I want to thank both the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Public Works and the Environment for your interest in the issue of traffic safety and the enforcement of impaired driving laws in the District of Columbia. We all recognize that impaired driving is a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors. And I share your goals of ensuring that our laws on impaired driving are fair, but tough, and that our police officers and the public have clear directions on what our laws say and how they are being enforced. I appreciate and support the Council’s interest in taking a thorough and comprehensive look at our laws in this area.

 

Today, I welcome the opportunity to explain and clarify some of the Metropolitan Police Department’s policies and procedures with respect to impaired driving.

 

No “zero tolerance” policy. First, I want to set the record straight about the MPD’s policy on drunk driving enforcement. Our Department does not have a “zero tolerance” policy for adults enjoying a glass of wine (or other small amount of alcohol) and getting behind the wheel. The only exception is for underage drinkers, where DC law is clear about not permitting any drinking and driving. In fact, the concept of “zero tolerance” goes against the discretion and judgment that I think are so critical to an officer’s effectiveness in combating impaired driving.

 

The District of Columbia is not a “zero tolerance” jurisdiction.  The District, particularly its hospitality establishments, continues to be open for business, as it should be. No driver should fear that he or she will be arrested for responsibly consuming alcoholic beverages, as long as he or she is not impaired. But if a driver is impaired, our police officers must have to tools to ensure the safety of the public. And I am sure that the hospitality industry will work with us to prevent impaired consumers from endangering themselves and others on our roads.