WA DMV Traffic Violations and Fines 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Washington, what is the base fine for a first-offense E-DUI (using a handheld phone while driving)?
- $136 (Correct answer)
- $48
- $250
- $500
Correct answer: $136
A first E-DUI ticket in Washington costs $136 and is reported to your insurance company.
Question 2: What happens to the fine for a second E-DUI (distracted driving) ticket within five years in Washington?
- It increases to $234 (Correct answer)
- It stays the same at $136
- It is waived if you attend a class
- It doubles to $272
Correct answer: It increases to $234
A second E-DUI offense within five years increases the fine to $234.
Question 3: How are speeding fines treated in Washington school zones when children are present?
- They are doubled and cannot be waived or reduced (Correct answer)
- They are the same as regular speeding fines
- They are tripled but can be reduced in court
- They only apply during summer months
Correct answer: They are doubled and cannot be waived or reduced
School zone speeding fines are doubled by law and cannot be waived, reduced, or suspended.
Question 4: In Washington, what is the legal consequence of driving past a school bus with its stop paddle extended?
- A fine that cannot be reduced below the statutory minimum (Correct answer)
- A verbal warning for a first offense
- Automatic license revocation for one year
- Mandatory jail time of 30 days
Correct answer: A fine that cannot be reduced below the statutory minimum
Passing a stopped school bus with its stop sign extended carries a substantial fine that courts may not reduce below the minimum.
Question 5: What is the classification of a first-offense DUI in Washington?
- Gross misdemeanor (Correct answer)
- Class C felony
- Traffic infraction
- Simple misdemeanor
Correct answer: Gross misdemeanor
A first DUI in Washington is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and significant fines.
Question 6: Within how many days must you respond to a traffic infraction notice in Washington?
- 15 days (Correct answer)
- 5 days
- 30 days
- 60 days
Correct answer: 15 days
Washington law requires you to respond to a traffic infraction within 15 days or face additional penalties.
Question 7: What can happen if you ignore a traffic ticket in Washington and fail to respond or pay?
- Your license may be suspended and the debt sent to collections (Correct answer)
- The ticket is automatically dismissed after 90 days
- You receive a reduced fine as a reminder
- Nothing until you renew your registration
Correct answer: Your license may be suspended and the debt sent to collections
Failing to respond to a ticket can result in license suspension, added fees, and referral to a collection agency.
WA DMV Traffic Violations and Fines 2
In Washington, what is the base fine for a first-offense E-DUI (using a handheld phone while driving)?