District Of Columbia § 50-1911 - Test refusal; evidence of refusal.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 50-1911 — Test refusal; evidence of refusal., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 50-1911. Test refusal; evidence of refusal.
50-1911If a person under arrest refuses to submit specimens for chemical testing as provided in , he or she shall be informed that failure or refusal to submit to chemical testing will result in his or her inability to operate a watercraft in the District of Columbia as provided in .
If a person under arrest refuses to submit specimens for chemical testing as provided in , and the person has a prior offense under or , there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the person is under the influence of alcohol or a drug or any combination thereof.
If a person under arrest refuses to submit specimens for chemical testing as provided in , evidence of such refusal shall be admissible in any civil or criminal proceeding arising as a result of the acts alleged to have been committed by the person before the arrest.
If a person under arrest refuses to submit specimens for chemical testing as provided in , and the person was involved in a collision that resulted in a fatality, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a law enforcement officer may employ whatever means are reasonable to collect blood specimens from the person if the law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person was intoxicated or was under the influence of alcohol or of any drug or any combination thereof.
If a person required to submit to blood collection under paragraph (1) of this subsection objects on valid religious or medical grounds, that person shall not be required to submit blood specimens but the law enforcement officer may employ whatever means are reasonable to collect breath or urine specimens from the person if the law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person was intoxicated or was under the influence of alcohol or of any drug or any combination thereof.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 50-1911
What does D.C. Code § 50-1911 cover?
Section 50-1911 ("Test refusal; evidence of refusal.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 50-1911?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 50-1911" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 50-1911 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.