Intermediate License

What is an Intermediate License?

An intermediate license is issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing to a teen driver under the age of 18.

The teen driver is required to:

Obtain an instruction permit.
Drive with a licensed driver that has been licensed for 5 years or more.
Complete 50 hours of driving practice, including 10 hours of night driving.
Pass an approved driver training course.
Have an instruction permit for at least 6 months.
Pass the driving test at an approved driver testing location.

Intermediate License Restrictions

Keep the following restrictions in mind to avoid a possible suspension of your license. These restrictions are in place until the driver has reached the age of 18.

Driving with Passengers

For the first 6 months, a driver under 18, is not allowed to have passengers (under the age of 20 years old) in the vehicle. Exception for immediate family members.
After the first 6 months, a driver under 18, is not allowed to have more than 3 passengers (under the age of 20 years old) in the vehicle. Exception for immediate family members.
If the intermediate licensed driver is convicted of an infraction, the 6 month passenger restriction begins again on the date the ticket was found committed, or paid to the court.

Driving at Night

For the first 12 months, the intermediate driver is not allowed to drive between the hours of 1:00 am and 5:00 am. Unless there is a licensed driver (over the age of 25) accompanying the teen driver in the car.

No Personal Electronic Devices

The intermediate licensed driver is not allowed to use a wireless device while driving. This includes a hands-free device.

Talking on cell phones
Texting
Emailing

Consequences of Violation Restrictions

First violation:

A warning letter will be mailed from the Washington State Department of Licensing to the parent of the intermediate licensed driver. The following situations will generate a warning letter from DOL.

The intermediate driver is issued a ticket for violating the restrictions
The intermediate driver is issued a ticket for violating the rules of the road
The intermediate driver is involved in an accident in which:
- The intermediate driver is determined to have caused the accident
- No one involved in the accident receives a ticket
- The cause of the accident can not be determined
- There is only one car involved in the accident.

Second violation:

The intermediate licensed driver will have their license suspended for 6 months or until they reach the age of 18, whichever comes first.

The Washington State Department of Licensing will notify the intermediate licensed driver, as well as, the parent or guardian before they take any suspension action.

Third violation:

The intermediate licensed driver will be suspended until they reach the age of 18.

The Washington State Department of Licensing will notify the intermediate licensed driver as well as the parent of guardian before they take any suspension action.

To Clarify Suspensions

We know that you may be trying to clarify the things that can cause suspensions of an Intermediate License.

Per RCW 46.20.267 Intermediate License

Will be suspended for up to 6 months if you commit two traffic offenses under RCW 46.61 or Violation of Intermediate License Restrictions under RCW 46.20.075

If three violations are found committed the DOL will suspend the Driver’s License until the person reaches 18 years of age.

Violations that DO count towards suspension include these common offenses:

Speeding
Negligent driving 2nd degree
Failure to wear safety belt
Speed too fast for conditions
HOV lane violation
Following too closely
Driving later than curfew
Driving with unrelated passengers
Personal electronic device use while driving

Violations that DO NOT count toward suspension include these common offenses:

Expired registration
Modified exhaust
Tinted windows too dark
Defective equipment

There are many ways an experienced traffic attorney can fight your ticket for you.

      
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 September 6, 2026
 
 
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 September 3, 2026
 
 
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 August 14, 2026
 
 
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 July 28, 2025
 
 
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 October 24, 2023
 
 
  Great Result.  Dismissed speeding Ticket!! I got a speeding ticket that I presented to Mr Merril.  Very easy to process. Excellent communication.    He called me during the process to l ask my opinion.   He felt there may be a chance that my ticket would not be dismissed and wanted to know if I would be willing to pay a fine, to keep the ticket off of my record.  I agreed and was thankful to be included in the process.  Mr. Merrill went to court, fought for me and WON!  my ticket was dismissed!! Great result.
  
 
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 August 17, 2023
 
 
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 June 21, 2023
 
 
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