(1) Nothing in these rules limits the department's authority to enforce RCW 49.46.200 through 49.46.350, or associated rules, as otherwise provided under Title 49 RCW.

(2)(a) A transportation network company that qualifies under (b) of this subsection may seek a temporary variance on the requirements for an accessible system or a communication system under this chapter by submitting a written application to the director.

(b) A transportation network company who provides less than 1,000,000 dispatched trips within the state in the preceding calendar year qualifies for the variance in this section. Separate entities that form an integrated enterprise shall be considered a single transportation network company under this rule as provided by RCW 49.46.300 (3)(b).

(c) This variance is limited to the requirements to use an accessible system or a communication system to communicate with drivers. The variance does not change the transportation network company's obligations to provide all notices, receipts, paid sick time balances and any other communications required by chapter 49.46 RCW and associated rules to the driver in an electronic format that is readily accessible through either a smartphone application or an online web portal.

(d) A written application for a variance must contain the following:

(i) A description of the specific requirements the qualifying transportation network company seeks to delay;

(ii) Reasons for the variance request, including good cause for the delayed implementation of the requirements for an accessible system or a communication system being sought;

(iii) The length of delay being sought for the requirement(s) and a timeline showing how the transportation network company plans to come into compliance with the applicable requirements of this chapter;

(iv) An explanation of how the transportation network company will ensure drivers are provided the required notifications under this chapter during the variance period; and

(v) Evidence confirming that the transportation network company qualifies under this subsection.

(e) After reviewing the application, the director may grant a temporary variance to remain valid for up to one year if the director determines that the transportation network company meets the requirements of this section, will ensure that drivers are being provided all required notices under this chapter during the variance period, and has established good cause. The director will take into consideration the timeline provided in the variance application in determining the length of the variance.

(f) "Good cause" means the transportation network company can establish that it is infeasible for the company to come into full compliance with the requirements for the use of an accessible system or a communication system within the necessary time frame.

(g) The director may revoke or terminate the variance order at any time, upon at least 30 days' notice to the transportation network company.

(h) Upon further request by a transportation network company, the director may approve an extension of the variance for up to an additional year. An extension request must contain the information outlined in (d) of this subsection.

(i) If a transportation network company obtains a variance under these rules, within 15 days of being granted the variance the transportation network company must provide drivers notice indicating how they will be receiving the required notifications under this chapter. The transportation network company must make this information readily available to all drivers.