Washington Habitual Traffic Offenders – How to Avoid Losing Your License for Years

What Is a Habitual Traffic Offender?

In Washington, the Department of Licensing (DOL) can classify a driver as a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) if they accumulate certain types of serious driving convictions within a set period of time. This designation carries severe consequences, including a mandatory seven-year license revocation. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we understand how devastating this can be for individuals who rely on their license for work, family responsibilities, and daily life.

How Someone Becomes an HTO

Under RCW 46.65.020, you may be declared a Habitual Traffic Offender HTO if, within five years, you are convicted of three or more major driving offenses such as DUI, reckless driving, vehicular assault, or driving with a suspended license. You can also qualify as an HTO by accumulating 20 or more moving violations, or 10 or more violations that demonstrate a repeated disregard for traffic laws. The result is the same: a lengthy loss of your driving privileges.

The Consequences of HTO Status

Once declared an HTO, your license is revoked for seven years, and driving during that period is considered a felony. That means potential jail time, significant fines, and long-term consequences for your record. Beyond the criminal penalties, HTO status can cause serious challenges for maintaining employment, transporting your children, or even meeting basic daily needs.

Options for Reinstatement

Fortunately, there are options. After four years of revocation, Washington law allows you to petition the DOL for early reinstatement if you can demonstrate good behavior and prove that reinstating your driving privileges does not pose a risk to public safety. In some cases, you may also qualify for a restricted license that allows you to drive for essential purposes such as work or school. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we guide clients through this process and fight for the best possible outcome.

Defending Against an HTO Designation

If you receive notice of an HTO revocation, you have the right to challenge it through an administrative hearing. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make all the difference. Our team carefully reviews each client’s driving record, identifies any errors, and works to reduce or dismiss charges that could otherwise trigger HTO status. Taking action early is critical in protecting your ability to drive.

Why Choose the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer

Our firm has represented countless clients across Southwest Washington facing serious traffic and criminal charges. We know how overwhelming a Habitual Traffic Offender HTO designation can feel, and we are committed to helping clients keep their licenses, protect their records, and move forward with their lives. If you or a loved one is facing an HTO revocation, don’t wait until it’s too late—contact the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer today for a consultation.