Washington DUI Penalties — Fines, Jail & Probation

DUI penalties in Washington escalate significantly with each subsequent offense and with aggravating factors like high BAC §46.61.502. Understanding the penalty structure helps you assess the stakes and make informed decisions.

A first DUI in Washington is classified as a gross misdemeanor.

• Jail: 24 hours (or 15 days EHM); mandatory additional 48 hours if BAC ≥ 0.15 minimum to 364 days maximum
• Fine: $350 (mandatory base fine plus over $1,000 in assessments) to $5,000
• License suspension: 90 days (failed test); 1 year (refusal); 1 year (criminal conviction)
• Substance abuse program: substance use disorder evaluation and treatment required
• Community service: court discretion
• Probation: available

• Jail: 30 days (or 60 days EHM) within 7 years; 45 days (within 7 years, BAC ≥ 0.15) minimum to 364 days maximum
• Fine: $500 (mandatory) to $5,000
• License suspension: 2 years

• Jail/prison: 90 days (3rd within 7 years); 120 days (BAC ≥ 0.15) minimum to 364 days (gross misdemeanor) or up to 5 years (felony) maximum
• Fine: $1,000 (mandatory) to $10,000 (felony)
• License suspension: 3 years; possible permanent revocation
• Felony threshold: four or more DUI offenses, or DUI after prior felony DUI, is a Class B felony

Washington uses a 7 years (for mandatory minimum sentencing); lifetime for felony threshold Lookback period to determine how prior offenses affect sentencing. Only DUI convictions within this window count toward the escalating penalty tiers.

• BAC ≥ 0.15 (mandatory additional jail and longer IID)
• Refusal of test
• Prior DUI within 7 years
• Child under 16 in vehicle
• Driving without valid license

Mandatory minimums cannot be suspended or reduced by the judge — they must be served. Fines do not include surcharges, court costs, and program fees, which can substantially increase the total financial impact. License suspension affects employment, insurance rates, and daily logistics.