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Page 1 of 4 AARP Driver Safety Smart Driver™ Course State-Specific Information D20684 – March 2026NEW DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SMART DRIVER™ COURSE STATE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNIT 2 – How Do We Navigate Changes? Driving While Impaired - Participant Guidebook Page 14 • Drivers will be considered intoxicated if they have a BAC .08 or more. You can be convicted of a DUI if your BAC is below this level, if there is sufficient evidence that your driving was impaired. • Drivers shall not operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicating drug. • Drivers consent is implied to chemical tests of their blood, breath, or urine if arrested for driving under the influence when they operate a motor vehicle. Refusal to take a chemical test will result in a license suspension. • Courts may require a driver convicted of a DUI to install an ignition interlock device. • Law enforcement officers can conduct a voluntary preliminary breath test prior to arrest if they reasonably suspect the driver's abilities are impaired. UNIT 3 – Are We Ready to Drive? Child Safety Seats - Participant Guidebook Page 37 • Children under the age of 2 who weigh less than 40 pounds or who measure less than 40 inches must be restrained in a rear-facing child safety seat in the back seat. • Children under the age of 8 shall be properly seated in an installed infant, convertible, or booster seat. Construction Signs and Construction Zones - Participant Guidebook Page 49 • Drivers must follow a flagger's directions. • Drivers who commit a civil infraction in a work zone will have the fine doubled. Railroad Grade Crossings - Participant Guidebook Page 56 • It is illegal to drive around a railroad crossing gate, even if there is no train. • Drivers must stop at least 15 feet from the tracks, but no more than 50 feet away. • It is illegal to pass another vehicle within 100 feet of a railroad crossing. • It is illegal to park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. UNIT 4 – Are We Smart on the Road? How to Avoid Distractions - Participant Guidebook Page 61 • It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it is a hands-free device. Safe Following Distance - Participant Guidebook Page 64 • The District of Columbia recommends a four-second following distance.