If you have picked up a few traffic tickets in Washington and are worried about losing your license, there is good news.
Starting April 1, 2026, a new Washington law gives drivers a way to avoid a license suspension by taking a safe driving course. The law is called House Bill 1244, and it was passed at the request of the Washington Department of Licensing.
This applies to drivers in Vancouver, throughout Washington, and even to tickets you receive in other states, which are often counted on your Washington driving record.
The Short Answer
If you are facing a 60-day license suspension for too many moving violations, you may be able to avoid it entirely by completing a DOL-approved safe driving course before the suspension starts.
This option is only available once every five years.
When Does Washington Suspend Your License for Tickets?
Washington will suspend your driver’s license for 60 days if you get:
- 3 or more moving violations in 1 year, or
- 4 or more moving violations in 2 years
This is called an accumulation of tickets suspension. This process is handled by the Washington Department of Licensing.
It is separate from a DUI suspension and applies to standard traffic violations like speeding, running a red light, or following too closely.
After the 60-day suspension ends, you are placed on a one-year probation period. If you receive another moving violation during probation, you will face an additional 30-day suspension.
You will also need to file proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) and pay a reissuance fee to reinstate your license.
What Changed Under HB 1244
Starting April 1, 2026, drivers who receive a notice of suspension have a new option.
Instead of simply accepting the 60-day suspension, you can complete a safe driving course approved by the Department of Licensing.
Depending on when you complete the course, you may be able to avoid the suspension entirely or shorten it.
This option is only available once every five years, so timing matters.
What If You Take the Course Before the Suspension Starts?
This is the best-case scenario.
If you complete the safe driving course before your suspension begins, the Department of Licensing can terminate the suspension before it takes effect.
In practical terms, you keep your license and avoid the 60 days off the road.
What If You Take the Course During the Suspension?
If the suspension has already started, you can still benefit—but not as much.
If you complete the course before the suspension ends:
- The suspension will still occur
- But it can end early
- Financial responsibility requirements will still apply
- You will need to obtain a new license
What If You Take the Course After the Suspension Ends?
At that point, the course does not help you avoid the suspension.
You will still need to reinstate your license, file proof of insurance, and pay the required fees.
The takeaway is simple: the earlier you act, the better the outcome.
The One-Year Probation Period
Whether you avoid the suspension or serve it, you will be placed on a one-year probation period.
During probation:
- Any new moving violation results in an additional 30-day suspension
- The safe driving course option does not apply to probation violations
This is important. If you use your one opportunity to avoid the initial suspension and then receive another ticket during probation, you will still face an additional 30-day suspension with no way around it.
Who This Does Not Apply To
This option is designed for standard traffic violations.
It does not apply to DUI suspensions, reckless driving, or other criminal-based suspensions.
If you are facing a DUI in Washington, this law does not apply, and you should speak with a DUI attorney about your options.
Why This Matters
A 60-day license suspension can affect your ability to work, take care of your family, and manage daily responsibilities.
This law gives drivers a meaningful opportunity to avoid that outcome—but only if they act quickly and make the right decisions.
What to Do If You Received a Notice of Suspension
If you received a notice from the Department of Licensing, do not wait.
Your options are better before the suspension starts than after. A quick consultation can help you decide whether to take the course, challenge the tickets, or pursue another strategy.
Talk to a Vancouver Traffic and DUI Attorney
If you are facing a license suspension in Washington and want to understand how the new 2026 law applies to your situation, I can help.
My office is in Vancouver, Washington, and I represent clients throughout Clark County and Southwest Washington in traffic, DUI, and license suspension matters.
Call (360) 975-4673 or use the contact form on this site to get in touch.
This article is general information about Washington traffic law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific case, consult a licensed Washington attorney.