Negligent Driving - 1st Degree

Negligent Driving 1st degree (referred as Neg 1) is a misdemeanor and is sometimes confused with Neg 2 (a traffic offence). RCW 46.61.5249 states that one is guilty of Neg 1 if, he/she (i) operates a motor vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property and (ii) exhibits the effects of having consumed liquor or an illegal drug or chemical. The law provides an affirmative defense in cases of illegal drug consumption. Further, if you have been convicted of Neg 1 and have one or more prior offenses as defined in RCW 46.61.5055(14) within seven years, per RCW 46.20.720, you would be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on all vehicles operated by you.

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