All states have laws criminalizing the operation of a vehicle while intoxicated. In most states, this offense is called DUI, an acronym for driving under the influence. Some states use different references for the offense, such as OWI (operating while intoxicated) or DWI (driving while intoxicated).

While intoxication can result from various substances, alcohol intoxication is the most widespread. The federal limit for operating a vehicle on public roads is 0.08 percent BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration). However, states have the prerogative of setting their own limits as long as it stays within the federal limit. All states follow the federal standard except Utah, which adopted a 0.05 percent BAC limit in 2018.


Question: Should I list during the holidays?

Answer: At this time of year, we get many people asking if they should list their home now, or hold on until after the new year? As always, if you need to sell, list it. However, sellers are often inclined to wait until the new year. But should they? Serious buyers are still out there looking. They are still waiting for the right home to come on the market.


Explore Alexandria living in this bi-weekly column sponsored and written by Sandy McMaster of McEnearney Associates. Got a question or comment? Contact Sandy at [email protected].

The fantastic businesses that were kind enough to help us launch this series are some of my favs — but first things first. COFFEE. Any good shopping trip in the city starts coffee at The Greenery. I highly recommend “The Stacked.” Trust me on this one — delicious.


Question: What’s been happening with the local real estate market?

Answer: This week we look at contract activity for September and October of 2023 compared with the same time in 2022 for the City of Alexandria and South Alexandria (Fairfax County portions of Alexandria). The charts below show contract activity by price range and by property type (condos, attached homes, and detached homes) as well as the average days on the market.


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