Currently under RCW 46.20.2892(1), the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) automatically suspends WA driver licenses for 60 days if a driver receives 3 or more traffic tickets in 1 year or 4 or more traffic tickets in 2 years. After the 60 day suspension period, the driver will be placed on a 1 year probation, and must then obtain SR 22 Financial Responsibility car insurance for 3 years, attend a Safe Driving Course approved by the DOL, and pay a new license reissue fee, in order to get a valid new driver license.

However, on April 1, 2026, new Washington Legislation SHB 1244-RCW 46.20.2892(2), goes into effect. A driver subject to the automatic WA DOL 60 day license suspension for too many tickets can now completely avoid the upcoming 60 day suspension, the SR 22 insurance requirement, and the new driver license reissue fee, if the driver completes the Safe Driving Course BEFORE the 60 day suspension starts. However the driver will still be placed on a DOL 1 year probation.

Any driver who receives a ticket while on the 1 year probation period will receive an additional 30 days suspension. RCW 46.20.2892(3)

A list of DOL approved Safe Driving Courses can be found at: “https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-safety/approved-safe-driving-course-providers”

Contact Lynnwood traffic ticket lawyer Paul Hanson for more information.