Skip to content

Driving While Suspended

RCW 46.20.342 — the degree of the offense is set by why the license was suspended

When the license is suspended or revokedThe degree
When the license is suspended or revokedAs a habitual offender, under a revocation orderThe degreeFirst degree, a gross misdemeanor, with not less than 10 days in jail the first time, 90 the second, and 180 after
When the license is suspended or revokedFor another listed reason, while not eligible to reinstateThe degreeSecond degree, a gross misdemeanor
When the license is suspended or revokedSolely for reasons such as not responding to a ticket, not proving insurance, or unpaid child supportThe degreeThird degree, a misdemeanor
Email

A person with a valid Washington driver's license is not guilty of the offense. Someone eligible for an ignition interlock license who did not get one is not considered eligible to reinstate.

Sources for this section (1)
  1. RCW 46.20.342 — Driving while license invalidated

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.

From here