Upon receiving a driver’s license in Washington, many people may feel a sense of freedom. It is also a great responsibility, as being at the wheel means the driver agrees to abide by the state’s traffic laws or face the consequences. Drivers typically know the obvious laws: stop at red lights and do not exceed the speed limit. There are other rules that some of which people may not be aware of, such as the state’s implied consent law. Here, we take a look at what that law means and the consequences of breaking it. Implied consent In Washington, every licensed driver inherently agrees to submit to either breath or blood tests upon being arrested on charges of DUI. In other words, to obey the law, a driver who is arrested for drunk driving must submit either a breath or a blood sample.
Refusing a Test
It is within a driver’s rights to refuse the test. It is important to note here that there are several ways in which a refusal may be explicit or a law enforcement officer may interpret a driver as refusing a test. Those include the following:
- The driver says outright, “I refuse.”
- The driver takes too long to decide to take the test.
- The driver pretends to blow into a machine or otherwise purposefully tries to throw off the test.
In any case, the law enforcement officer must tell the driver about implied consent and the possible consequences, allowing him or her to weigh the decision.
Consequences of Refusal
There are several possible outcomes to a driver refusing a breath or blood test. First, the refusal results in at least a one-year revocation or suspension of the person’s driving license. Someone who has prior DUI convictions or who has had administrative license suspensions linked to a DUI could face longer revocation periods. Further, the refusal of the test is admissible in court as evidence against the driver.
When Testing Is Mandatory
It is important to note that there are some exceptions to the “right of refusal” law. For example, if the driver was involved in an incident in which someone was killed or seriously injured, a test may be mandatory. Furthermore, if the driver is unconscious or deceased, law enforcement officers do not need consent to administer a test. It may be difficult for drivers to decide whether or not to take a breath or blood test upon being arrested for a DUI charge.
Learn More Today
If you have questions about your rights under Washington law, call Maxey Law Office PLLC at (509) 652-3330 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with a criminal defense attorney at our firm.