Minimum Driving Age
- Instruction Permit (Learner’s Permit):
- Intermediate Driver License:
- Eligible at 16 years old, after holding an instruction permit for at least 6 months, completing a driver training program, and meeting other requirements.
- Eligible at 16 years old, after holding an instruction permit for at least 6 months, completing a driver training program, and meeting other requirements.
- Full (Unrestricted) License:
- Automatically granted at 18 years old, provided the driver has maintained a clean driving record.
Instruction Permit Rules
- Supervision: Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older, seated in the front passenger seat.
- Holding Period: Must hold the instruction permit for at least 6 months before applying for an intermediate license.
- Practice Hours:
- 50 hours of supervised driving, including:
- 10 hours at night
- 10 hours at night
- 50 hours of supervised driving, including:
- Driving Restrictions:
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 25 or older.
- For the first 6 months, no passengers under 20 years old who are not immediate family members.
- After 6 months, may carry up to 3 passengers under 20 who are not immediate family members.
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 25 or older.
License Types
- Instruction Permit: For practicing with a licensed adult.
- Intermediate Driver License: Allows unsupervised driving with certain restrictions for drivers under 18.
- Full (Unrestricted) License: Full driving privileges granted at 18 years old.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for operating commercial vehicles; must be at least 18 for intrastate and 21 for interstate commerce.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: Required for operating motorcycles; applicants must pass a motorcycle knowledge test and skills test.
Required Documents for Driving
To apply for a permit or license in Washington, applicants must provide:
- Proof of Identity and Date of Birth: Such as a birth certificate or valid passport.
- Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card or approved document.
- Proof of Washington Residency and Current Address: Two documents, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or school transcripts.
- Parental Consent: Required if under 18; parent or guardian must accompany the applicant or provide a notarized signature on the application.
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Children under 2 years old: Must be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
- Children aged 2 to 4: Must be secured in a car seat with a harness (rear or forward-facing).
- Children aged 4 and older: Must use a booster seat until they are 4’9″ tall.
- Children over 4’9″: Must be secured by a properly fitted seat belt.
- Children under 13: Should ride in the back seat when practical.
- Adults (16 and over): Required to wear seatbelts in all seating positions.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Handheld Device Use: Prohibited for all drivers while operating a moving motor vehicle, including when stopped in traffic or at a stoplight.
Distracted Driving | Washington State Patrol
- Hands-Free Use: Permitted for drivers aged 18 and over.
- Drivers with Instruction Permits or Intermediate Licenses: Prohibited from using any wireless communication device while driving, even if it is hands-free, unless in an emergency situation.
DUI Laws
- Legal BAC Limits:
- 21 and over: 0.08%
- Under 21: 0.02%
- 21 and over: 0.08%
- Penalties:
- First Offense:
- Jail Time: Minimum 24 hours (or 15 days of electronic home monitoring)
- Fine: $350–$5,000
- License Suspension: 90 days
- Ignition Interlock Device: Required for at least 1 year
- Jail Time: Minimum 24 hours (or 15 days of electronic home monitoring)
- Second Offense:
- Jail Time: Minimum 30 days (or 60 days of electronic home monitoring)
- Fine: $500–$5,000
- License Suspension: 2 years
- Ignition Interlock Device: Required for at least 1 year
- Jail Time: Minimum 30 days (or 60 days of electronic home monitoring)
- Third or Subsequent Offense:
- Jail Time: Minimum 90 days (or 120 days of electronic home monitoring)
- Fine: $1,000–$5,000
- License Suspension: 3 years
- Ignition Interlock Device: Required for at least 1 year
- Jail Time: Minimum 90 days (or 120 days of electronic home monitoring)
- First Offense:
Speed Limits
- City and Town Streets: 25 mph
- County Roads: 50 mph
- State Highways: 60 mph
- Interstates: Up to 70 mph; certain segments may allow up to 75 mph
Reckless Driving Laws
- Definition: Operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- Penalties:
Points System
- Washington does not use a traditional driver’s license point system.
- However, the state tracks driving violations. Accumulating 6 moving violations within 12 months can lead to license suspension.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability Insurance: Washington requires minimum coverage of:
- Proof of Insurance: Must be carried in the vehicle at all times and presented upon request by law enforcement.
Washington Mandatory Insurance
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal:
- Under 70: Every 6 years
- 70 and over: Every 5 years
- Under 70: Every 6 years
- Vision Test: Required at each renewal.
- Written/Driving Test: May be required if there are medical concerns or after certain violations.
Want to register your ride without the DMV drama?
Let Ride Legal handle the hard part — so you can focus on what moves you.
