Roadwise States Washington Driving lessons DUI: alcohol, cannabis, and test limits Washington driving lesson · Keeping Your License
DUI: alcohol, cannabis, and test limits A 3-minute lesson from the Washington course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Keeping Your License
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 37, 38, 186 Washington's DUI law covers alcohol and drugs, including cannabis. The legal limits are much lower for drivers under 21, and simply sitting in control of a parked car while impaired can count. By driving here, you've already agreed to be tested.
Know the rule
It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs (RCW 46.61.502).
Handbook p. 37 ↗ Know the rule
DUI also applies to being in physical control of a vehicle, even if it's parked (RCW 46.61.503). If you can take control of the engine or operation, you're in physical control.
Handbook p. 37 ↗ Implied consent Under RCW 46.20.308, everyone who drives in Washington agrees to be tested if an officer suspects they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Handbook p. 186 ↗ BAC Blood alcohol concentration: a test of how much alcohol is in your system.
Handbook p. 37 ↗ 90 to 730 days Suspension for refusing a test, or until you turn 21, whichever is longer
Handbook p. 37 ↗ Know the rule
How long a refusal suspension lasts depends on many factors, including how many violations you've committed.
Handbook p. 37 ↗ Know the rule
Alcohol- and drug-related offenses appear on your driving record for life.
Handbook p. 38 ↗ Know the rule
A DUI arrest can bring loss of license, heavy fines, criminal penalties, jail, and higher insurance rates.
Handbook p. 38 ↗ A DUI conviction can also include any combination of: Driving privileges suspended for 90 days to 4 years A probationary license An ignition interlock device to drive a vehicle Required proof of financial responsibility An alcohol assessment and treatment report Reapplying, retaking the knowledge and skills tests, and paying the reissue fee Handbook p. 38 ↗ Put it into practice
A 19-year-old driver blows a 0.03% BAC after two beers. That's below the adult 0.08% limit, but drivers under 21 face the same DUI consequences at 0.02%, so this is a DUI.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What BAC is considered a DUI for a Washington driver age 21 or older? 0.05% or higher 0.10% or higher 0.08% or higher 0.02% or higher Answer: 0.08% or higher
For drivers 21 and older, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is a DUI.
Handbook p. 37 ↗ What BAC is considered a DUI for a Washington driver under age 21? 0.05% or higher 0.02% or higher 0.08% or higher 0.04% or higher Answer: 0.02% or higher
Drivers under 21 face the same consequences at a BAC of 0.02% or higher.
Handbook p. 37 ↗ What active THC level in the blood is the DUI threshold for a driver 21 or older? 5 nanograms per mL 2 nanograms per mL Any amount above 0 10 nanograms per mL Answer: 5 nanograms per mL
For drivers 21 and older, the DUI threshold is 5 nanograms of active THC per milliliter of blood (drivers under 21: anything above 0).
Handbook p. 37 ↗ What THC level is a DUI for a Washington driver under age 21? 5 ng or more per mL 2 ng or more per mL There's no THC limit for minors Anything above 0.00 ng per mL Answer: Anything above 0.00 ng per mL
Drivers under 21 face DUI consequences for any active THC above 0.00 nanograms per milliliter of blood.
Handbook p. 38 ↗ You're 30 and refuse a breath or blood test when an officer suspects DUI. What's the shortest suspension you could face? 6 months 1 year 90 days 30 days Answer: 90 days
Refusing a test can suspend driving privileges for 90 to 730 days, or until age 21, whichever is longer.
Handbook p. 37 ↗ You're sitting in the driver's seat of a parked car with the ability to start the engine, and you're impaired. Under RCW 46.61.503, what applies? DUI never applies to a parked vehicle You're safe as long as the engine is off Only a parking ticket can be issued You can still be charged with DUI for physical control Answer: You can still be charged with DUI for physical control
DUI applies to being in physical control of a vehicle even if it's parked, if you could take control of it.
Handbook p. 37 ↗ Previous lesson Renewing, replacing, and losing privileges Next lesson Open containers and underage violations More in Keeping Your License About the source Roadwise’s Washington course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 37, 38, 186. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check Washington’s DOL. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.