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Washington (WA) - State Requirements for Ignition Interlock Devices

The Washington 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.

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?

Anyone arrested on suspicion of DUI will have their license suspended and they must request a hearing within seven days in order to possibly avoid a longer suspension. Those convicted of DUI face a longer suspension along with other penalties. The specific penalties a driver receives may vary depending on the circumstances of their offense.

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

  • 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

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 a Washington-approved ignition interlock device 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