Local and state leaders call for lower legal threshold for impaired driving in Washington

Washington state leaders are advocating for a reduction in the legal blood alcohol content limit for drivers from . 08 to . 05. State Patrol Chief John Batiste pointed to Utah's success with the lower threshold as a model for Washington. The call for change comes as Bellingham reports an 18% increase in DUI arrests in 2025, emphasizing the growing concern over impaired driving.

Police Lt. Claudia Murphy supports the initiative, proposing a gradual approach to reach a . 04 limit, already applicable to commercial drivers. A bill introduced in the 2024 state House estimates that lowering the limit could prevent nearly 1,800 fatalities each year. More than half of Washington's fatal crashes from 2017 to 2021 involved impaired drivers, highlighting the critical need for legislative action.

The push for a lower BAC limit reflects a growing recognition of the dangers of impaired driving. Currently, Utah is the only state with a . 05 legal limit, prompting Washington leaders to consider similar reforms.