The commission may, with or without a hearing, issue temporary certificates to operate under this chapter, but only after it finds that the issuance of the temporary certificate is necessary due to an immediate and urgent need and is otherwise consistent with the public interest. The certificate may be issued for a period of up to one hundred eighty days. The commission may prescribe such special rules and impose special terms and conditions on the granting of the certificate as in its judgment are reasonable and necessary in carrying out this chapter. The commission shall collect a filing fee, not to exceed two hundred dollars, for each application for a temporary certificate. The commission shall not issue a temporary certificate to operate on a route for which a certificate has been issued or for which an application by another commercial ferry operator is pending.

During a state of emergency declared under RCW 43.06.010(12), the governor may waive or suspend the operation or enforcement of this section or any portion of this section or under any administrative rule, and issue any orders to facilitate the operation of state or local government or to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.

Part headings not law—2008 c 181: See note following RCW 43.06.220.