18-year-old Driving Restrictions Washington State

Colburn Law

Posted by Greg Colburn in Car Accidents on February 19, 2025

Whether you’re a parent watching your teen start to drive or a young driver reaching new milestones, understanding Washington’s laws is necessary. The state’s graduated licensing system imposes rules meant to guide teen drivers safely into full driving privileges. These rules aren’t just for first-time teen drivers. 18-year-old driving restrictions in Washington State still apply in specific cases, especially for those who haven’t yet met the complete licensing requirements. They can impact when and how a young driver earns unrestricted privileges.

Colburn Law outlines what young drivers and their families need to know—licensing rules, consequences for violations, and what to do after an accident.

Everything You Need To Know About Washington Teen Driving Laws

Washington’s Intermediate Driver’s License (IDL) is designed to limit distractions and risks while new drivers build experience. It’s a middle step between a learner’s permit and a full driver’s license.

To get an IDL, teens must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have held a valid instruction permit for at least six months.
• Complete a traffic safety education course that meets Washington standards.
• Present certification of at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night), verified by a parent, guardian, or employer.
• Be free of traffic violations within the last six months and have no drug or alcohol offenses during the prior year.

During the first six months, drivers can’t have passengers under 20 who aren’t immediate family. After that, up to three under-20 passengers are allowed. Driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. is also restricted unless it’s for work, school, or religious activities or the teen is with a licensed driver over 25.

Phones and devices are off-limits while driving unless reporting an emergency. It’s all about reducing distractions and keeping everyone safe.

Even for teens approaching adulthood, 18-year-old driving restrictions in Washington State may apply if they haven’t held a clean driving record for 12 months or completed the IDL process.

Intermediate Driver’s License

Under RCW 46.20.075, Washington’s Intermediate Driver’s License (IDL) bridges a learner’s permit and a full, unrestricted driver’s license, allowing young drivers to gain experience while controlling the risk. The state has detailed the eligibility requirements in Washington state law to ensure that teen drivers are prepared before getting an IDL.

To qualify, an applicant must hold an instruction permit for at least 6 months. During this time, they must take a state-approved driver’s education course and log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. A parent or guardian must verify that these driving hours are completed. A good driving record is also required. Any traffic violations, alcohol or drug-related offenses, or license suspensions within the preceding six months will render a teen ineligible for an IDL.

The IDL remains in effect until the driver reaches 18 years old or can pass a road test, showing safe driving behavior by going without a violation for 12 consecutive months. If the latter goal is met, the login associated with the IDL restrictions will be removed, restoring the driver to full licensure privileges. Such a system ensures young drivers learn and cultivate responsible driving habits before the full weight of the road falls over their shoulders.

Consequences of Violating an IDL Restriction 

Washington takes violations seriously. These laws serve an essential purpose in reducing non-compliance among young drivers and preventing accidents caused by inexperience or distraction. Teens and their guardians should stay informed to avoid unnecessary complications: 

• First violation: The Department of Licensing (DOL) sends a warning letter to the driver and their parent or guardian.
• Second violation: The license is suspended for six months or until the driver turns 18.
• Third violation: The license is suspended until the driver turns 18, with no exceptions.

In addition to state-imposed penalties, breaking these rules can lead to higher insurance premiums, limited driving opportunities, and a mark on the driver’s record that could affect job or school applications.

When Your Teen Has Been in a No-Fault Accident 

Even teens who follow Washington’s Intermediate Driver’s License (IDL) rules can end up in an accident—especially when another driver’s carelessness is involved. In these cases, your teen may not be legally or financially responsible for the damage, but what happens next still matters.

The priority after any crash is safety. Get medical attention right away, even for injuries that seem minor. Once everyone is safe, begin collecting evidence. This can include photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information.

Calling the police is also important. An official report adds a layer of documentation to help clarify who was at fault—something insurance companies and attorneys will review closely.

Be sure to notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. While a no-fault accident doesn’t automatically lead to consequences for a teen driver, insurance companies will still investigate the details. Keeping thorough records and following the proper steps can protect your teen’s rights and help make sure they’re treated fairly during the claims process.

Teen Drivers Have Rights After a Car Accident 

Teen drivers are entitled to the same legal protections as any other motorist. When a crash happens—and your teen wasn’t at fault—the other driver may be responsible for covering medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and other related losses.

Determining fault is the foundation of any claim. It typically involves gathering evidence from the scene, reviewing police reports, speaking with witnesses, and analyzing the events that led up to the crash. The more precise the documentation, the stronger the claim.

But fault isn’t the only issue. It’s just as important to understand the full scope of damages. That includes immediate costs like ER visits, car repairs, or physical therapy—and longer-term impacts such as pain, emotional distress, or ongoing treatment needs that may stretch into the future.

Dealing with insurance companies can be incredibly challenging for young drivers. Insurers often push low settlement offers, counting on families to accept quick payouts. Having a car accident attorney on your side can help ensure your teen receives compensation that reflects the full extent of their losses.

Knowing they have legal rights empowers teen drivers to move forward confidently—not just on the road but in the aftermath of an accident where accountability matters.

Contact Our Seattle Car Accident Attorneys 

At Colburn Law, we help families across Washington deal with teen driving laws and the legal fallout of car accidents. Whether your teen is facing 18-year-old driving restrictions in Washington State or recovering from a crash, we’re here to guide you with clarity and support.

To schedule your consultation, call us at 206-823-4953 or visit 22500 SE 64th Place #200, Issaquah, WA.

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