DUI mandatory minimums in Washington State are strict and can seriously impact your freedom, finances, and future. If you are arrested for DUI, it’s critical to understand the penalties you face, including jail time, fines, license suspension, ignition interlock device requirements, and how BAC levels affect sentencing.
This guide explains what DUI mandatory minimums look like in Washington and how hiring an experienced DUI attorney can protect your rights.
First-Time DUI and DUI Mandatory Minimums in Washington
Even a first-time DUI conviction in Washington carries mandatory minimum penalties based on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and circumstances:
- BAC under 0.15% or no BAC test:
- Jail: Minimum 1 day or 15 days of electronic home monitoring.
- Fine: Minimum $990.50 plus court costs.
- License Suspension: 90 days.
- Ignition Interlock Device: Required for at least 1 year after reinstating your license.
- BAC of 0.15% or higher or BAC refusal:
- Jail: Minimum 2 days or 30 days of electronic home monitoring.
- Fine: Minimum $1,245.50 plus court costs.
- License Suspension: 1 year (high BAC) or 2 years (refusal).
- Ignition Interlock Device: 1 year minimum.
Additionally, offenders must complete a drug/alcohol assessment and any required treatment.
🔗 See DUI enforcement guidelines from the Washington State Patrol.
Repeat DUI Offenders Face Harsher DUI Mandatory Minimums
Penalties increase sharply for second or subsequent DUI offenses within seven years.
Second DUI Conviction:
- BAC under 0.15%:
- Jail: Minimum 30 days plus 60 days of electronic home monitoring.
- Fine: Minimum $1,245.50.
- License Revocation: 2 years.
- Ignition Interlock Device: 5 years required.
- BAC of 0.15% or higher or refusal:
- Jail: Minimum 45 days plus 90 days of monitoring.
- Fine: Minimum $1,670.50.
- License Revocation: 900 days (high BAC) or 3 years (refusal).
Third or Subsequent DUI Conviction:
- BAC under 0.15%:
- Jail: Minimum 90 days plus 120 days of monitoring.
- Fine: Minimum $2,095.50.
- License Revocation: 3 years.
- BAC of 0.15% or higher or refusal:
- Jail: Minimum 120 days plus 150 days of monitoring.
- Fine: Minimum $2,820.50.
- License Revocation: 4 years.
🔗 View Washington’s DUI Sentencing Grid (PDF).
Ignition Interlock Devices Required by DUI Mandatory Minimums
After a DUI conviction in Washington, you cannot drive legally until you install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle.
Ignition interlock requirements:
- 1 year after a first offense
- 5 years after a second offense
- 10 years after a third or subsequent offense
🔗 Learn more about ignition interlock rules from the Washington DOL.
Aggravating Factors That Increase DUI Mandatory Minimums
Certain factors can lead to enhanced penalties, including:
- Having a passenger under 16 years old in the vehicle
- Causing a collision with injury
- Reckless or excessive speeding during the DUI
These aggravators can significantly increase your jail time, fines, and ignition interlock duration.
How to Fight DUI Charges in Washington
You can fight DUI charges—and potentially reduce or avoid mandatory minimums—with the help of a skilled DUI defense lawyer. A strong legal defense may:
- Challenge the legality of your traffic stop
- Dispute the reliability of BAC test results
- Negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
- Argue for alcohol treatment programs instead of jail time
🔗 Learn how a DUI attorney can protect your future.
Contact Ken Blanford for DUI Defense in Washington State
If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges, contact Ken Blanford today for experienced and aggressive representation.
Ken Blanford
📧 Email: ken@blanfordlaw.com
📞 Phone: 253-720-9304
Ken has extensive experience handling DUI cases across Washington and can fight to protect your freedom, your license, and your future.
Additional Resources About DUI Laws and Penalties
🔗 A Guide to Mandatory Minimums for Car Insurance in Washington
Summary: Understand Washington’s required insurance coverage and penalties for uninsured drivers.
🔗 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Myths and Facts
Summary: Bust common misconceptions about BAC levels and DUI arrests.
🔗 How to Get an Ignition Interlock License in Washington State
Summary: Learn how to restore limited driving privileges after a DUI.
🔗 Ignition Interlock Device License Ruling: Waiver Found Unconstitutional
Summary: Understand recent court decisions affecting ignition interlock laws.
🔗 Washington State Proposes Lowering BAC Limit to .05 for Enhanced Road Safety
Summary: Find out how proposed BAC limit changes could impact DUI enforcement.
🔗 CDC – Impaired Driving Facts
Summary: National statistics and information about impaired driving risks.
