{"id":372277,"date":"2016-04-11T01:21:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:21:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-dui-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-01-27T01:54:34","modified_gmt":"2024-01-27T06:54:34","slug":"district-of-columbia-dui-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-dui-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"District of Columbia DUI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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District of Columbia DUI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Like elsewhere in the U.S., drunk driving and driving under the influence of intoxicants is a serious crime in the District of Columbia. Even after a first offense, you may serve mandatory jail time, pay fines of up to $1,000, and lose your driving privileges for 6 months. Knowing your rights and legal options can significantly affect your outcome if you are arrested for DUI.<\/p>\r\n

The following information will give you a general overview of Washington, D.C., DUI laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Washington D.C. DUI Laws: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

"Per Se" BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.00%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.20%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied Consent<\/a> to Submit to BAC Test?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
 <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Washington D.C. DUI Laws: Select Penalties<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

Minimum License Suspension or Revocation<\/a> (1st, 2nd, 3rd offense)<\/td>\r\n6 months, 1 year, 2 years<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory Alcohol Education, Assessment and Treatment<\/a><\/td>\r\nYes, with IID<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle Confiscation<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nNo<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition Interlock Device<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: <\/b>State intoxicated driving laws are always changing through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

DWI & OWI<\/h2>\r\n

Under Washington, D.C., laws, prosecutors can charge you for driving under the influence<\/a> if you are in a motor vehicle, watercraft, or any motorized mobility device. This includes, but isn’t limited to, scooters, wheelchairs, and golf carts. Washington, D.C., also bans operating horse-driven vehicles while under the influence.<\/p>\r\n

You don’t have to be driving, either. The laws state you only need to be in physical control of the vehicle. This can mean you’re in the car but not moving or asleep inside the vehicle and have the keys. Physical control is up for interpretation by the officer and the courts. This may be an issue your defense attorney can challenge.<\/p>\r\n

Washington, D.C., DUI laws recognize three types of impaired driving offenses:<\/p>\r\n