If you’re contesting or mitigating a traffic infraction in Washington and don’t show up for your scheduled hearing, IRLJ 3.2 kicks in — and the consequences can be immediate and costly.

Here’s what you need to know about Failure to Appear under the Washington Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction.

What Is IRLJ 3.2?

IRLJ 3.2 outlines what happens when a defendant fails to appear at a requested hearing on a traffic infraction. The rule has two parts:

(a) Entry of Judgment

If you miss your court date:

• The court must enter judgment against you.
• The judgment will state that you committed the infraction.
• You will be assessed any monetary penalties that apply by law.

⚠️ Exception: If the court determines from the records that the case was filed in the wrong court, it cannot enter judgment.

(b) Setting Aside a Judgment

If you missed your hearing but had a valid reason, you can ask the court to set aside the judgment. The court may grant this request if:

• You show good cause for your failure to appear.
• You make the request under Civil Rule CRLJ 60(b), which allows judgments to be reversed for reasons like mistake, excusable neglect, or newly discovered evidence.

This process usually requires filing a motion and may involve court fees or other conditions imposed by the judge.

Why This Rule Matters

Missing a hearing might seem like a minor issue, but under IRLJ 3.2, it leads to an automatic loss of your case and financial penalties. That’s why it’s essential to:

• Show up for your hearing on time.
• Notify the court in advance if you’re unable to appear.
• Act quickly if you miss a hearing and want to challenge the judgment.

How Blanford Law Can Help

If you’ve missed a hearing and had judgment entered against you, don’t panic. We can help you file the proper motion under CRLJ 60(b) and guide you through the process of having the judgment set aside.

We’ve helped many clients restore their rights and reduce fines after a missed court date.

Contact Blanford Law at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253-720-9304 for help with your traffic infraction case.

Additional Resources

• Understanding IRLJ 1.1 – Infractions – A foundational overview of Washington’s infraction process. https://blanfordlaw.com/understanding-irlj-1-1-infractions/
• IRLJ 1.2 – Infraction Rule – Learn about the scope and authority of Washington’s infraction rules. https://blanfordlaw.com/irlj-1-2-infraction-rule/
• IRLJ 1.3 – Infraction Rules – Get clarity on how the infraction rules are applied in Washington courts. https://blanfordlaw.com/irlj-1-3-infraction-rules/
• Semi-Truck DUI Accident in Washington – Understand your rights after a serious DUI crash involving a commercial driver. https://blanfordlaw.com/semi-truck-dui-accident-washington/
• IRLJ 3.1 – Discovery Procedures – What discovery evidence you’re entitled to before a contested infraction hearing. https://blanfordlaw.com/irlj-31-discovery-procedures/