Washington ignition interlock & DUI requirements

What Washington law requires

Washington's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.

Primary source: RCW 46.20.720

Ignition interlock requirement

Under RCW 46.20.720(1)(d), after any mandatory suspension/revocation period the Department of Licensing shall require a person convicted of DUI (RCW 46.61.502) or physical control (RCW 46.61.504) to drive only a vehicle with a functioning ignition interlock; RCW 46.20.720(3)(c)(i) sets the first-time period at not less than one year. DOL states the IID is required for any alcohol- or drug-related DUI or physical control conviction. An interlock is also required to hold an Ignition Interlock Driver License during the suspension (RCW 46.20.385) and for deferred prosecution (RCW 46.20.720(1)(c)). Removal requires 180 consecutive violation-free days certified by the vendor (RCW 46.20.720(4)).

Approved interlock providers

Vendors listed here appear on the Washington licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.

Official approved-vendor list: Washington agency vendor list

SR-22 requirement

An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where Washington does, the sources below say so.

SR-22 (or a $60,000 certificate of deposit or liability bond). RCW 46.20.311(2)(c) bars issuance of a new license after a DUI revocation until the person gives and maintains proof of financial responsibility under chapter 46.29 RCW, and RCW 46.20.385(2) requires it for an Ignition Interlock Driver License. DOL states proof is required, in most cases, for 3 years from the date the person is eligible to reinstate; RCW 46.29.600(1)(a) allows cancellation after three years without a qualifying conviction.

Compare SR-22 rules in every state

Program costs

Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.

Frequently asked questions

Is an ignition interlock required after a first DUI conviction in Washington?

Yes. Under RCW 46.20.720(1)(d), after any mandatory suspension or revocation the Department of Licensing shall require a person convicted under RCW 46.61.502 (DUI) or 46.61.504 (physical control) to drive only a vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device. Under RCW 46.20.720(3)(c)(i), the restriction for a person not previously restricted lasts not less than one year.

How long is the interlock restriction for repeat DUI offenses in Washington?

Under RCW 46.20.720(3)(c), the post-conviction restriction is not less than one year for a first restriction, five years for a person previously restricted once, and 10 years for a person previously restricted twice. Under RCW 46.20.720(3)(e), the period is extended by 180 days for a conviction of driving without the device or tampering with it.

What must happen before the interlock can be removed in Washington?

Under RCW 46.20.720(4), the restriction remains until DOL receives a vendor declaration certifying that in the 180 consecutive days before release there were no start attempts at a breath alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, no missed or failed random retests, no missed service appointments and no unauthorized removal, and that a Washington State Patrol-certified technician inspected the device for tampering.

Does Washington require an SR-22 after a DUI, and for how long?

Under RCW 46.20.311(2)(c), after a revocation DOL will not issue a new license until the person gives and maintains proof of financial responsibility under chapter 46.29 RCW; RCW 46.20.385(2) requires it for an Ignition Interlock Driver License. DOL states acceptable proof is an SR-22, a $60,000 certificate of deposit or a $60,000 bond, required in most cases for 3 years from reinstatement eligibility.

What are the state fees for reinstating a Washington license after a DUI?

Under RCW 46.20.311(2)(b)(ii), the reissue fee after a revocation for RCW 46.20.308, 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 is $170; DOL's fee schedule lists $170 for alcohol-related reissue, $100 for an Ignition Interlock Driver License application and $375 to request a DUI hearing. RCW 46.20.720(7) adds a $21 monthly ignition interlock revolving account fee, which DOL may waive for indigent persons.

Sources

1. RCW 46.20.720 – Ignition interlock device restriction; duration; removal requirements; fee (Washington State Legislature)
2. RCW 46.20.385 – Ignition interlock driver's license
3. RCW 46.20.311 – Duration of license sanctions; reissuance or renewal; reissue fee
4. Chapter 46.29 RCW – Financial Responsibility (incl. RCW 46.29.600, duration of proof)
5. Washington State DOL – DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
6. Washington State DOL – Ignition interlock device (IID)
7. Washington State DOL – Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL)
8. Washington State DOL – Driver licensing fees
9. Washington State DOL – Financial responsibility (SR-22)
10. Washington State Patrol – Ignition Interlock Program (certified manufacturers)