Washington DC DUI Laws & Drunk Driving Penalties
Overview of the penalties upon conviction of DUI in Washington DC
Washington DC DUI Laws, BAC limits, fines, jail times, IID requirements, suspension/revocation periods and SR22 insurance requirements for first time and repeat offenders with multiple DUI's.
If you've been charged with DUI in Washington DC, the law allows only 10 days for a Washington DC DUI Lawyer to make a request with the Washington DC Department Motor Vehilces for a hearing to help save your drivers license.
What are the penalties for DUI in Washington DC?
The penalties for driving under the influence in Washington DC will depend upon the exact circumstances of each particular case and the number of previous offenses (if any) a person has.
DC DUI Penalties
Washington DC is a state with a 15 year 'washout period' also known as a 'look back period'
1st DUI Offense / Conviction - Misdemeanor
The penalty upon conviction of a first DUI offense in Washington DC:
- Fine: $300 to $1,000 fine
- Jail: up to 90 days in jail
- License Revocation: 6 months drivers license revocation
- possible vehicle impoundment
- possible alcohol education and treatment program
- DC SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement
2nd DUI Offense / Conviction - Misdemeanor
Possible Deferred Prosecution
The penalty upon conviction of a second DUI offense in Washington DC:
- Fine: $1,000 to $5,000 fine
- Jail: 5 days to 1 year in jail
- License Revocation: 1 year drivers license revocation
- Ignition Interlock: possible ignition interlock restriction
- possible 30 days community service
- possible vehicle impoundment
- possible alcohol education and treatment program
- DC SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement
3rd (& subsequent) DUI Offense / Conviction - Misdemeanor
The penalty upon conviction of a third (& subsequent) DUI offense in Washington DC:
- Fine: $2,000 to $10,000 fine
- Jail: 10 days to 1 year in jail
- License Revocation: 2 years drivers license revocation
- Ignition Interlock: possible ignition interlock restriction
- possible 60 days community service
- possible vehicle impoundment
- possible alcohol education and treatment program
- DC SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement
Implied Consent (Chemical Testing) Laws
It is an offense to refuse to submit to a chemical test in Washington DC and implied consent laws are enforced.
In Washington DC, if the accused refuses to take a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine, their drivers license will be suspended/revoked.
CHEMICAL TEST REFUSAL
- License Revocation: 12 months drivers license revocation
- DC SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement
Evidence of any chemical test refusal shall be admissible in any civil or criminal proceeding arising as a result of the acts alleged to have been committed by the person prior to the arrest.
What is the legal alcohol limit in Washington DC
The maximum legal BAC (blood alcohol content) limits in Washington DC for driving are as follows:
ADULT DRIVERS - BAC LIMIT = 0.08%
In the State of Washington DC it is an offense for adult drivers to drive any regular motor vehicle with 0.08% or more, by weight, of alcohol in his/her blood.
DRIVERS UNDER 21 - BAC LIMIT = 0.00%
In the State of Washington DC it is an offense for drivers under the age of 21 (minors) to drive any motor vehicle with 0.00% or more, by weight, of alcohol in his/her blood.
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS - BAC LIMIT = 0.04%
In the State of Washington DC it is an offense for drivers who drive commercial vehicles to drive any commercial motor vehicle with 0.04% or more, by weight, of alcohol in his/her blood.
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Washington DC, District of Columbia.
