Washington DUI Laws

The State of Washington has strict laws for driving under the influence (DUI). In the state of Washington, DUI includes alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, and even some prescription drugs. If you are caught and convicted of DUI in the state of Washington, you could end up in jail for 1 year, license suspension for up to 36 months, and fines up to $5,000. The state of Washington also requires convicted DUI offenders to install an interlock device on all vehicles in the household at the driver’s own expense.

Under Washington’s implied consent law, if you drive a vehicle on any Washington road, you are consenting to a chemical test upon request by any officer of the law. If you refuse, you will lose your license (automatically) for 1 full year.

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of Washington?

In the state of Washington, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Sentence enhancements exist for cases involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher. For minors – drivers under the age of 21, the limit is 0.02%.

In the state of Washington what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of Washington, if you get arrested for DUI, the administrative license suspension time for a first offense is 90 days. Under administrative license suspension, the drivers’ license will be taken before conviction when he either fails or refuses to be tested for alcohol or drugs. During the 90-revocation period, the driver may obtain a limited license after 30 days.

In the state of Washington, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

First DUI offenses in the state of Washington carry a 1-12 month jail sentence, fines ranging from $350 up to $5,000, and your license will be suspended from a minimum 90 days up to a year or more. First DUI convictions in the state of Washington are subject to interlock. Second DUI offenses in the state of Washington will result in jail time ranging from 1-12 months, fines ranging from $500-$5,000, and license suspension for 2 years. Second DUI convictions are also subject to interlock at the driver’s own expense. Please note that the 2-year license suspension applies if the second offense occurs within 7 years of the first. If you are convicted of drunk driving a third time, you will spend a mandatory minimum of 90 days in jail up to 18 months, fines ranging from a minimum $1,000 up to $5,000, interlock, and license suspension for 3 years.