Washington DUI Laws
Washington DUI Defense
What you're facing, what the deadlines are, and the questions your attorney needs to answer — specific to Washington (WA) 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
In Washington, you have 20 days days from your arrest to request an administrative DMV hearing. Miss this deadline and your license suspension goes into effect automatically — even if the criminal case is later dismissed.
First Offense Penalties in Washington
Implied Consent & Test Refusal
Like all 50 states, Washington has an implied consent law — by driving on Washington roads, you've already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're impaired.
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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26 questions your DUI attorney hopes you never ask, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Washington DUI defendants.
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. Consult a Washington-licensed attorney for guidance specific to your case.