The Legislature established a parking permit requirement on certain Department lands (RCW 77.32.380). Implementation of this legislation as the 'Vehicle Use Permit' has generated the following questions.

Why is the Vehicle Use Permit needed? Though Washington is the smallest of the 11 western states, it is the second highest in human population density. This translates into a lot of recreationists wanting increased access to outdoor recreation, especially water access. While Department of Fish and Wildlife sites were developed to support hunting and fishing, new use (jet skiing, picnicking, kayaking, bird watching, hiking, etc.) is increasing. These new users do not financially support access maintenance, yet the maintenance burden increases. Access sites are not maintained at desirable standards. Current funding covers only 34 percent of the need.

What will the money be spent on? As use has increased, so has the routine maintenance burden. Access sites are also targets for illegal dumping and vandalism. The law specifies that Vehicle Use Permit revenue be spent on these problems.

Where are the Vehicle Use Permits required? A Vehicle Use Permit is required on all recreation sites owned by WDFW.

How can I get a Vehicle Use Permit? Permits may be purchased online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, telephone (toll free) 1-866-246-9453, and local license dealers. Permits are no longer sold at WDFW offices.

What does a Vehicle Use Permit cost? Hunters, fishers, and trappers get a Vehicle Use Permit without additional cost, as part of their first annual license purchase excluding the annual shellfish license. Vehicle Use Permits purchased separately cost $10.95 and each additional permit is $5.45. These charges include the transaction fee amounts which are charged to the customer when the permits are issued through the Department of Fish and Wildlife Automated Licensing System. Vehicle Use Permits may designate up to two vehicles for use. Permits must be placed in full view from outside the vehicle and have the license plate number of the vehicle written in the space provided on the permit itself. Permits come in the form of a decal and may be placed on the back window of a vehicle if you choose to use this method of display you will not have the option of designating a second vehicle.

What if I want to use Department lands but do not need a hunting or fishing license? There are two options. If you wish, you may purchase a Vehicle Use Permit as a stand-alone license transaction. Proceeds from the sales of vehicle use permits are dedicated to the maintenance of WDFW access sites. Many recreationalists prefer to make a larger contribution to fish and wildlife stewardship projects. For these individuals, the Watchable Wildlife Decal package would be a better option. Decal packages cost $30.00 and include a decorative Watchable Wildlife decal; a Vehicle Use Permit; a subscription to WDFW's biannual newsletter, Crossing Paths with Wildlife; and Joe La Tourrette's Washington Wildlife Viewing Guide. Funds from sales of the Decal Packages are used to maintain and enhance wildlife areas, and to support the development of sustainable wildlife viewing opportunities across the state. For more information, please contact Mike O'Malley, Watchable Wildlife Program Manager, at omallmfo@dfw.wa.gov.

How will the Vehicle Use Permit requirement be enforced? The Department will focus on the need to inform as well as enforce the law. Non-compliant customers contacted at access sites will be given a $66 fine.

What is the penalty for not having a Vehicle Use Permit? The law reduced the penalty from a misdemeanor to an infraction making a violation equivalent to a parking ticket. The law sets the fine at $66 (versus the $10.95 Vehicle Use Permit cost). This penalty can be reduced to $30 if the registered vehicle owner provides proof to the court that he or she purchased a Vehicle Use Permit within 15 days after the issuance of the notice of the violation.

What are you doing to tell the public about this license requirement? Besides this website, signs are posted at the most popular sites. WDFW staff are attending boat and sport shows handing out information and answering questions. Information is being published in WDFW regulation pamphlets.

What, exactly, is a Vehicle Use Permit good for? Parking on or using all access sites owned by the Department, where a Vehicle Use Permit will be required. The Vehicle Use Permit is good for all people traveling in that vehicle. Each vehicle parking at a signed site is required to have a Vehicle Use Permit (except youth groups).

Are there any exceptions to the Vehicle Use Permit requirement? Yes. The law specifies that youth groups may use access sites without having a Vehicle Use Permit "when accompanied by a vehicle use permit holder." The law also exempts the Department's parking facilities at the Columbia Gorge Concert Center. The Department will also occasionally temporarily suspend the requirement for special circumstances (e.g., Free Fishing Weekend, educational events).

Why don't I get a Vehicle Use Permit with a 2-day or shellfish/seaweed license? The fees for these licenses are less than the $10.95 fee for buying a Vehicle Use Permit alone.