District of Columbia · DUI · Checked October 2026
District of Columbia DUI Penalties: First, Second and Third Offense
District of Columbia DUI Penalties: What Are the Rules?
District of Columbia sets DUI penalties by offense, and they rise with each conviction.
- First offense jail
- Up to 180 days; mandatory minimums apply at high BAC (10 days at 0.20 or more, 15 days above 0.25, 20 days above 0.30) or with certain drugs in the blood or urine (15 days)
- First offense fine
- $1,000
- First offense license
- For a D.C. license holder: license restricted and mandatory enrollment in the Ignition Interlock System Program for 6 months
- Felony
- D.C. DUI and OWI penalties top out at 1 year in jail at every offense level; the impaired-driving statutes create no felony DUI tier
- Lookback period
- 15 years
District of Columbia DUI Penalties by Offense
| Penalty | First offense | Second offense | Third offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charge | misdemeanor | misdemeanor | misdemeanor |
| Jail | up to 180 days; mandatory minimums apply at high BAC (10 days at 0.20 or more, 15 days above 0.25, 20 days above 0.30) or with certain drugs in the blood or urine (15 days) | up to 1 year with a 10-day mandatory minimum; higher minimums at high BAC (15 days at 0.20 or more, 20 days above 0.25, 25 days above 0.30) or with certain drugs (20 days) | up to 1 year with a 15-day mandatory minimum; higher minimums at high BAC (20 days at 0.20 or more, 25 days above 0.25, 30 days above 0.30) or with certain drugs (25 days) |
| Fine | $1,000 | $2,500 to $5,000 | $2,500 to $10,000 |
| License suspension | for a D.C. license holder: license restricted and mandatory enrollment in the Ignition Interlock System Program for 6 months | for a D.C. license holder: license restricted and mandatory interlock program enrollment for 1 year | mandatory interlock program for 2 years; with 2 prior offenses within the past 5 years, revocation until the DMV reinstates you, and you can apply for reinstatement after 5 years |
| Ignition interlock | required for D.C. license holders: 6 months | required for D.C. license holders: 1 year | required for D.C. license holders: 2 years (not available when revoked for a third offense within 5 years) |
Other First Offense Penalties in District of Columbia
- Vehicle impounded at arrest unless released to a qualified driver; $50 impoundment charge
Official source: other first offense penalties (District of Columbia)
Other Third Offense Penalties in District of Columbia
- An additional 30-day mandatory minimum for each further violation once you have 3 prior offenses
Official source: other third offense penalties (District of Columbia)
When Penalties Are Higher in District of Columbia
- BAC 0.20 or higher, above 0.25, or above 0.30 (or the urine equivalents): mandatory jail minimums rise by tier: first offense 10, 15 or 20 days; second 15, 20 or 25 days; third 20, 25 or 30 days
- Schedule I substance, PCP, cocaine, methadone or morphine (or active metabolites) in the blood or urine: mandatory minimum of 15 days (first), 20 days (second) or 25 days (third)
- minor (under 18) in the vehicle: additional fine of $500 to $1,000 per minor and a mandatory minimum of 5 days per minor if restrained in an age-appropriate seat, or 10 days per minor if not
- driving a commercial vehicle (including vehicles for hire): additional 5-day mandatory minimum
- operating while impaired (OWI): ability to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs, a lesser offense: first: $500 fine or up to 90 days; second: $1,000 to $2,500 or up to 1 year with a 5-day minimum; third: $1,000 to $5,000 or up to 1 year with a 10-day minimum
Official source: when penalties are higher (District of Columbia)
When a DUI Is a Felony in District of Columbia
D.C. DUI and OWI penalties top out at 1 year in jail at every offense level; the impaired-driving statutes create no felony DUI tierD.C. Code §§ 50-2206.13, 50-2206.15
Official source: when a dui is a felony (District of Columbia)
How Far Back Prior Offenses Count in District of Columbia
15 years. a prior offense counts unless the later of any jail, supervised release, parole or probation for it ended more than 15 years before the arrest on the current offense; out-of-state convictions for substantially similar offenses countD.C. Code § 50-2206.01(17)
Official source: how far back prior offenses count (District of Columbia)
More on DUI Law in District of Columbia
See the full overview of DUI laws in District of Columbia and read about first-offense DUI penalties across the states.
This page summarizes District of Columbia law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in District of Columbia can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Penalty for a First DUI in District of Columbia?
Jail: up to 180 days; mandatory minimums apply at high BAC (10 days at 0.20 or more, 15 days above 0.25, 20 days above 0.30) or with certain drugs in the blood or urine (15 days). Fine: $1,000. License suspension: for a D.C. license holder: license restricted and mandatory enrollment in the Ignition Interlock System Program for 6 months.
What Is the Penalty for a Second DUI in District of Columbia?
Jail: up to 1 year with a 10-day mandatory minimum; higher minimums at high BAC (15 days at 0.20 or more, 20 days above 0.25, 25 days above 0.30) or with certain drugs (20 days). Fine: $2,500 to $5,000. License suspension: for a D.C. license holder: license restricted and mandatory interlock program enrollment for 1 year.
When Is a DUI a Felony in District of Columbia?
D.C. DUI and OWI penalties top out at 1 year in jail at every offense level; the impaired-driving statutes create no felony DUI tier