Learn how we make rules
Find out how we create and change rules related to licensing.
Understand the terms we use
Read our rulemaking definitions for the terms we use when working on rules.
See our semiannual rulemaking agenda
Our semiannual rulemaking agenda is the current list of rule changes that we're considering. We update it twice a year.
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List of rulemaking activity
CDL disqualification procedures
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Final orders (WAC 308-101-230)
Summary
We rescinded subsection 4 of this rule to allow for CDL disqualifications to be addressed within the personal driver’s license hearing.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)
Summary
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.
This new rule provides greater clarity for conducting administrative reviews and interviews.
Current step
January 6, 2025
New rule adopted
Moving and nonmoving violations
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Moving and nonmoving violations defined (WAC 308-104-160)
Summary
We're adding more offenses to our list of moving and nonmoving violations.
Current step
November 30, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held November 22, 2022
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes) - Audio transcript
Motorcycle permit and endorsement requirements
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Motorcycle permit and endorsement requirements (Chapter 308-109 WAC)
Summary
We created new WAC chapters to address criteria for the issuance of motorcycle instructional permits and endorsements for 2- and 3-wheel motorcycles.
Current step
January 18, 2024
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
We held a public hearing on November 27, 2023.
- Public hearing audio (MP3, 4 minutes)
- Public hearing transcript
Suspended driver licenses and safe driving courses
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Drivers' licenses (Chapter 308-104 WAC)
Summary
We're adopting requirements about license suspensions due to multiple traffic offenses and safe driving courses. These changes follow a new law that lowers the number of traffic offenses that will lead to a license suspension and requires people who are suspended to complete a safe driving course.
Current step
November 30, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 4 minutes) - Audio transcript
Age requirements for driver knowledge exams
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Administration of examinations (WAC 308-110-030 and WAC 308-104-046)
Summary
Right now, our rules limit how young a person can be to take the knowledge exam to get a permit beyond what the law requires. This rule change would match the age requirements under RCW 46.20.055.
Current step
November 28, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held September 27, 2022
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes) - Audio transcript
Waiving driver education requirements
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Waiver of driver education requirement—When granted (WAC 308-104-050)
Summary
We updated this rule to reflect the current process for waiving driver education requirements.
Current step
August 13, 2024
Rule change adopted
Driver hearing procedures
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Eligibility for hearing (WAC 308-101-040); Signatures (WAC 308-101-070); Scheduling — Notice of hearing (WAC 308-101-090); Continuances (WAC 308-101-120); Subpoenas (WAC 308-101-150); Filing of exhibits and other documents with the department (WAC 308-101-155); Video evidence (WAC 308-101-170); Format and length for briefs (WAC 308-101-180); Conduct of hearings (WAC 308-101-210)
Summary
We're updating the procedures, guidelines, and language of the hearing rules to match the intent of the law. These updates make hearings comply with the law, clarify procedures that are unclear, allow procedures that are currently disallowed, explain what isn't part of the procedures anymore, and use more inclusive language.
Current step
March 13, 2023
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held January 25, 2023
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 4 minutes) - Audio transcript
Financial responsibility hearings
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Administration of the Financial Responsibility Act – Procedures (Chapter 308-102 WAC)
Summary
These rule changes update and clarify the process of financial responsibility hearings. We're making the rules comply with the law, simplifying parts of the rule that are hard to read, and using more inclusive language.
Current step
March 13, 2023
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held January 25, 2023
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 4 minutes) - Audio transcript
Suspending driver licenses due to fraud
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Driver's licenses suspension, cancellation, or denial period for prohibited practices (WAC 308-104-075)
Summary
We're updating our policy on how long we can suspend driver licenses due to fraud. We can now issue suspensions that last 0 to 364 days depending on the type of identity fraud, the type of credential involved, the driver's status, and more. This change will support an internal process that driver and vehicle investigators are already using.
Current step
December 28, 2020
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held December 22, 2020
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 4 minutes)