Third-degree license suspension means you can still drive, but only under strict conditions

A third-degree suspension in Washington State is the least severe type of license suspension. It does not take away your right to drive entirely. Instead, it restricts when, where, and under what circumstances you can legally operate a vehicle. You can drive to work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs — but only during the hours and on the routes specified in your suspension order. Driving outside those limits, or driving for any other reason, is a crime.

The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) issues a document called a Restriction of Driving Privilege that lists exactly what you are permitted to do. You must carry this document with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce it, you will be cited for driving with a suspended license, even though you technically have a valid suspension order that allows limited driving.

Key Takeaways

  • Third-degree suspension allows restricted driving for specific purposes like work, school, and medical care, but only during the hours and on the routes listed in your DOL order.
  • You must carry your Restriction of Driving Privilege document at all times when driving, or you can be cited even if your suspension technically permits that trip.
  • Driving outside your restriction — for example, to a restaurant or friend's house — is a separate crime and can result in arrest, vehicle impound, and additional charges.
  • Insurance companies may deny coverage for accidents that occur while you are driving outside your restriction, leaving you personally liable for damages.
  • Violating your third-degree suspension can result in upgrading to a more severe suspension level and extending the total time your license remains suspended.

What you can and cannot do under third-degree suspension

Your Restriction of Driving Privilege order will specify the exact purposes for which you can drive. Common permitted purposes include commuting to and from work, attending school or a court-ordered treatment program, medical appointments, and court appearances. Some orders also permit driving to a lawyer's office or to a substance abuse treatment facility.

You cannot drive for any other reason. This means no driving to grocery stores, restaurants, gyms, friends' houses, or anywhere else not listed in your order. The restriction also specifies the hours during which you can drive — typically a window that covers your work commute or school schedule. Driving outside those hours is a violation, even if you are driving to a permitted destination.

Many orders also restrict which routes you can use. If your order says you can drive to work only on Highway 99, you cannot take a different route even if it is faster or more convenient. Police can stop you and verify that your route matches your restriction.

What happens if you drive outside your restriction

Driving outside the terms of your third-degree suspension is a crime in Washington. The charge is Driving While License Suspended in the Third Degree, which is a misdemeanor. A first violation can result in a fine of up to $250, up to 30 days in jail, or both. Your vehicle can be impounded for up to 30 days.

A second or subsequent violation within five years carries steeper penalties: a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Your vehicle will be impounded for at least 30 days. If you are arrested, you will be taken into custody and held until you can post bail or be released on your own recognizance.

Beyond the criminal penalty, a violation can trigger an upgrade to a more severe suspension level — second-degree or even first-degree — which removes your right to drive entirely for a longer period. This means your suspension period restarts and extends. You will also have a new criminal conviction on your record, which affects employment, housing, and professional licensing.

Insurance coverage and liability while driving under restriction

If you are in an accident while driving outside your restriction, your insurance company may deny your claim. Most auto insurance policies include a clause that voids coverage if you are driving in violation of a court order or license suspension. This means you will be personally liable for all damages — medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages — for both yourself and anyone else injured or whose property was damaged.

If the other driver sues you, you will have no insurance to cover the judgment. The court can order wage garnishment, bank account levies, and liens against your property. This debt can follow you for years and affect your credit score, making it harder to rent an apartment, get a loan, or find employment.

Even if you are not at fault for the accident, the fact that you were driving illegally can be used against you in court. Some judges will reduce or eliminate your recovery from the other driver's insurance because you were breaking the law at the time of the crash.

How to obtain and maintain your Restriction of Driving Privilege

You do not request a third-degree suspension — the court or DOL imposes it as part of a sentence or administrative action. However, once the suspension is in place, you must obtain your Restriction of Driving Privilege document from the Washington Department of Licensing. You can request this document in person at a DOL office, by mail, or online through the DOL website.

You will need to provide proof of enrollment in any required program (such as a DUI treatment course) and proof of insurance. The DOL will issue a document that lists your permitted purposes, hours, and routes. This document is not a license — it is a court-authorized exception to your suspension. You must carry it with you every time you drive.

If your circumstances change — for example, you change jobs or move — you may be able to request a modification to your restriction. Contact the DOL or the court that imposed the suspension to ask whether your order can be amended. Do not straightforward start driving to a new location without updating your restriction, even if you think it is reasonable.

How long third-degree suspension lasts

The length of a third-degree suspension depends on why it was imposed. If it resulted from a DUI conviction, the suspension typically lasts 90 days for a first offense, one year for a second offense within seven years, and longer for subsequent offenses. If it resulted from unpaid traffic tickets or other administrative reasons, the suspension may last until you resolve the underlying issue — pay the ticket, complete a defensive driving course, or provide proof of insurance.

The suspension period begins on the date the DOL issues the suspension notice, not the date you receive it. If you violate your restriction during the suspension period, the DOL may extend the suspension or upgrade it to a more severe level, which restarts the clock.

Once your suspension period ends, you must reinstate your license with the DOL. This usually requires paying a reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $200) and providing proof of insurance. If you do not reinstate, your license remains suspended and you cannot legally drive.

Steps to take if you have been charged with violating your suspension

If you have been cited or arrested for driving outside your third-degree restriction, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not ignore the citation or fail to appear in court — this will result in an additional charge and a warrant for your arrest.

Your attorney can review the facts of your case and determine whether the citation was lawful. For example, if the police officer did not actually observe you driving outside your restriction, or if your restriction order was unclear, there may be grounds to challenge the charge. Some violations can be reduced or dismissed.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request a public defender at your first court appearance. Bring any documents related to your suspension — your Restriction of Driving Privilege order, proof of enrollment in required programs, and any correspondence with the DOL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the grocery store if it is on the way to work?

No. Your restriction permits only the specific purposes listed in your order. Even if a detour is minor or on your route, it is a violation. Stick to direct routes between your home and the permitted destinations listed in your order.

What if I lose my Restriction of Driving Privilege document?

Contact the Washington Department of Licensing when ready and request a replacement. Until you have the document in your possession, you should not drive, because you cannot prove to police that your suspension permits your trip. The DOL can issue a replacement within a few business days.

Can my restriction be modified if my work schedule changes?

Possibly. Contact the court that imposed the suspension or the DOL and explain your situation. You may be able to request a modification to your hours or routes. Do not change your driving pattern on your own — wait for written approval from the DOL or court.

Does a third-degree suspension affect my car insurance rates?

Yes. A suspension will cause your insurance rates to increase significantly, often by 50 to 100 percent or more. Some insurers will cancel your policy entirely. Shop around and be honest about your suspension status — lying to an insurer can void your coverage and result in policy cancellation.

What happens if I am in an accident while driving under my restriction?

Report the accident to police and your insurance company when ready. Be honest about your suspension status. Your insurer may deny coverage if you were driving outside your restriction, leaving you liable for all damages. If you were driving within your restriction, coverage should explore normally.