A third-degree suspension is Washington's shortest license suspension, lasting 90 days

A third-degree suspension in Washington State means your driving privilege is revoked for 90 days. This is the mildest suspension category the state issues — shorter than second-degree (one year) and first-degree (three years or longer). You cannot legally drive during those 90 days, even with a restricted license, unless the court grants you a limited driving permit for specific purposes like work or medical appointments.

Third-degree suspensions are triggered by specific violations, most commonly a first DUI offense or certain traffic safety violations. The 90-day clock starts on the date the Department of Licensing (DOL) receives the suspension order from the court or law enforcement, not the date you were cited.

After the 90 days end, your license is automatically reinstated — you do not need to reapply or pay a reinstatement fee for a third-degree suspension. However, you will need to resolve any outstanding fines, fees, or court costs before you can legally drive again.

Key Takeaways

  • A third-degree suspension lasts exactly 90 days from the date the Department of Licensing receives the suspension order.
  • You cannot drive during the suspension period unless a judge grants you a limited driving permit for work, school, or medical treatment.
  • Your license is automatically reinstated after 90 days with no reinstatement fee, but you must have paid all court-ordered fines and fees first.
  • The most common reason for a third-degree suspension is a first DUI conviction or certain traffic violations involving safety.

What violations trigger a third-degree suspension

Washington State issues a third-degree suspension for a first driving under the influence (DUI) conviction. If you are convicted of DUI — whether alcohol, drugs, or both — your license is suspended for 90 days as part of the court sentence.

Third-degree suspensions can also result from other violations, including reckless driving, hit-and-run, or driving with a suspended license. The specific violation and your driving history determine which degree of suspension you receive. A first offense in most categories results in a third-degree suspension; repeat offenses move to second-degree or first-degree.

You will receive written notice from either the court (after conviction) or law enforcement (in some administrative cases) explaining which violation caused the suspension and when it begins.

How the 90-day timeline works

The suspension period does not start on the day you were arrested or cited. It begins on the date the Department of Licensing officially receives the suspension order from the court or the arresting agency. This can be several days or weeks after your conviction or citation, depending on how quickly paperwork moves through the system.

You can contact the DOL to confirm the exact start date of your suspension. Once you know the start date, you can calculate the end date by adding 90 days. Your license is automatically valid again at the end of that 90-day period, assuming you have no other suspensions or holds on your record.

If you are unsure when your suspension began, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or check your driving record online through the DOL website. Having the exact date matters if you need to plan for a limited driving permit or arrange alternative transportation.

Getting a limited driving permit during the suspension

A limited driving permit allows you to drive for specific, essential purposes during your 90-day suspension. You can request one from the court that issued your suspension, and the judge decides whether to grant it based on your circumstances.

Common reasons judges approve limited permits include driving to and from work, attending school, medical appointments, or court-ordered treatment programs. You must show that you have a genuine need to drive and that no reasonable alternative exists. straightforward wanting to drive for convenience is not enough.

To request a limited permit, contact the court clerk in the county where you were convicted and ask for the process form. You will need to explain your need in writing and may be required to attend a hearing. If approved, the permit specifies which routes you can drive and what times of day. Violating the permit's restrictions can result in additional charges.

What happens when the 90 days end

Your license is automatically reinstated at the end of the 90-day suspension period. You do not need to submit paperwork, take a test, or pay a reinstatement fee for a third-degree suspension. However, you must have satisfied all court-ordered requirements before you can legally drive again.

Court-ordered requirements typically include paying all fines and fees assessed in your case. If you have unpaid fines or fees, the Department of Licensing may place a hold on your license even after the 90 days expire. You will need to contact the court to confirm what you owe and make payment before driving.

If your case involved a DUI, you may also be required to complete a substance abuse treatment program or an alcohol education course before reinstatement. Check your court documents or contact the court clerk to confirm whether any additional requirements explore to you.

Driving during a suspension is a separate crime

Driving while your license is suspended is illegal in Washington, even if you are driving to work or for an emergency. If you are stopped by law enforcement during your suspension period and do not have a valid limited driving permit, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license — a separate offense from the violation that caused the suspension.

A first conviction for driving with a suspended license carries a fine of $250 to $1,000 and possible jail time. A second or subsequent conviction within five years carries higher penalties. These charges are added to your record and can affect future employment, housing, and insurance.

If you need to drive during your suspension, your only legal option is to obtain a limited driving permit from the court before you get behind the wheel.

How a third-degree suspension affects your driving record and insurance

A third-degree suspension appears on your Washington driving record and remains visible to insurance companies. After the 90-day suspension ends, the suspension itself is no longer active, but the underlying conviction (such as DUI) stays on your record for ten years in Washington.

Insurance companies use your driving record to set rates. A DUI conviction or reckless driving conviction typically results in higher premiums, sometimes significantly. Some insurers may refuse to cover you at all after certain violations. When your suspension ends, contact your insurance company to confirm your coverage is still active and ask about rate changes.

The suspension itself does not directly affect your ability to get insurance, but the conviction that caused it will. After reinstatement, you are legally allowed to drive, but your insurance status and cost may have changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my license suspension start the day I was arrested or the day the court ordered it?

Neither. The suspension starts on the date the Department of Licensing receives the suspension order from the court or law enforcement. This is usually several days or weeks after your arrest or conviction. Contact the DOL or check your court documents to find out the official start date.

Can I drive to work during my 90-day suspension if I have no other way to get there?

Not without a limited driving permit. You must request one from the court before you drive. Judges often approve permits for work-related driving if you can show no reasonable alternative exists. Contact the court clerk to ask for the process and explain your situation.

What if I have unpaid fines when my 90 days are up?

Your license will not be reinstated until you pay all court-ordered fines and fees. Contact the court that handled your case to find out what you owe and make payment. Once paid, the DOL will remove the hold and your license will be valid again.

Does a third-degree suspension stay on my record forever?

The suspension itself is removed from your active record once the 90 days end. However, the conviction that caused the suspension (such as DUI) remains on your driving record for ten years in Washington. Insurance companies can see the conviction during that time.

Can I get my suspension reduced from 90 days to a shorter period?

No. A third-degree suspension is a fixed 90-day period set by Washington law. You cannot shorten it, but you can request a limited driving permit from the court for essential purposes during the suspension.