Did you lose your driver’s license because of traffic tickets? Did you lose your license because of a suspension or revocation? Are You Wondering: How do I get my driver’s license back?
Lost Driver's License? The Possible Ways
People lose their driver’s license in Washington for many different reasons. Common reasons for license suspension are:
- Suspension for DUI
- Suspension for failure to appear for a traffic ticket (FTA)
- Suspension for failure to pay traffic tickets
- Suspension for three serious driving offenses (such as Reckless Driving, DWLS 2, and DUI)
- Suspension for an accumulation of traffic tickets
The requirements of getting your license back are different depending on the reason the license was taken away.
Different Types of Suspensions/Revocations Have Different Relicensing Requirements
For example, a person who had a suspended license because of traffic tickets may only need to pay off those tickets and pay a reinstatement fee to get their license. A person who was suspended because of a DUI may need to wait out a suspension and then get SR-22 High-Risk Insurance, among other requirements, before they are eligible to reinstate.
You May be Able to Drive While on an Active Driver's License Suspension
It is possible, in some cases, to drive while on a DUI suspension with an ignition interlock device. If you would like to learn more about the Ignition Interlock License please see the article on that topic.
Many people may struggle to pay outstanding tickets that are holding up their licenses. They may need to get their tickets pulled from collections by writing the court in the jurisdiction where they received the ticket. They might also ask the judge who is reviewing their request to lower the fines that they owe. This could save a person a significant amount of money depending on the collections fees they avoid and the lowered fines. A good attorney might have a letter they can give you send to the various courts in your effort to get your fines reduced and put on a payment plan so you can reinstate your license.
Can Still be Appreciably Affected by Alcohol to Get a DUI in Washington
Second, a person who has ONLY used alcohol CAN still be charged with DUI if they were “appreciably affected by alcohol.” If a jury finds a person was appreciably affected by alcohol while driving, they can still be convicted of DUI. The 0.08 BAC only represents the per se limit. Essentially the lawmakers have drawn a “line in the sand” indicating that persons who register above 0.08 or higher blood alcohol are, by definition, appreciably affected by alcohol. Although it would have to be proved to a jury or found by a judge, you can still be found to be appreciably affected by alcohol.
How do I Get my Washington Driver's License Back?
The requirements to get your license back can be found at the Washington Department of Licensing website. Those requirements can be different based on the reason for the suspension.
Contesting a Traffic Ticket
If you want to contest a traffic ticket you can request a contested hearing. A judge will hear your case. A judge will hear the prosecutor’s case against you. The judge will then decide whether you committed the traffic infraction or not.
It is possible to beat a traffic ticket in WA. There are a number of reason why a traffic ticket can get dismissed. The reasons vary on a case by case basis. Getting a “no insurance” ticket dismissed may require a different process than getting an “expired registration” ticket dismissed. While getting a ticket dismissed is great, avoiding getting a speeding ticket in the first place will ensure your insurance rates do not skyrocket.
If you get a speeding ticket, an HOV ticket, a work zone or construction zone ticket, no insurance ticket, speed too fast for conditions, cell phone ticket, school bus camera ticket, fail to obey traffic signal or traffic control device, or other infraction, you should contact an attorney to try to get that ticket off your record.
A traffic ticket is not a criminal offense.
You can get on a payment plan for a traffic ticket. In most cases you can pay that traffic ticket online.