It’s easy to take having a valid Washington driver’s license for granted. You feel free to get behind the wheel and get where you need to go. But, what happens when you lose your license and thus your driving privileges?
When your Washington driver’s license is suspended, you may feel trapped (literally and figuratively). You find yourself stuck without easy access to the necessary transportation to get around. You rely on friends and family to get to and from work and social events or turn to public transportation and rideshare more often.
Thankfully, there are legal pathways to restoring your driving privileges in the state of Washington—these pathways are just dependent on how bad the offense is and how knowledgeable your attorney is.
What Would Cause a License Suspension in Washington?
There are numerous causes for losing your license. Most of them are tied to actions on the roads such as repeat traffic infractions or refusing to pay a ticket or fines levied against you by law enforcement. But, it doesn’t end there.
In Washington, you can also lose your license for additional reasons, including:
- Having a conviction for DUI
- Failing to pay child support
- Violating a probation order
- Certain types of fraud
- Stealing motor vehicle fuel
- Leaving your child in a running vehicle two or more times
The process of restoring your license varies depending on each of these violations and the level of the violation. Ideally, a proactive defense would prevent you from ever having these issues but you need an experienced Washington defense attorney regardless of whether you’ve already had your license suspended or are at risk.
Levels of License Suspension in Washington
There are three levels of license suspension in Washington: Suspended First Degree, Suspended Second Degree, and Suspended Third Degree.
Suspended License First Degree: This occurs when you are considered to be a “Habitual Traffic Offender” (HTO) after either three major violations defined by RCW 46.65.020(1) or twenty moving violations defined by WAC 308-104-160. This is the most severe type, with license suspension lasting seven years.
Suspended License Second Degree: Second-degree license suspension is typically the automatic level applied to certain serious offenses such as a DUI. The time periods of a second-degree license suspension in Washington vary depending on the offense. For example, a first DUI offense is typically 90 days and a hit-and-run of an occupied vehicle is typically one year.
Suspended License Third Degree: This type of suspension is the lightest and easiest to remedy. Offenses in this category typically result in an indefinite suspension with the opportunity to apply for reinstatement at any time. This is the type of suspension that applies for failing to pay fines or child support, with the remedy being paying your bills.
Regardless of the level of your suspension, it’s important to conduct yourself properly and avoid any additional offenses. Some people ask “Should I drive on a suspended license in Washington?” and the answer is unequivocally no. You should never drive on a suspended license in Washington (and that suspension crosses state lines into Oregon, so driving south won’t grant you freedom).
Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney in WashingtonWhenever you are facing a license suspension in Washington state, it’s imperative that you talk to an attorney. This is a privilege that our society heavily relies on. Losing it can feel daunting. Don’t let the issue compound by getting behind the wheel with a suspended license. Instead, contact NG Law Firm today to get your license reinstated.
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