Washington State Senate Votes to Cut Legal Limit for DUI to .05

The new law would make Washington the second state after Utah to have the nation's toughest standard on drunk driving.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:15pm

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The Washington state Senate voted 26-23 to approve legislation that would reduce the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration for drivers from 0.08% to 0.05%. If passed into law, the change would take effect on July 1, making Washington the second state after Utah to have the nation's toughest standard on drunk driving.

Why it matters

The move is aimed at reducing the high number of traffic fatalities in Washington involving impaired drivers. In 2023, 809 people died in crashes, with 409 linked to an impaired driver. Supporters say the lower limit will serve as a deterrent and change the culture around drinking and driving, while opponents argue it won't make a significant difference and could hurt hospitality businesses.

The details

The legislation, Senate Bill 5067, was sponsored by Sen. John Lovick, a former state trooper and Snohomish County sheriff. It passed the Senate with the support of 24 Democrats and two Republicans. Opponents argued the lower limit won't change behavior and that hiring more state troopers and conducting more DUI patrols would be more effective. The bill now heads to the state House for consideration.

  • The proposed law would take effect on July 1, 2026 if passed.
  • The Washington State Institute for Public Policy must report on the law's impacts by March 1, 2029.

The players

John Lovick

A Democratic state senator who sponsored the legislation and is a former Washington State Patrol trooper and Snohomish County sheriff.

Marko Liias

The Democratic chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, who said there is clear evidence the lower limit will result in fewer deadly crashes.

Curtis King

The lead Republican on the Senate Transportation Committee, who doubts the lower limit will change the culture around drinking and driving.

Keith Wagoner

A Republican state senator and former mayor of Sedro-Woolley, who said the lower limit will be a "business killer" for hospitality businesses.

Brandy Donaghy

A Democratic state representative who has sponsored similar legislation in the House.

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What they’re saying

“This bill is about community safety. It is about changing the culture of driving in our state.”

— John Lovick, State Senator

“If we had enacted this policy a couple years ago, we would have 100 more Washingtonians walking on the streets with us because we could have saved their lives.”

— Marko Liias, Chair, Senate Transportation Committee

“I truly believe that it is not going to do what we think it's going to do.”

— Curtis King, Lead Republican, Senate Transportation Committee

“In a state that is already not fertile ground for new businesses, this is going to be a business killer.”

— Keith Wagoner, State Senator

What’s next

The legislation now heads to the Washington state House of Representatives for consideration.

The takeaway

This vote highlights the ongoing debate over how to address the high number of traffic fatalities involving impaired drivers in Washington state. While supporters believe the lower legal limit will serve as an effective deterrent, opponents argue it won't significantly improve road safety and could harm the state's hospitality industry.