WA DMV Alcohol and Drug Impairment Laws 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Washington, is it legal for a driver to have an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle?
- Yes, as long as only passengers drink from it
- Yes, if the vehicle is stopped at a red light
- No, open containers must be kept in the trunk or an area not accessible to occupants (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the container is less than half full
Correct answer: No, open containers must be kept in the trunk or an area not accessible to occupants
Washington's open container law prohibits open alcohol containers in the passenger area; they must be stored in the trunk or another inaccessible area.
Question 2: What device may a court require a person convicted of DUI in Washington to install in their vehicle?
- An ignition interlock device (Correct answer)
- A GPS tracking unit
- A dashboard camera
- A speed limiter
Correct answer: An ignition interlock device
Washington requires DUI offenders to install an ignition interlock device, which prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath.
Question 3: A driver takes an over-the-counter cold medicine that causes drowsiness and then drives erratically. What is true under Washington law?
- They can only receive a parking ticket
- They are exempt if they show the medicine package
- They can be arrested for DUI because impairment from any drug is illegal (Correct answer)
- They cannot be charged because the medicine was legal
Correct answer: They can be arrested for DUI because impairment from any drug is illegal
Any substance that impairs driving, including over-the-counter medicine, can support a DUI charge in Washington.
Question 4: What is the minimum license revocation period in Washington for a first refusal of a breath test under the implied consent law?
- 90 days
- 30 days
- Six months
- One year (Correct answer)
Correct answer: One year
A first refusal of a lawful breath test results in license revocation for at least one year, longer than the suspension for failing the test.
Question 5: Which of these is the ONLY effective way to remove alcohol from your system before driving?
- Exercising vigorously
- Taking a cold shower
- Drinking strong coffee
- Allowing enough time to pass (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Allowing enough time to pass
Only time removes alcohol from the body, as the liver processes roughly one drink per hour.
Question 6: In Washington, can a passenger legally smoke or consume marijuana in a moving vehicle?
- Yes, if they have a medical card
- Yes, passengers may use marijuana freely
- No, marijuana use in a vehicle on a public roadway is illegal for everyone (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only if the windows are open
Correct answer: No, marijuana use in a vehicle on a public roadway is illegal for everyone
Consuming marijuana in a vehicle on a public roadway is illegal for both drivers and passengers in Washington.
Question 7: Roughly how long does it take the average person's body to process the alcohol in one standard drink?
- About 15 minutes
- About three hours
- About 10 minutes
- About one hour (Correct answer)
Correct answer: About one hour
The liver processes approximately one standard drink per hour, and nothing can safely speed this up.
WA DMV Alcohol and Drug Impairment Laws 3
In Washington, is it legal for a driver to have an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle?