How Driver Points Work in Washington
How the Washington point system works, points for speeding, how long points last, and whether traffic school helps.
Short answer: Washington does not use points; it counts moving-violation 'occasions' (multiple tickets from one traffic stop count as one). RCW 46.20.2892; DOL, Accumulation of traffic tickets
| Point system | Washington does not use points; it counts moving-violation 'occasions' (multiple tickets from one traffic stop count as one). DOL suspends the license for 60 days after moving violations on 3 separate occasions in 12 months or 4 in 24 months, followed by one year of probation; each moving violation during probation adds a 30-day suspension. A warning notice is sent at 2 occasions in one year or 3 in two years. The driver must complete a safe driving course before reinstatement and may request a review within 15 days of the suspension letter. |
|---|---|
| Points for speeding | No points. A speeding ticket is a moving-violation infraction that counts as an 'occasion' toward the 60-day suspension (3 occasions in 12 months or 4 in 24 months). Speeding fine amounts are set by court rule and were not confirmed. |
| How long points last | Moving violations count toward suspension when they fall within a one-year or two-year window. How long infractions remain on the driving record was not confirmed. Source: RCW 46.20.2892 |
| Traffic school | There are no points to remove, but a court may defer findings on a contested or mitigation hearing for up to one year with conditions; if the driver meets the conditions and has no new infraction, the court may dismiss the ticket. Only one deferral is allowed in seven years for moving violations, and commercial drivers are not eligible. Separately, completing a DOL-approved safe driving course can end a too-many-tickets suspension early, once every five years. Source: RCW 46.63.070(5); RCW 46.20.2892 |
Where to get help in Washington
More Washington traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in Washington
- DUI Laws in Washington
- Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Washington
- All Washington traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
How does the driver point system work in Washington?
Washington does not use points; it counts moving-violation 'occasions' (multiple tickets from one traffic stop count as one). DOL suspends the license for 60 days after moving violations on 3 separate occasions in 12 months or 4 in 24 months, followed by one year of probation; each moving violation during probation adds a 30-day suspension. A warning notice is sent at 2 occasions in one year or 3 in two years. The driver must complete a safe driving course before reinstatement and may request a review within 15 days of the suspension letter.
How many points is a speeding ticket in Washington?
No points. A speeding ticket is a moving-violation infraction that counts as an 'occasion' toward the 60-day suspension (3 occasions in 12 months or 4 in 24 months).
How long do points stay on your license in Washington?
Moving violations count toward suspension when they fall within a one-year or two-year window.
Can traffic school remove a ticket or points in Washington?
There are no points to remove, but a court may defer findings on a contested or mitigation hearing for up to one year with conditions; if the driver meets the conditions and has no new infraction, the court may dismiss the ticket. Only one deferral is allowed in seven years for moving violations, and commercial drivers are not eligible. Separately, completing a DOL-approved safe driving course can end a too-many-tickets suspension early, once every five years.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.