US EditionState Senate Approves Lower Drunk Driving Limit
The bill aims to reduce alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, with 409 deaths linked to impaired drivers in 2023, and mandates a public education campaign and impact report.
- On Jan. 28, the Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5067 by a 26-23 vote to lower the BAC limit from 0.08% to 0.05%, sending it to the House.
- Data from Washington Traffic Safety Commission show 2021 had 674 traffic deaths, including 345 alcohol-related, and supporters cited Utah's 20% fatal crash drop after lowering the BAC limit.
- Senate Bill 5067 requires the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to run a statewide public education campaign and the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to report on the law's first two years by March 1, 2029.
- Opponents argued the.05% limit could increase legal exposure for servers and bartenders, with Sen. Keith Wagoner calling it a potential 'business killer' for Washington hospitality businesses.
- If the House and governor approve it, the change would take effect on July 1 and the House will likely hold public hearings while a companion bill by Rep. Brandy Donaghy, D-Snohomish County awaits committee action.
16 Articles
16 Articles
WA Senate hands proposal to reduce drunk driving limit to .05 over to House Dems
(The Center Square) - The Washington State Senate passed a bill on Wednesday lowering blood alcohol limits for impaired driving that critics warn may increase legal exposure for servers and
Bellevue Reporter
State Senate approves lower drunk driving limit
The bill drops it to 0.05% from 0.08%; still needs House approval
WA Senate approves new bill lowering drunk driving limit to 0.05% BAC
OLYMPIA [Jerry Cornfield]—Washington took a major stride Wednesday toward slashing the state’s legal limit for driving drunk. State Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, looks on toward the end of the roll call vote for his Senate Bill 5067, which would lower the blood alcohol limit for drunk driving to 0.05% from 0.08% in Washington. The bill passed the Senate on a 26-23 vote on Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) A divided…
Washington State Senate Votes to Cut Legal Limit for DUI to .05
OLYMPIA, WA – Washington took a major stride Wednesday toward slashing the state’s legal limit for driving drunk. A divided state Senate voted 26-23 to approve legislation to reduce the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration for drivers from 0.08% to 0.05%. If it makes it through the House and into law, Washington would join Utah with the toughest standard in the nation on July 1. Utah moved to a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration limit in…
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