Restricted Driver Licenses
If your driving privilege in Washington is currently suspended or revoked, you may be eligible for a temporary restricted driver license. After applying for a Restricted Driver License, a specialist will evaluate your driving record and determine which of the following types of license you qualify for.
• Ignition Interlock License (IIL) – Allows you to drive vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device while your driving privilege is suspended or revoked for a drug or alcohol- related offense.
• Occupational/Restricted Driver License (ORL) – Allows
you to drive to work, school, court ordered services, continuing healthcare, continuing support of a dependent, or employment programs.
Both restricted licenses may be restricted to certain times of the day, specific areas, days of the week, or vehicles that can be driven. Applications are accepted at your local driver licensing offices, and will require a non-refundable fee to apply. To help determine requirements and eligibility visit our website at www.dol.wa.gov.
Alcohol/Drug-related offenses appear on your driving record for life. If found guilty in court of driving impaired and it is your first conviction, you may be fined up to $5,000 plus court costs and other penalties. You could also be sentenced from 1 to 365 days in jail and your license could be suspended or revoked for 90 days to two years. Prior convictions of alcohol violations can result in other penalties, including 150 days of home detention and license suspension or revocation of up to four years.
Other possible penalties include:
• required proof of insurance (filing an SR22),
• license reapplication, knowledge and skill testing, and the appropriate reissue fee,
• seizure and loss of your vehicle, and 5-10
• use of an ignition interlock device for up to 10 or more years. An additional six months will be required if you have a passenger under 16 at the time of arrest. A DUI that
has been reduced to reckless driving and/or convictions of negligent driving in the first degree may carry a six month ignition interlock requirement.
Under the "Open Container Law" it is a traffic infraction:
• to drink any alcoholic beverage or consume marijuana in any manner in a motor vehicle upon a highway.
• for a person in a motor vehicle upon a highway to possess any container with an alcoholic beverage if the container has been opened or a seal broken or the contents partially removed.
• to incorrectly label the original container of an alcoholic beverage or marijuana or place an alcoholic beverage or marijuana in a container labeled as containing a nonalcoholic beverage or non-marijuana substance or to be in possession of such a container.
• for the registered owner or driver to keep an open container of an alcoholic beverage or marijuana in a vehicle on a highway, unless it is in an area not normally occupied by the driver or passengers. The container cannot be kept in any accessible storage compartment.
There are certain exceptions which apply to the living quarters of motor homes and campers.
Probationary Licenses
If convicted of driving or being in physical control of a
vehicle while under the influence or are granted a deferred prosecution, a probationary license will be required for five years. In addition to regular licensing fees, the probationary license fee is collected at issuance and again at time of renewal.
Deferred Prosecution
When charged with DUI, and if you suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental problems, you may be eligible for deferred prosecution. You can only use the deferred prosecution program once in your lifetime.
If eligible, your DUI conviction is postponed while you complete an approved alcohol/drug or mental health program. You also have to meet certain licensing and court-ordered requirements which can include use of an ignition interlock, proof of liability insurance, and other requirements. When you have completed your treatment and have met all court ordered requirements, the DUI charges are dismissed.
Juvenile Alcohol/Drug/Firearms Violations
If you are age 13 through 17 and convicted of a first alcohol or firearm violation, or age 13 through 20 and convicted of a first drug violation, your driving privilege will be revoked for one year or until age 17, whichever is longer.
For a second offense your driving privilege will be revoked for two years, or until age 18, whichever is longer.
You will not be able to obtain a license/ instruction permit or take driver education during the revocation period. When you are eligible to reinstate your driving privilege, you must take the written and drive tests. You will also need to pay a reissue fee in addition to the usual testing and licensing fees. Parental consent will be needed if you are still under age 18.
Health
Many health problems can affect your driving – a bad cold, infection, or virus. Even little problems like a stiff neck, a cough, or a sore leg can affect your driving. If you are not feeling well and need to go somewhere, let someone else drive.
