Effective January 1, 2026, Washington State is updating its impaired driving laws in ways that could have significant consequences for drivers with prior DUI convictions. One of the most important changes involves how past offenses are counted when determining whether a DUI charge rises to a felony.
Extended Look-Back Period for Prior DUIs
Under the updated law, HB 1493 (2023) updates the “look-back” period used to determine whether an impaired driving offense becomes a felony by increasing it from 10 years to 15 years. This means:
- If a person has three or more prior DUI or physical control convictions within the past 15 years, a subsequent impaired driving offense can be charged as a felony rather than a gross misdemeanor.
- Older convictions that would not have counted under the previous 10-year rule may now be considered in charging and sentencing.
Additional DUI Law Changes
In addition to the extended look-back period, the new law also includes:
- New sentencing alternatives for some felony DUI cases, including treatment-based options aimed at addressing substance use issues.
- Expanded options for deferred prosecution, including limited eligibility for a second deferred prosecution in certain circumstances.
- Clarifications to ignition interlock and license processes, which may affect driving privileges and reinstatement procedures after a DUI.
Why This Matters
A DUI conviction—especially a felony impaired driving charge—can carry serious penalties, including longer jail sentences, extended probation, ignition interlock device requirements, and lasting impacts on your driving record and insurance. Because the new law looks further back into a person’s history, older convictions that once might no longer have counted could now influence how current charges are handled.
How Althauser Rayan Abbarno attorneys can help!
Washington’s evolving DUI laws make it more important than ever to consult experienced legal counsel if you or a loved one is facing impaired driving charges. At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, Free DUI Consultations at CentraliaLaw.com
If you or a loved one is facing impaired driving charges, timely legal guidance is critical. At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, we offer:
- Free DUI consultations
- Experienced DUI and criminal defense attorneys
- Spanish language interpretation available
📞 Contact us today to learn how the 2026 DUI law changes may affect your case and to explore your legal options.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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