Drink-driving limits in Washington (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: The general alcohol limit is set in state law and is shown where verified.

Rule	What applies
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.08 % blood alcohol ^[1]
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol	⚠ Not yet verified
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol	Under 21: an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more (but below 0.08) within two hours of driving is an offence. ^[2]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol	Commercial vehicle: driving with any alcohol in the system is prohibited (24-hour out-of-service order); a concentration of 0.04 or more leads to disqualification from commercial driving. ^[3]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol	Gross misdemeanour. First offence: 24 hours to 364 days in jail and a fine of $350 to $5,000 (48 hours and $500 to $5,000 at 0.15 or more or on test refusal). Higher penalties for repeat offences. Three or more prior offences within 15 years is a class B felony. ^[4]

Notes

These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States

Limit for professional or commercial drivers	0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register))

State	Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers	Lower limit for novice or young drivers	Limit for professional or commercial drivers	Random breath tests without suspicion	Maximum penalties
Washington	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% disqualifies (commercial)	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 364 days, $5,000; felony if repeat
Idaho	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 6 months; fine up to $1,000
Oregon	0.08%	Any amount (under 21)	0.04% / any amount = out of service	⚠ Not yet verified	Class A misdemeanour; fine min. $1,000

CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Prohibited (medical patients: 6 plants)
Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph county; 60 mph state
Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 if in driver training; otherwise 15.5
E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no rockets, firecrackers) · Minimum age to buy: 16
Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Allowed unless intimidating or alarming · Locking or one-handed knives: Spring blade banned; assisted opening not
Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.13 per hour
Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.