This bill amends RCW 46.61.500 to restate the definition of reckless driving as operating a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, or intentionally driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. It establishes reckless driving as a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $5,000, requires the (unspecified) department to suspend the convicted person’s license or driving privilege for at least 30 days, and directs the department to grant day-for-day credit against that suspension if the conviction arose from a charge originally filed under certain statutory sections (RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 or equivalent local ordinances). The bill also allows a person who already holds an ignition interlock driver’s license under RCW 46.20.385 to continue driving under that license during any such suspension without obtaining a separate temporary restricted license. The bill amends ignition interlock device requirements under RCW 46.20.720 by requiring installation on all vehicles a person operates when a reckless driving conviction resulted from specified original charges. Specifically, a person with one or more prior offenses within seven years (as defined in RCW 46.61.5055(14)) must install an interlock if the conviction came from a charge originally filed under RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.504, or equivalent local ordinances; installation is also required when the conviction arose from charges under RCW 46.61.520 or 46.61.522 if those offenses were committed while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug. The act takes effect September 1, 2025, and is identified as S-1085.1, Substitute Senate Bill 5238. Uncertainties: the extracted text refers to “the department” without naming the agency; the bill references definitions and procedures in other RCWs (including the specific definition of “prior offenses” in RCW 46.61.5055(14) and procedural details in RCW 46.20.385, 46.20.391, and 46.20.720) that are not provided here, so those details are not summarized.

If enacted (effective September 1, 2025), people convicted of reckless driving — including driving intentionally more than 30 mph over the limit or driving in willful or wanton disregard for safety — will face higher-stakes consequences in practice: up to 364 days in jail, fines up to $5,000, and a mandatory minimum 30-day license suspension. Repeat offenders within seven years or those whose reckless convictions arise from certain DUI-related charges will likely have to install ignition interlock devices on every vehicle they drive, while people who already served an administrative suspension for the same incident can receive day-for-day credit that may eliminate further suspension time and avoid additional reissue fees; those already on an ignition interlock driver’s license can continue to drive under that license during overlapping actions. The practical burden falls most directly on drivers convicted of reckless driving (higher potential criminal penalties, added costs for interlock installation, and restricted driving options) and on the licensing agency responsible for imposing suspensions, calculating and notifying about credit, and waiving fees. The bill text refers to other statutes for key definitions and procedures and does not name which department will act or define “prior offenses” here, so some implementation details and administrative responsibilities remain unclear.