Washington lawmakers have approved Substitute Senate Bill 5501, amending the state’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to limit when employers can require a valid driver’s license in job postings or as a condition of employment.
Effective July 27, 2025, employers may only include a driver’s license requirement if:
- Driving is an essential function of the position, or
- The requirement is connected to a legitimate business purpose
This update aims to prevent unintentional barriers in the hiring process—particularly for individuals with medical disabilities or those who use alternative transportation for work-related travel.
The law does not specify what language may be included in postings for positions where driving is essential. The Department is expected to issue guidance before the effective date.
In the meantime, employers should review their job posting templates and hiring practices to confirm that driver’s license requirements are only applied where truly necessary.
Read more on JD Supra.
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