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Washington DUI Laws

DUI Defense in Washington

Statutes, Penalties, and Defense Strategies

What you are facing, the deadlines that bind you, and the questions an attorney needs to answer — under Washington (WA) DUI law.

BAC Limit

0.08

Enhanced BAC

0.15

Higher penalties above this

Lookback Period

7 years

Prior offenses count within

⚠

20 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline

Washington gives you 20 days days from the arrest to ask for a DMV hearing. This is the

administrative hearing

Plain language

A DMV review of the license suspension — separate from the criminal court case, with its own paperwork and deadline.

that decides the license suspension. Miss the deadline and the suspension starts on its own, even if the criminal case ends in dismissal later.

First Offense Penalties in Washington

Jail TimeUp to 364 days (mandatory 24 hours if BAC 0.15+)
Fines$940 – $5,000
License Suspension90 days
Ignition Interlock

Plain language

A breath-tester wired into the car ignition. The car will not start without a clean sample.

Required for 1 year

Implied Consent and Test Refusal

Washington has an

implied consent law

Plain language

By driving on the state's roads, you have already agreed to a chemical test if an officer has probable cause to think you are impaired.

like every state. The test can be breath, blood, or urine. Refusing carries its own penalty, listed below.

Refusal Penalty

1-year license revocation

Washington-Specific Detail

Washington has among the highest base fines for first-offense DUI ($940 minimum). The state's 20-day DOL hearing request window is unique. Washington also requires a mandatory alcohol/drug assessment.

Is your Washington DUI defense on track?

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DUI Defense Playbook — $127

26 questions that change how your next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Washington DUI defendants.

Get the DUI Playbook — $127Read the Free DUI Guide

Other Washington defense topics

Facing a different charge in Washington? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:

Drug Possession in WashingtonAssault in WashingtonDomestic Violence in Washington

Important: This page provides general legal information about Washington DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a Washington-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.