District of Columbia (DC) DUI Laws

In the District of Columbia, the fines for DUI are among the highest in the nation. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, or any type of prescription drug, you will be cited for DUI and fined anywhere from $300 up to $10,000. You also face license suspension and jail time. 

What is the blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) limit in the District of Columbia?

In the District of Columbia, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Sentence enhancements exist for cases involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

In the District of Columbia what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the District of Columbia, if you get arrested for DUI, the administrative license suspension time for a first offense is anywhere from 2-90 days. Under administrative license suspension, the drivers’ license will be taken before conviction when he either fails or refuses to be tested for alcohol or drugs. During the revocation period, the driver may obtain a limited license.

In the District of Columbia, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

All DUI convictions in the District of Columbia may include interlock. If you are convicted of DUI in the District of Columbia and it is your first offense, you will receive up to 90 days in jail, and your license will be suspended for up to 6 months. You will be fined anywhere from $300-$1,000. For second DUI offenses, you could go to jail for up to one year and your license may be suspended for one year. Fines range from $1,000-$5,000. For a third DUI conviction, you will be fined anywhere from $2,000 up to $10,000, your license will be suspended for 2 years, and you may receive one year in jail.