WA DUI License Suspension Lengths | A Step-by-Step Guide
- Dharmendar SRIRAMOJU
- Jul 17
- 5 min read
How long can my License be suspended after a DUI in Washington?
In Washington, a DUI can result in a license suspension ranging from 90 days to several years, depending on two separate processes: an administrative suspension by the Department of Licensing (DOL) and a criminal suspension imposed by the court upon conviction.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from the moment of your arrest to regaining your driving privileges. We will cover the exact suspension periods, critical deadlines you cannot miss, and the steps you need to take to get back on the road legally.
To protect your rights and driving privileges, contact Washington DUI attorney Lyliane Couture immediately to discuss the specifics of your case.
Step 1: Understand the Two Types of Suspensions (DOL vs. Court)
A DUI arrest triggers two separate legal actions against a driver's license, which often confuses people. One action is administrative, handled by the Department of Licensing. The other is criminal, handled by the courts as part of the DUI case. These two processes are independent, and a driver must address both.
For maximum clarity, here is a comparison of the two types of suspensions:
Factor | Administrative Suspension (DOL) | Criminal Suspension (Court) |
Triggered By | The DUI arrest itself (BAC greater than .08 or refusing a breath test). | A conviction for the DUI charge in criminal court. |
Who Imposes It? | The Washington Dept of Licensing (DOL). | The judge presiding over your criminal case. |
When It Starts | Automatically, 30 days after your arrest, unless you challenge it. | 45 days after the court notifies the DOL of your conviction. |
How to Fight It | By requesting a DOL hearing within 7 days of your arrest. | By fighting the DUI charge in court. |
For more information directly from the Department of Licensing, you can visit the official Washington DOL page on DUI suspensions.
Step 2: Calculate Your Potential Suspension Length
The exact length of a license suspension depends on a driver's history of prior offenses within the last seven years and the results of any blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) test. The following table provides a comprehensive overview of potential suspension periods from both the DOL and the court.
Offense (in 7 years) | BAC Level / Test Refusal | Administrative Suspension (DOL) | Criminal Suspension (Court) |
1st Offense | BAC < .15 | 90 Days | 90 Days |
BAC ≥ .15 | 90 days | 1 Year | |
Refused Test | 1 Year | 2 Years | |
2nd Offense | BAC < .15 | 2 Years | 2 Years |
BAC ≥ .15 | 2 Years | 900 Days (2.5 years) | |
Refused Test | 2 Years | 3 Years | |
3rd+ Offense | BAC < .15 | 2 years | 3 Years |
BAC ≥ .15 | 2 Years | 4 Years | |
Refused Test | 2 Years | 4 Years |
These periods are defined by Washington state law. For further details, one can refer to the relevant Washington statutes, including RCW 46.61.5055 and RCW 46.20.3101.
Step 3: Your Critical Timeline (The First 30 Days)
After a DUI arrest, a driver faces several time-sensitive tasks. Missing these deadlines can result in an automatic license suspension and the loss of the right to challenge it.
Day 1 (Day of Arrest): The driver will be given a "Request for DOL Hearing" form. This is the most important document received at the time of arrest regarding driving privileges. (This could be in your property if you are released from jail.)
Days 1-7: CRITICAL DEADLINE. A driver has only seven calendar days to mail the hearing request form and the $375 fee to the DOL to challenge the administrative suspension.
The next business day: The driver may have an arraignment before the judge where a not-guilty plea will be entered, along with conditions of release, which could include installation of an ignition interlock.
Within 14 days: If you didn’t have court the next business day, the driver will receive a summons for an arraignment, which is the first court date for the separate criminal charge.
Day 30: If a hearing was not requested (or if the hearing is lost), the administrative license suspension will begin on the 30th day after the arrest.
Step 4: Can I Drive During My Suspension? The Ignition Interlock License (IIL)
A common question is whether it's possible to drive legally while a license is suspended. In many cases, the answer is yes, through an Ignition Interlock License (IIL).
What is an IIL? An IIL is a restricted license that allows a person to drive a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device during their suspension period. The device requires the driver to provide a clean breath sample before the car will start.
Who is eligible? Most drivers suspended for a DUI are eligible to apply for an IIL.
To apply for an IIL, a driver must complete the following steps:
[ ] Obtain proof of SR-22 insurance. We recommend www.vernfonk.com.
[ ] Have an ignition interlock device installed by a state-certified vendor. We recommend Smartstartinc.com
[ ] Submit the IIL application to the DOL by certified mail.
[ ] Pay the $375 application fee.
The official application and further information can be found on the DOL's Ignition Interlock License page.
Step 5: How to Reinstate Your License (A Step-by-Step Checklist)
Once the suspension period is over, the license is not automatically reinstated. A driver must complete several steps to regain their driving privileges.
Serve the Full Suspension Period: Reinstatement cannot begin until the full duration of the suspension has been served.
Satisfy Court Requirements: Complete a drug and alcohol evaluation and complete all treatment requirements (like a Victim Impact Panel and alcohol/drug treatment), clear any warrants, and pay unpaid traffic tickets.
Examinations: Pass the personal drivers license exam, if required.
SR-22 Insurance: The driver must have a valid SR-22 "high-risk" insurance policy on file with the DOL.
Ignition Interlock: Request that your ignition interlock provider send a compliance review to DOL stating that you completed your suspension without any violations.
Pay the DOL Reinstatement Fee: A separate license reinstatement fee must be paid directly to the Department of Licensing.
Receive Confirmation: After all requirements are met and processed, the driver must wait for the DOL to officially update their license status to "Valid" before driving again. Alternatively, you can visit the DOL office to obtain a new driver’s license.
Bonus Section: What if I Were Offered a Deferred Prosecution?
In some DUI cases, a driver may be offered a "deferred prosecution." This is a complex but important scenario that directly impacts licensing. A deferred prosecution is an intensive, five-year program that requires completing significant alcohol or drug treatment. If the driver completes all conditions of the program, the criminal DUI charge is dismissed.
While a deferred prosecution avoids a criminal conviction and the criminal license suspension, the driver must still address the administrative (DOL) suspension that may have been triggered by the arrest itself. Additionally, as a condition of the deferred program, the driver will be required to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed in their vehicle for a specified period, ranging from 1 to 10 years.
Conclusion
Facing a DUI is complex, and the consequences are serious. The most critical takeaways are understanding that there are two separate suspension processes (court and DOL), that there is a non-negotiable 7-day deadline to challenge the administrative suspension, and that an Ignition Interlock License is an option for continuing to drive a personal vehicle legally.
The information here is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice. To protect your rights and driving privileges, contact Washington DUI attorney Lyliane Couture immediately to avoid a license suspension and discuss the specifics of your case.
