Under RCW 46.20.720(3), all Washington State drivers convicted of DUI or Physical Control (either alcohol or drug related) are required to install an Ignition Interlock Device(IID) for a specified period to legally drive again.

However some convicted DUI drivers have medical conditions or physical disabilities preventing them from providing an adequate breath sample to physically operate a IID installed in their vehicles. Typically a minimum 1500 ml or 1.5 L breath sample. In the past, this has prevented some of these drivers from legally driving again.

Now WA law, under RCW 46.20.720(3)(g), provides a Tolling Medical Exemption for these DUI breath impaired drivers. While such drivers cannot legally drive, they can now can earn day for day credit towards satisfying their Department of Licensing(DOL) imposed mandatory IID restriction period. After earning enough day for day credit, they can eventually qualify to legal drive again without ever actually installing an IID in their cars.

These DOL Tolling Medical Exemptions are valid for a maximum of 366 days and must be renewed annually if the disability persists. A DOL Ignition Interlock Device Tolling Medical Exemption form must be submitted to the DOL, along along with a medical exam conducted within the last 30 days by a licensed MD, DO, RN, ARNP or PA.

Lynnwood Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact Lynnwood DUI attorney Paul Hanson for more information.