Points, tickets and licence suspension in Washington

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how Washington counts moving violations instead of points.
• You can state the numbers that lead to a warning and to a suspension.
• You can describe what happens when an intermediate driver gets tickets.
• You can name other actions that can suspend a license, such as not responding to a ticket.

What you need to know and understand

• Washington counts occasions of moving violations. Tickets from a single stop count as one occasion.
• Two occasions in one year, or three in two years, bring a warning notice.
• Three occasions in one year, or four in two years, bring a 60-day suspension followed by one year of probation.
• A moving violation during probation adds another 30-day suspension.
• Intermediate drivers: first offense, a warning letter to the parent; second, suspension for six months or until 18; third, suspension until 18.
• Failing to respond to a ticket or appear in court can lead to suspension.
• Parking, equipment and paperwork violations do not count as moving violations.

How DOL keeps count

Moving violations include things like speeding, running a stop sign or signal, failing to yield, unsafe lane changes, phone use and violating license restrictions. Criminal traffic offenses such as DUI and reckless driving also count, and they carry their own penalties.

Here is what DOL does with the count:

• 2 in 12 months, or 3 in 24 months: a notice warning that one more means suspension.
• 3 in 12 months, or 4 in 24 months: 60-day suspension, then one year of probation.
• Any moving violation on probation: an extra 30-day suspension.
• You must complete a DOL-recommended safe driving course before reinstatement. From April 1, 2026, finishing it early can end the suspension early, once every five years.

The stricter rule for intermediate drivers

If you hold an intermediate license, any traffic offense under the rules of the road, or any breach of your passenger, night or phone limits, counts against you. A single ticket listing several offenses counts as one.

First time, DOL mails your parent or guardian a warning letter. Second time, your license is suspended for six months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first. Third time, it is suspended until 18. A ticket also blocks the early lifting of passenger and night limits after a clean first year.

1. First offense: warning letter to parent or guardian.
2. Second offense: six months, or until 18 if sooner.
3. Third offense: suspended until 18.

Protecting your record

Always respond to a ticket by the date on it: pay, contest or request a hearing. Ignoring it can lead to suspension. Our guide to the Washington points and teen suspension rules covers deferrals and the safe driving course in more depth.

Common mistakes

• Believing Washington has points that expire. It counts violation occasions over one- and two-year periods.
• Ignoring a ticket. Failing to respond can suspend your license.
• Thinking one ticket as a teen does not matter. A second offense on an intermediate license means suspension.
• Driving during a suspension. That is a separate offense with harsher penalties.

Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Washington

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Washington Points System
• Learning to Drive in Washington State
• Moving to Washington