Reckless Driving License Suspension FAQ
Straightforward answers to the questions that come up most about reckless driving and license suspensions in Washington. Every case is different — these are general answers, not legal advice for your specific situation.
Does a reckless driving conviction suspend my license in Washington?
Yes — a reckless driving conviction carries a license suspension of at least 30 days (RCW 46.61.500).
How is reckless driving different from a DUI when it comes to my license?
DUI convictions carry much longer suspensions, often 90 days to several years depending on your record and test result. Reckless driving’s 30-day minimum is significantly shorter, which is one reason a reduction from DUI to reckless driving is a common negotiating target in these cases.
If my DUI gets reduced to reckless driving, do I still get a restricted license?
An Occupational/Restricted License is generally available. An Ignition Interlock License is also available specifically when the reckless driving conviction stems from a reduced alcohol- or drug-related charge on or after August 1, 2012 (RCW 46.20.385).
Is there a difference between reckless driving and negligent driving when it comes to my license?
A significant one. Negligent driving in the first degree carries no separate DOL license suspension at all, while reckless driving carries at least 30 days. That’s exactly why the specific charge a DUI gets reduced to matters just as much as whether it gets reduced in the first place.
What happens if I'm convicted of reckless driving more than once?
A third reckless driving conviction within 2 years triggers a full 1-year license revocation (RCW 46.20.285) — the consequences escalate quickly with repeat offenses.
Does reducing my DUI to reckless driving undo the license suspension from my arrest?
No. The administrative suspension from the DOL tied to your arrest runs on its own separate track from the criminal case. Only a successful DOL hearing — which has to be requested within 7 days of the arrest — can stop that suspension, regardless of how the criminal charge is ultimately resolved.
Talk to an Attorney
Call (509) 293-7593 for a free consultation about a reckless driving charge or license suspension in Ellensburg, Yakima, or the surrounding area. See our page on other types of license suspensions or the 7-day DOL hearing deadline for more detail on related situations.