Washington Requirements
Washington’s DUI laws are aimed at anyone who chooses to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even some legal prescription drugs. This guide will go over the Washington interlock policy and how it works.
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The WA Ignition Interlock Program
The legal alcohol limit is .08 percent BAC, and drivers found to be at or above this limit may be arrested for DUI. Washington state has two separate license suspensions for DUI arrests and for DUI convictions. Those arrested for DUI will have their license suspended unless they request a hearing within 7 days of the arrest. If the hearing examiner decides in their favor, their license will not be suspended. If the offender doesn’t request a hearing, or the hearing examiner does not rule in their favor, the license could be suspended for 90 days to 2 years. Convicted offenders risk a license suspension of 90 days to 4 years, with credit given for any suspension time stemming from the arrest.Washington allows some offenders to regain driving privileges with an Ignition Interlock License (IIL). This license requires the driver to install an ignition interlock in their vehicle from an approved provider, like Intoxalock. The approved provider will share testing data from the IID with the appropriate state monitoring authorities.
What Happens if I Get a DUI in Washington?
First DUI Offense
- Jail term of one to 364 days
- In lieu of jail time, the offender may be able to serve 15 days of house arrest or 90 days in the state’s 24/7 sobriety program
- Fines of $350 to $5,000
- Must undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow through with any recommended treatment or education plan
- License suspended for 90 days, or two days if the offender enrolls in the 24/7 sobriety program for 90 days
- May be required to attend a Victim Impact Panel
- May be required to install an approved ignition interlock device for one year to obtain an Ignition Interlock License and regain driving privileges
- If the offender has a BAC higher than .15%, the offender could have fines of $500 to $5,000, plus one of the following: jail time of two to 364 days, 30 days of house arrest, or 120 days in the 24/7 sobriety program
Second DUI Offense (Within 7 Years)
- Jail sentence of 30 to 364 days
- In lieu of jail time, the offender may be able to serve four days in jail followed by 180 days of house arrest or 120 days in the 24/7 sobriety program
- Fines of $500 to $5,000
- Must undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow through with any recommended treatment or education plan
- May be required to attend a Victim Impact Panel
- License suspended for two years, or one year if offender enrolls in the 24/7 sobriety program for six months
- May be required to install an approved ignition interlock device to obtain an Ignition Interlock License and regain driving privileges
- If the offender has a BAC higher than .15%, the offender could have fines of $750 to $5,000, plus one of the following: jail time of 45 to 364 days, six months of house arrest, or 120 days in the 24/7 sobriety program
Third DUI Offense
- Jail sentence of 90 to 364 days
- Fines of $1,000 to $5,000
- 20 days of electronic home monitoring. In lieu of jail time, a judge can order 360 days of electronic home monitoring and submission to a 24/7 sobriety program
- License revoked for three years or four years if the driver’s BAC is higher than .15%
- Must undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow through with any recommended treatment or education plan
- May be required to attend a Victim Impact Panel
- If the offender has a BAC higher than .15%, the offender could have fines of $1,500 to $10,000, plus jail time of 120 to 364 days, 150 days of house arrest, and six months in the 24/7 sobriety program
What happens if I Fail to Complete or Refuse to Submit to a DUI Test in Washington?
There are still consequences for those who refuse a breathalyzer or other type of test to determine BAC. In Washington, any driver who refuses a test will have their license revoked for two years for a first offense, three years for a second offense, and four years for a third offense.
How Do I Regain Driving Privileges in Washington?
Some Washington drivers are able to regain their driving privileges after a DUI arrest or conviction by applying for an Ignition Interlock License. These licenses require offenders to meet a variety of criteria, including installing an ignition interlock device from an approved provider. In addition, offenders may need to:
- Show they hold a valid, unexpired Washington state license or valid out of state license
- Prove they did not have a minor in the vehicle at the time of the offense and have no prior suspensions on record
- Pay fines and complete any required obligations handed down by the court
- Install an ignition interlock from a Washington-approved provider and share the proof of installation paperwork with the Washington State Department of Licensing
- Show proof of required insurance coverage with an SR-22 certificate
- Submit a Restricted Driver’s application online or in person, with the required fee
- If approved, drivers will receive a temporary paper copy of their IIL, and a permanent copy later by mail
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Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you in the next few minutes to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you during business hours to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
The Process: What to Expect
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Consult with Legal Counsel
Seek guidance from a DUI lawyer to understand your legal options and rights following a DUI violation.
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Get an Assessment
Complete a court-ordered or voluntary assessment to evaluate your risk level and determine any required interventions.
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Obtain Proof of SR-22 Insurance, If Required
If applicable, provide proof of financial responsibility and insurance coverage with an SR-22 certificate.
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Schedule Interlock Install
Speak to our State Specialists to schedule your IID installation to meet court or state requirements.
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Regular Monitoring
Your ignition interlock usage will be regularly monitored to maintain compliance with legal requirements.
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Device Removal
After fulfilling your IID requirement and receiving approval from your monitoring authority, you can arrange to have your ignition interlock device removed at your local service center.
Interlock Cost in Washington
Expert DUI Attorneys in Washington
Adam Paczkowski Attorney at Law
Shelton, WA 98584
Johnson & Johnson Law Firm
Kennewick, WA 99336
Law Offices of Aaron M. Lukoff & Associates, PLLC
Bellingham, WA 98225
Reitsch, Weston & Blondin
Longview, WA 98632
Washington FAQs
An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer that is installed in your vehicle to prevent drinking and driving. It is made up of a mouthpiece, a handheld unit and a cord that attaches to your vehicle’s ignition system. You are required to blow into the mouthpiece to test your Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) before starting your car. For more information see our what is an interlock page.
To view Washington IID requirements, please visit the Washington state page.
For pricing information, see Washington pricing.
Please visit the Washington state page to learn what steps you need to take to get back on the road.
To learn more about the steps to regaining your license, please visit our Washington state page.
To find the Washington Intoxalock service center closest to you, please visit our Washington ignition interlock installation locations page.
The only way to confirm you are eligible to remove the device is to check with your monitoring authority.
Contact your monitoring authority to ensure you are eligible for removal.
Please visit the Washington state page to learn about other DUI requirements.
For pricing information see the Washington pricing page.
To find a DUI attorney in Washington, please visit Intoxalock’s Washington DUI partners page.
To find a treatment center, please visit Intoxalock’s Washington treatment centers page.
To see how an ignition interlock device works, visit our ignition interlock page and watch our video demonstrating how to use the device.
To learn more about ignition interlock information, please visit our ignition interlock device page.
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The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.
