Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is the crime of driving, operating or being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, including recreational drugs, over the counter medication, and those prescribed by a physician. In the District of Columbia it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above. The District has a Zero Tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21. This means that if you are under the age of 21 you are not allowed to have any measurable amount of alcohol in your system.
Driving Under the Influence is the leading cause of fatal traffic crashes. The Office of the Attorney General prosecutes impaired driving offenses and is also committed to educating District residents about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Impaired? No Time to Drive: DC High School Students Video Challenge
OAG is working with other District agencies to sponsor a social media contest for high school students to create public service messages that discourage impaired driving and thereby reduce traffic fatalities, injuries, and collisions caused by young adults now and when they become adults. District high school students can earn required community service hours – and a chance to win prizes (gift cards). See more information.
Sobriety Check
OAG is using a new educational program to make District streets and local youth safer. Sobriety Check is an innovative community outreach program aimed at educating high school and college aged students about the consequences of abusing alcohol and drugs. The program includes an interactive game that tests students on the information learned throughout the program. Sobriety Check was launched at Howard University in 2016 and has since been presented at area high schools, colleges and universities across the District.
SoberRide
Throughout the year, OAG partners with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), a public-private partnership that champions the prevention of drunk driving and underage drinking in the Washington-metropolitan area. WRAP's SoberRide program offers transportation alternatives for residents during holidays when impaired driving increases. Visit the SoberRide website to learn about upcoming opportunities to make a plan and get home safely.