriate service center:

   • Eastern: (410) 962-0097

   • Midwestern: (708) 283-3577

   • Southern: (404) 562-3600

   • Western: (415) 744-3088

4. Resolve the Underlying Issue. Address the reason for the order, such as an unpaid civil penalty or safety rating.

5. Confirm Your Status Before Ordering a Permit. Once the order is lifted, you can get a permit for any eligible unregistered vehicle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming a trip permit fixes everything. It covers registration gaps, not out-of-service orders.

• Ignoring the penalty structure. Each subsequent violation carries a $5,000 minimum penalty.

• Not checking status first. Verify your USDOT status before dispatching a truck into Washington.

• Using one permit for multiple trucks. Each permit covers a single vehicle.

• Miscounting the days. The permit runs for three consecutive days from the day of first use.

Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

Washington Trucking Online helps carriers get the right Washington Trip Permit quickly and accurately for $95. We review your vehicle details so the permit matches the truck you are moving and the dates you need.

We provide support 24/7, and we also work weekends and holidays, so your trucks are not stuck waiting for office hours.

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FAQ

• Can an out-of-service carrier use a Washington Trip Permit?

  No. RCW 46.16A.320 prohibits using trip permits on commercial motor vehicles of a motor carrier whose USDOT number has been placed out of service by the Washington State Patrol.

• What is the penalty for violating this rule?

  It is a gross misdemeanor with a minimum penalty of $2,500 for the first violation and $5,000 for each subsequent violation.

• How long is a Washington Trip Permit valid?

  Three consecutive days, beginning with the day of first use.

• Does one permit cover more than one truck?

  No. Each permit authorizes the operation of a single vehicle.

• How much does your trip permit cost?

  Our price for a Washington Trip Permit is $95.

• Who do I contact about a federal out-of-service order?

  Carriers are directed to contact the appropriate Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration service center.

For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Licensing.