Drink-driving limits in District of Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The state sets a limit of 0.08% blood alcohol for ordinary drivers. Stricter rules apply to drivers under 21. Penalties are set in the state's impaired-driving statute.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | For a driver under 21, 'intoxicated' means any measurable amount of alcohol in the blood, urine or breath. [1] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | For a commercial vehicle, 'intoxicated' means 0.04 g or more per 100 ml of blood or 210 litres of breath (and any measurable amount for a driver under 21). [1] |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | First offence: a fine of $1,000 or up to 180 days in jail, or both. Mandatory minimum jail of 10 to 20 days applies at higher alcohol concentrations (from 0.20). A repeat offence: a fine of $2,500 to $5,000 or up to one year, or both. [2] |
Notes
- The official sources read for this state do not state this. Not confirmed.
Sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 50-2206.01 - Definitions (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 50-2206.13 - Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
District of Columbia and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 0.08% | Any amount (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 180 days; $1,000 fine |
| Maryland | 0.08% | Any alcohol (under 21) | Any alcohol (commercial); 0.04% disqualifies | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 1 yr jail / $1,200 (1st) |
| Virginia | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Class 1 misdemeanour; fine min. $250 |
More rules in District of Columbia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+, up to 2 oz · Growing at home: Yes, up to 6 plants (3 mature)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph (default) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 20 mph (default)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsMinimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (fountains, cones, sparklers only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No folding rule; 'dangerous weapon' ban applies · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade: possession banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $18.40 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.