Getting arrested or convicted for a DUI in Washington State can come with a lot of confusion — especially when it comes to your driver’s license. One of the most pressing questions we hear is: “How long will my license be suspended?” The answer depends on whether it’s your first offense or if you’ve had prior DUI-related incidents. Let’s break it down.
First DUI Arrest – Administrative Suspension (DOL)
If this is your first DUI arrest and your breath or blood test result was .08 or higher (or you refused the test), Washington’s Department of Licensing (DOL) will suspend your license automatically, even before your criminal case is resolved.
DUI Length of suspension
90 days if you took the breath test and failed it.
1 year if you refused to take the breath or blood test.
Important DUI Hearing deadline
You must request a DOL hearing within 7 days of your arrest to try to prevent this administrative suspension.
First DUI Conviction – Criminal Court Suspension
If you are convicted or plead guilty to a DUI in court, the court will notify the DOL, and another license suspension will follow. This occurs even if your license is still suspended from the administrative process.
Length of DUI Criminal Court suspension
90 days to 1 year, depending on whether you refused a test and your blood alcohol content (BAC). Again, this is for people arrested for their first DUI. Don’t forget that all out of state criminal and administrative suspensions could impact this length.
Kitsap County and Thurston County Special Allegations
Over the past year, we have noticed that Kitsap County and Thurston County DUI prosecutors have been adding an additional special allegation to DUI charges when there are passengers in the car at the time of the DUI arrest. Specifically, if a minor is in the car, this special allegation (an “add on” to the DUI charge) will add another year to the license suspension.
Kitsap County and Thurston County Additional Criminal Charges
In addition to the special allegation regarding a minor in the car that leads to a longer license suspension, the prosecutors have been adding additional criminal charges to the DUI. For example, when there are minors in the car, it has become more common for the prosecutor to add Child Endangerment and Reckless Endangerment when a spouse, partner, or other passengers are in the car when you are arrested.
Important Caveat Regarding Suspension Lengths
If you already served a DOL suspension, you may receive credit toward the suspension period imposed by the court. However, occasionally, DOL will do some strange things on suspension (particularly for those with an out of state license or licensing issues out of state).
The only way to know for certain how DOL will handle your administrative or criminal suspensions is to contact their customer service department directly. Advice from an attorney does not supersede DOL’s interpretation of events or application of rules. You must get the answers you need directly from DOL.
Second or Subsequent DUI – Harsher Penalties
If you have a prior DUI arrest or conviction within 7 years, the license suspension gets much longer:
Second offense (within 7 years):
2-year suspension (or longer if there was a refusal).
Third or more offenses
Suspension or revocation could last 3 years or more, depending on your prior record and whether you refused testing.
Additionally, ignition interlock requirements and SR-22 high-risk insurance will apply for longer periods after multiple offenses.
Can I Still Drive After a DUI?
Yes. In many cases, you can apply for an Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL). This allows you to drive a vehicle with an ignition interlock device installed, as long as you meet other eligibility requirements.
You will likely need to:
- Enroll in alcohol treatment if required
- Show proof of the IID installation
- File proof of SR-22 insurance
- Pay reinstatement and application fees
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Protect Your License After A DUI Arrest
A DUI charge in Washington can affect your ability to drive almost immediately, but there are ways to limit the damage. Your license may be suspended even if you have not been convicted yet. This is the reason it is so critical to speak with a DUI defense attorney right away. If you get caught driving on a suspended license, you will face additional criminal charges and your DUI case is going to be tougher to resolve.
At Witt Law Group, we help drivers across Western Washington navigate the DUI process and fight for the best outcome in both criminal court and with the Department of Licensing. Contact us today for a free consultation — time is short, and we’re here to protect your rights and driving privilege. (360) 792-1000
Our attorneys handle cases in Kitsap and Thurston Counties, including the cities of Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, Bremerton, Poulsbo, Port Orchard, Kingston, Seabeck, Silverdale, and Bainbridge Island. Give us a call today to see how we can help.
