Intermediate License in Tacoma
An intermediate license (IDL) in Tacoma is a step in Washington’s graduated licensing system. This system was designed for young drivers who have completed driver’s education and hold an instructional permit. The IDL, typically issued to drivers aged 16 or 17, gives more driving privileges than an instructional permit but still includes certain restrictions to ensure their safety. Its goal is to allow the young driver to gain more experience driving in different conditions before they are granted their full driving privileges.
To obtain an IDL in Tacoma, the driver must meet specific eligibility requirements that include holding an instructional permit for at least six months, completing a driver’s education course, and passing a written knowledge and driving skills test. Each applicant must also have a clean driving record during their permit phase, with no traffic violations or accidents. Once the driver meets all these criteria, they are given their intermediate license, which comes with a new set of restrictions.
Some of the restrictions you will find with an intermediate license in Tacoma include not being able to drive between the hours of 1:00 am and 5:00 am (RCW 46.20.075) unless they are accompanied by a licensed driver of at least 25 years of age or older. Also, the driver can’t have any passengers under the age of 20 for the first six months, except family members.
After approximately six months, the passenger restriction is loosened a bit, but the driver still can’t have more than three non-family passengers under the age of 20. These laws were put into place to help reduce distractions and help new drivers focus on gaining the experience they need on the road.
After holding their intermediate license for around six months, they may be eligible to upgrade to a full, unrestricted driver’s license. However, they may not be able to move forward if there are any traffic violations, accidents, or failure to comply with restrictions. The ultimate goal of an IDL is to ease new drivers into responsibility.
Washington Laws Relevant to an Intermediate License in TacomaThe laws in Washington surrounding these licenses apply to Tacoma as part of the state’s broader effort to promote road safety for inexperienced drivers. Washington law also states that a young driver with an IDL can face penalties for violating the restrictions that come along with the license. These include fines, an extension of the probationary period, or even a suspension of their driving privileges. If the driver has repeated violations, they may have to attend traffic school or take part in a driving improvement course to keep or reinstate their IDL.
When it comes to accidents, Washington holds these young drivers accountable for any collisions they are involved in while driving with their intermediate license. If the young driver is involved in an accident, the consequences depend on whether it was their fault or not. If the driver is found at fault, it can lead to increased insurance rates, fines, and the potential suspension or revocation of their IDL. This is especially true if they violate any restrictions at the time of the accident.
If the accident involves serious injury or a violation of traffic laws, it can lead to even more serious consequences, including criminal charges and mandatory driver education. It can also impact the driver's chances of transitioning to a full license.
For these reasons, young drivers in Tacoma need to be cautious and follow all the rules that come with their intermediate license. Otherwise, violations can have lasting effects on their driving privileges and insurance rates. Young drivers should also be aware that their parents or guardians can be held accountable for any accidents or violations that occur under the terms of the IDL.
Traffic Laws and Consequences for Young Drivers in TacomaTacoma, the third-largest city in Washington located in the Puget Sound region, is well-known for its cultural heritage and waterfront views, making it a desirable place for people to visit and live. However, with its busy streets and growing population, traffic regulations are essential for maintaining safety on the roadways.
When You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney for an Intermediate License in TacomaYoung drivers in Tacoma are subject to strict laws and regulations when it comes to their driving privileges. While most of these violations—like driving with too many passengers or during restricted hours—result in simple administrative penalties like fines or suspension, there are times when a young driver can also face criminal charges.
For example, they can be charged with a criminal offense if they were involved in an accident where they are deemed at fault and there is evidence of reckless driving (RCW 46.61.500), driving under the influence (RCW 46.61.502), or serious injury. Additionally, if the driver operates a vehicle without a valid license, including after a suspension or while violating IDL restrictions, they can face criminal charges (RCW 46.20.005).
A qualified attorney can help navigate the legal process, potentially reduce the charges, and protect the young driver’s future by ensuring their rights are upheld during criminal proceedings.
If you or a loved one is facing charges related to an intermediate driver's license violation, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side. Our team of attorneys has spent over 20 years defending clients in Western Washington against various traffic violations, including those affecting young drivers with IDLs.
Traffic violations involving an IDL can have serious consequences, ranging from fines and license suspension to criminal charges. That's why you need to consult a skilled defense attorney who understands these laws and can develop a strong strategy for your case.
An experienced traffic attorney can question the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and explore every possible defense to give your case a chance at a favorable outcome.
Our Tacoma-based attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting to preserve your driving privileges. Whether it's IDL restriction violations, reckless driving, or any other related offense, we will advocate on your behalf to avoid jail time and ensure your license remains valid.
If you or your child has an intermediate license, it is extremely important you know it is vital to fight practically every single ticket received. Just a single ticket can have a severe impact on the intermediate license holder and all others who are relying upon that person for rides. It is frustrating how many phone calls we receive from parents trying to save their child’s license after it is already too late. Please do not be one of these people. Call us as soon as possible and before paying the ticket!
If you get just one ticket while on an intermediate license, the restriction on passengers and nighttime driving will remain in place until the driver turns 18. When this occurs, the department of licensing is also supposed to send a warning letter to the parents. Unfortunately, this does not always work… Many intermediate license holders decide to use a deferral on their first ticket. Sometimes the parents recommend this because they remember using one in their own past. Other times, the teenager does the deferral on his or her own in the hopes that the parents won’t find out. Whatever the reason, it is a bad idea for an intermediate license holder to use a deferral on their first ticket without consulting an attorney. A deferral should only be used as a last resort, considering you only get one every 7 years and most courts impose a probation period as a part of the deferral program. People do not properly take into consideration the fact that a teenager is much more likely to get a second ticket soon and violate the probation of the deferral. Once that happens, both tickets will go on the teenager’s record and their license will be suspended. Additionally, if you defer the first ticket, you normally will not get the warning letter so you will not be aware of the ramifications of the second ticket.
Once you get a second ticket while on an intermediate license, you will receive a 6 month license suspension and if you get a third, you will have a suspension until you are 18 years old! Depending on the court, an experienced attorney can normally resolve a case favorably without using a deferral. However, in some instances the deferral ends up being the only option. It is extremely frustrating to review a teenager’s driving record and seeing a deferral used on an easy ticket and then not having the deferral available for the difficult ticket.
If the intermediate license holder in your family received a ticket, contact our office and speak with one of our experienced traffic attorneys. The Law Offices of Jason Newcombe are here to protect the record and to make sure insurance rates won’t skyrocket.