{"id":377091,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-dui-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-01-02T12:33:16","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T17:33:16","slug":"washington-dui-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-dui-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington DUI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Washington DUI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Public safety is an essential task in the state of Washington. To protect its citizens, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or other intoxicants, including cannabis and prescription drugs, is a serious offense in Washington.<\/p>\r\n

At least 32% of fatal car accidents<\/a> in the state involve a driver under the influence of alcohol. In response, Washington has strengthened its DUI laws and has specially trained police officers to watch for impaired drivers.<\/p>\r\n

While Washington imposes stiff penalties on DUIs, they also require that you undergo an assessment. If you need substance abuse treatment, the court can ensure you find the appropriate program.<\/p>\r\n

Learn more about Washington’s DUI laws below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

"Per Se" BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.02%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.15%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied Consent<\/a> to Submit to BAC Test?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
 <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Select Penalties<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

Minimum License Suspension or Revocation<\/a> (1st, 2nd, 3rd offense)<\/td>\r\n90 days \/ 2 years \/ 3 years<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory Alcohol Education, or Assessment and Treatment<\/a><\/td>\r\nBoth<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle Confiscation<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition Interlock Device<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Disclaimer: <\/b>State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, ballot initiatives, rulings in the higher courts, including federal decisions, and by other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Washington DUI Law<\/h2>\r\n

It is illegal in the state of Washington to drive or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of:<\/p>\r\n