A third-degree suspension in Washington is the shortest license suspension the state issues, lasting 90 days to one year depending on what caused it
Washington's Department of Licensing uses three suspension levels. A third-degree suspension is the mildest — your license is taken away temporarily, but you keep it and get it back when the suspension ends. You cannot drive during the suspension period. The length depends on the reason: some third-degree suspensions last exactly 90 days, others run for six months or a year. The suspension goes on your driving record and stays there for years, even after your license is restored.
The most common reason for a third-degree suspension in Washington is driving with a suspended or revoked license. Other reasons include certain traffic violations, failure to pay traffic fines, or failure to appear in court for a traffic case. If you received a notice from the Department of Licensing saying your license is suspended at the third degree, that notice tells you the specific reason and the end date of your suspension.
Key Takeaways
- A third-degree suspension is temporary — your license is suspended for 90 days to one year, then restored if you meet all conditions.
- You cannot legally drive during a third-degree suspension; driving anyway adds criminal charges and extends the suspension.
- The Department of Licensing sends a notice by mail stating the reason, start date, and end date of your suspension.
- You can request a hearing to challenge the suspension if you believe the Department made an error, but you must request it within a specific timeframe.
- Some suspensions can be lifted early if you pay outstanding fines, complete a required course, or meet other conditions the Department sets.
How long a third-degree suspension lasts
The length of your suspension depends on what caused it. A suspension for driving with a suspended license is typically 90 days. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court may last six months to one year. Some suspensions have a fixed end date; others end when you complete a requirement, such as paying a fine or completing a defensive driving course.
The Department of Licensing notice you received in the mail states your suspension start date and end date. If you cannot find the notice, you can check your suspension status online through the Department of Licensing website or by calling their customer service line. Knowing the exact end date matters because your license does not automatically restore on that date — you may need to take additional steps, such as paying a reinstatement fee.
What you cannot do during a third-degree suspension
You cannot legally operate any motor vehicle during your suspension, even if you own multiple vehicles or borrow someone else's car. Driving during a suspension is a separate criminal offense in Washington. A first offense is a misdemeanor; a second or subsequent offense within five years is a gross misdemeanor, which carries higher penalties and jail time.
If you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, you face arrest, vehicle impound, additional fines, and an extension of your suspension. The court can add 30 days to 12 months to your existing suspension. A criminal conviction for driving with a suspended license also goes on your record separately from the suspension itself, affecting employment, housing, and insurance.
Requesting a hearing to challenge your suspension
If you believe the Department of Licensing made an error — for example, if you paid a fine but the Department did not record it, or if you were not properly notified of a traffic case — you can request a hearing. You must request the hearing within 20 days of the suspension notice date. The request goes to the Department of Licensing, not to a court.
At the hearing, you can present evidence and argue why the suspension should not have been issued. An administrative law judge reviews your case. If the judge agrees with you, the suspension is lifted. If the judge agrees with the Department, the suspension stands. You have the right to have an attorney represent you at the hearing, though you are not required to have one.
Reinstatement fees and requirements
When your suspension period ends, your license does not automatically come back. You must pay a reinstatement fee to the Department of Licensing. The fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension — it ranges from roughly $100 to $250. You pay the fee by mail or online through the Department's website.
Some suspensions have additional requirements before reinstatement. For example, if your suspension was related to unpaid fines, you must pay those fines before the Department will reinstate your license. If your suspension was for failure to appear in court, you may need to resolve that court case first. The Department's notice should list any requirements specific to your suspension.
Early termination and hardship options
Washington law allows the Department of Licensing to terminate a suspension early in certain situations. If you can show that the suspension causes undue hardship — for example, you cannot get to work, medical appointments, or school — you may request early termination. The Department considers requests case by case and does not grant all of them.
Some suspensions can be shortened if you complete a defensive driving course or other remedial program. The Department's notice tells you whether this option is available for your suspension. If it is, completing the course before your suspension end date may allow you to get your license back sooner. You pay for the course yourself; the Department does not cover the cost.
How a third-degree suspension affects your record and insurance
A third-degree suspension appears on your driving record for five years from the suspension end date. Insurance companies can see it and often raise your rates or drop your coverage. Some insurers will not insure drivers with recent suspensions on their record, or will only do so at a much higher premium.
If you need to drive during your suspension for work or other essential reasons, you cannot get a restricted license or hardship license for a third-degree suspension in Washington. (Restricted licenses are available for some other suspension types, but not this one.) Your only legal option is to wait out the suspension or request early termination through the Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work during a third-degree suspension?
No. Washington does not issue restricted or hardship licenses for third-degree suspensions. You cannot legally drive for any reason during the suspension period, including work. Driving anyway is a criminal offense that extends your suspension and adds charges to your record.
What happens if I get pulled over while my license is suspended?
You will be cited for driving with a suspended license, a misdemeanor. Your vehicle will be impounded. You face fines, possible jail time, and an extension of your suspension by 30 days to 12 months. A second offense within five years is a gross misdemeanor with higher penalties.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I think the suspension was wrong?
If you request a hearing and win, the suspension is lifted and you do not owe a reinstatement fee. If you lose the hearing or do not request one, you must pay the reinstatement fee to restore your license after the suspension ends.
Can my suspension be lifted early if I pay my fines?
It depends on the reason for your suspension. If the suspension was for unpaid fines, paying them may allow early termination. If the suspension was for another reason, paying fines alone will not lift it. Check your Department of Licensing notice or contact the Department to learn what conditions explore to your specific suspension.
How do I check the status of my suspension?
Visit the Department of Licensing website and use their online license status tool, or call their customer service line. You will need your driver's license number. The status shows your suspension start and end dates and any requirements you must meet before reinstatement.