Drunk and drugged driving laws in District of Columbia

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the legal alcohol limits for adults, under-21 drivers and commercial drivers.
• You can explain what implied consent means in DC.
• You can describe the license and court penalties for impaired driving.
• You can plan safe ways home that avoid any impaired driving.

What you need to know and understand

• For drivers 21 and over, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more in blood or breath is legally intoxicated.
• For drivers under 21, any measurable amount of alcohol counts as intoxicated.
• Commercial vehicle drivers face a lower limit of 0.04.
• A DUI conviction, or an under-21 driver with any measurable alcohol, adds 12 points and leads to automatic revocation.
• A first DUI offense can bring a $1,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail, or both.
• Higher test results bring mandatory minimum jail time, starting at 10 days for 0.20 or more.
• Refusing a chemical test after being told the consequences can lead to a 12-month revocation.

Zero tolerance under 21

If you are under 21, DC law treats any measurable alcohol in your blood, breath or urine as being intoxicated. One drink can be enough. On the DC point chart this carries 12 points and automatic revocation, which would also end your progress through the GRAD program.

Implied consent and refusing a test

By driving in DC you agree to chemical testing if police have reason to believe you are impaired. If you refuse after being told what refusal means, DC DMV can revoke your driving privilege for 12 months. A person without a license can be barred from getting one for 12 months. Some current DC license holders may be offered the ignition interlock program instead of a straight revocation.

Drugs, cannabis and medicines

DC's impaired driving laws cover drugs as well as alcohol. Even though adults 21 and over may possess small amounts of cannabis in the District, driving while impaired by it is still illegal. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can also affect driving, so read the label and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.

Plan ahead: safe choices

• Decide before you go out how you will get home.
• Use Metro, a bus, a taxi or a rideshare, or ride with a sober driver.
• Never get in a car with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs.
• If you are hosting, offer alcohol-free drinks and help guests find a safe ride.

Common mistakes

• Believing that one drink is fine for an under-21 driver. Any measurable alcohol breaks the law.
• Thinking coffee or a cold shower sobers you up. Only time reduces alcohol in your body.
• Assuming legal cannabis possession means legal cannabis driving.
• Refusing a test in the belief that it avoids penalties. Refusal brings its own 12-month revocation.

Test yourself: Drunk and drugged driving laws in District of Columbia

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

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• DC Permit Practice Test