DMV Point System in Washington
Washington Driving Record Violation System
When you commit traffic violations, the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) will record them on your driving record. If you violate too many traffic laws, the WA DOL may flag you as a problem driver and serve you a variety of penalties. Too many traffic violations may result in:
- Driver's license suspensions, revocations, or cancellations.
- WA Department of Licensing (DOL) and/or court fees.
- Reinstatement fees.
- Driver improvement/defensive driving course completion requirements.
- Restrictions on your driving privileges.
- Higher car insurance rates.
On this page you'll find a basic overview of traffic violations and penalties in Washington.
If you need specific information regarding your driving record or driver's license, please contact the Washington Department of Licensing.
For information about some topics related to traffic violations, please visit our pages on:
Washington's Violation System
Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) does not operate under a driving record point system. However, there are penalties, including driver's 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, you do face repercussions from the Washington DOL if you receive multiple traffic tickets or other citations.
Minor violations, such as speeding or running a stop sign, may add up over time to result in a WA driver's license suspension, while major violations, such as DUIs and hit and runs, generally result in immediate violations.
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 Washington 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 driver's license be revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what's on record at the the Washington Department of Licensing. This report will also show points against your driver's license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have had.
If your car insurance rates have increased after receiving a traffic ticket, you may want to contact your insurance provider to ask about ways to earn a discount and lower your rates. Some insurance providers may allow you to complete a defensive driving course, which will refresh you on:
- Washington traffic laws and violations.
- Alcohol/drug-related offenses and consequences.
- Defensive driving tips.
- Safe driving habits.
- Developing good driving behaviors.
Whether you can earn a car insurance discount or not, completing a defensive driving course can help to improve your driving skills and help you avoid violating traffic laws in the future.