OLYMPIA – Washington drivers may soon have the opportunity to reinstate their licenses early by completing a Department of Licensing (DOL)-approved safe driving course. House Bill 1244, which passed the House of Representatives today, would allow drivers with multiple moving violations to shorten their suspension period. However, this option would not apply to serious offenses like DUIs and would only be available once every five years.

HB 1244 aims to ease the burden of a two-month suspension for drivers who are not habitual offenders. Rep. Sharon Wylie (D-Vancouver), the bill’s prime sponsor, emphasized that the measure helps drivers improve their skills and reduce suspension time. “One reason for this bill is the increase in incidents involving drivers who bypassed driver’s education when they were younger. As they get older, they’re no longer mandated to take any driving courses, leading to knowledge and skill gaps that put everyone at risk. This bill gives those drivers an opportunity to improve their skills and safely reinstate their licenses.”

Previously, six moving violations in one year—or seven in two years—triggered suspension. In 2023, this threshold was lowered to three in one year or four in two years. Washington joins 25 other states that offer similar courses for early reinstatement.

Learn more in the video below. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.