Being charged with reckless driving in Washington is serious, and one of the first questions people ask is whether a conviction will cost them their driver’s license. The short answer is yes. Washington law requires a mandatory license suspension for anyone convicted of reckless driving. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you’re facing any criminal charges involving a vehicle.

How Washington Law Treats Reckless Driving

RCW 46.61.500 is the Washington statute that sets forth the crime of reckless driving. Per this law, reckless driving is classified as a gross misdemeanor, which means the penalties can include:

  • Up to one year in jail, and
  • Fines up to $5,000.

In addition, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) will suspend your driver’s license for a minimum of 30 days once the conviction is reported by the court. This suspension applies whether you hold a Washington license or an out-of-state license used to drive within Washington.

Is the Suspension Permanent?

A reckless driving conviction does not usually lead to permanent revocation of your driving privileges. For most drivers, the suspension is limited to 30 days.

However, reinstating your license typically requires paying fees and providing proof of financial responsibility. Many drivers must obtain SR-22 insurance, which can significantly increase insurance costs and must be carried for several years.

When Could the Consequences Be More Severe?

Although the standard reckless driving suspension is 30 days, the impact can be much more serious for people with prior traffic offenses. Reckless driving is considered a “major moving violation,” and accumulating multiple major offenses within a five-year period can lead to designation as a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO). An HTO finding can result in a license revocation lasting several years, far more severe than the routine 30-day suspension.

Why a Reckless Driving Conviction Matters

The consequences of a conviction extend beyond temporary loss of your license. Reckless driving stays on both your criminal record and your driving abstract, which means it can affect:

  • Employment opportunities,
  • Insurance rates, and
  • How future traffic or criminal cases are handled.

For anyone with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), the impact can be even more significant, as CDL suspensions can jeopardize a career.

Contact Black & Askerov for Help

While a defendant can raise a legal defense to challenge a reckless driving charge, it will take a skilled criminal defense attorney to raise the best defense. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Black & Askerov have over 30 years of combined experience defending clients on various DUI and vehicle-related charges. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers also have the skill and commitment that makes all the difference in these cases. Contact us now to get the legal help you deserve!