Washington state’s licensing laws follow a Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program for young drivers under the age of 18. A beginner driver is eligible for a learning permit at age 16. Then, after driving under a learner’s permit for at least six months, a Washington driver is eligible for an intermediate license until age 18. An intermediate driver’s license includes limitations on the ages of passengers and nighttime driving. Violating Washington’s intermediate driver license laws has legal and civil penalties that all young drivers and their parents should be familiar with. If you were in an accident with an underage driver, make sure to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Arlington.
Restrictions on an Intermediate Driver’s License In Washington
A young driver may use their intermediate driver’s license just as a standard license for driving to work, school, errands, entertainment, or other reasons, but with the following specific limitations in place:
- During the first six months, a driver may not carry passengers under the age of 20 except for family members
- After six months, a driver may transport passengers under age 20, but with no more than three in their vehicle, unless they are immediate family members
- For the first 12 months of driving, an intermediate driver may not drive between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM without a licensed adult driver present in the vehicle
Finally, intermediate drivers may not use electronic devices for texting, emailing, or making calls, including hands-free technology.
Penalties for Intermediate Driver’s License Violations In Washington
Washington takes the dangers of young, inexperienced drivers on the road seriously. Restricted and intermediate driver’s licenses allow a young driver to improve their driving skills in the safest way possible for themselves and others sharing the roadway. When a young driver violates the limitations on their license, they face the following:
- A warning notice for a first offense
- A second violation results in a six-month license suspension
- After a third offense, the driver’s intermediate license is suspended until they reach age 18
In addition, a young driver’s insurance rates will rise as a result of violations. In some cases, the insurance company may cancel the policy.
While driving under an intermediate driver’s license, a driver who causes an accident will lose their license until they reach the age of 18. If they caused the accident, the driver is also liable for the injury victim’s damages. A personal injury attorney in Arlington is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Recovering Damages After an Accident Caused by A Young Driver In Violation of Intermediate License Limitations
Under Washington’s fault-based injury laws, a driver who violates their driving limitations may be held liable for damages only if they are at fault for the accident. Being in violation of driver limitations does not automatically make a young driver liable for damages; however, if the driver’s careless or reckless action caused the accident, the injury victim may hold them liable for damages such as the following:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Lost earnings
- Future income loss
- Compensation for pain and suffering
Additional compensation may be available to catastrophic injury victims, such as those who experience traumatic amputation, disfigurement, loss of one of the senses, organ loss, scarring, or diminished quality of life. If a car accident causes a fatality, a close surviving family member may recover compensation through a wrongful death claim. Contact us today.