List of rulemaking activity

Ignition Interlock Device (IID) exemption

  • Driver licensing
    • Suspensions
In progress

Current rule(s)

We're conducting rulemaking concerning impaired driving. This proposal removes the self-employed exemption around obtaining an ignition interlock device (IID). The proposal implements changes required by HB 1493, passed in the 2024 legislative session.

Current step

September 17, 2025

Rule change proposed

Public hearing or comments

We're proposing this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminates the need for us to hold public hearings. If you object to the use of the expedited process for this rule change, you must object in writing. Email your objection to rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov or mail it to:

Rules Coordinator
Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Habitual traffic offender probation

  • Driver licensing
    • Hearings
Completed

Current rule(s)

Probation in habitual traffic offender matters (WAC 308-101-240)

We clarified probation guidelines and terms in habitual traffic offender matters.

Current step

July 22, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on July 8, 2025.

Terminating suspensions

  • Driver licensing
    • Suspensions
In progress

Current rule(s)

We're considering rulemaking to clarify the process for terminating a suspension resulting from accumulated traffic infractions.

Current step

August 6, 2025

Intent to create a new rule

Public hearing or comments

You can participate in this rulemaking activity by contacting us at rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

Professional conduct of attorneys during administrative hearings

  • Driver licensing
    • Hearings
In progress

Current rule(s)

We're considering drafting new rules to govern the professional conduct of attorneys appearing before the agency during administrative proceedings.

Current step

July 23, 2025

Intent to create a new rule

Public hearing or comments

You can participate in this rulemaking activity by contacting us at rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

Driver training voucher program

  • Driver licensing
    • Driver training
In progress

Current rule(s)

Title 308 WAC - Department of Licensing

We're considering a new rule to create a driver training voucher assistance program. The rule will include student eligibility requirements, provider agreement standards, and reimbursement policies.

Current step

July 23, 2025

Intent to create a new rule

Public hearing or comments

You can participate in this rulemaking activity by contacting us at rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

Administrative Law Office

  • Driver licensing
Completed

Current rule(s)

We updated rules to align with changing the name of the Hearings and Interviews unit to the Administrative Law Office.

Current step

May 28, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We proposed this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminated the need for us to hold public hearings. If you object to the use of the expedited process for this rule change, you must object in writing. Email your objection to rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov or mail it to:

Rules Coordinator
Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Driver hearings correspondence

  • Driver licensing
Completed

Current rule(s)

Correspondence address (WAC 308-102-006)

We updated this rule to reflect the recent name change of the Hearings and Interviews Unit to the Administrative Law Office.

Current step

January 10, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We proposed this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminated the need for us to hold public hearings. If you object to the use of the expedited process for this rule change, you must object in writing. Email your objection to rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov or mail it to:

Rules Coordinator
Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Commercial driver license eligibility

  • Driver licensing
    • Commercial Driver License (CDL)
Completed

Current rule(s)

Commercial driver's license—Eligibility (WAC 308-100-020)

Current law is silent on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) individuals. It also has conflicting information for individuals from Mexico and Canada that may also be DACA-eligible for a non-domiciled CDL. This updated rule incorporates the reference from the new federal regulation that defines DACA individuals.

Current step

May 6, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We proposed this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminated the need for us to hold public hearings. If you object to the use of the expedited process for this rule change, you must object in writing. Email your objection to rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov or mail it to:

Rules Coordinator
Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

CDL disqualification procedures

  • Driver licensing
Completed

Current rule(s)

Final orders (WAC 308-101-230)

We rescinded subsection 4 of this rule to allow for CDL disqualifications to be addressed within the personal driver’s license hearing. This follows an analysis of our CDL disqualification procedures.

Current step

January 13, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on January 6, 2025.

Document review and interviews

  • Driver licensing
  • Vehicle and boat registration
Completed

Current rule(s)

Title 308 WAC: Department of Licensing

State laws already define administrative reviews and interviews. We're required to define the specifics of conducting the document review or interview. Standard procedures include eligibility, evidence needing review, authority of the review, and other legal remedies available after the review.

This new rule provides greater clarity for conducting administrative reviews and interviews.

Current step

January 6, 2025

New rule adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing on December 11, 2024.

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