Washington's Violation System

Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) does not operate under a so-called point system. However, there are penalties, including license suspension and revocation, for repeat speeding tickets or other violations that exhibit a pattern of unsafe driving.

Washington's drivers must comply with the rules and regulations of the state's streets, roads, and highways. Information on the laws that govern Washington's drivers and vehicles is available in the state's driver handbook, which you can download free.

Although the state doesn't have a point system for penalizing repeat violators among its motorists, the Washington DOL does outline the repercussions of multiple traffic tickets or other citations. A Washington driver will receive a 30-day license suspension for the following:

• Four moving violations during a one-year period

• Five moving violations during a two-year period

Some drivers might be able to avoid suspension by attending a DOL-approved driver awareness meeting.

The Washington DOL says that the most common reasons for a license to be suspended, revoked, or canceled are:

• Failure to appear in court or pay a traffic ticket

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants (DUI)

Check Your Driver's License Status

If you need or want to check the status of your driver’s license, you might want to order a driving record report. This record will spell out if your driver’s license is currently valid. Should your license have been revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what’s on record at the DOL. This report will also show points against your license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have had.

Your Opinion Matters To Us!