Washington D.C. - Members of the D.C. City Council say they're trying to bring a clear and reasonable standard to the District's policy on dealing with motorists who drink before they drive.

Councilwoman Carol Schwartz says that's why she's trying to make emergency legislation passed last week permanent. That measure stops police from arresting motorists on D.U.I. charges without other cause unless their blood-alcohol level is above .08.

Representatives of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program and Mothers Against Drunk Driving also give the measure their qualified support.

But Metropolitan Police Chief Charles Ramsey says many impaired drivers do not meet the legal limit of .08 because they are under the influence of other drugs.

D.C. attorney general Robert Spagnoletti says the existing law applies to both alcohol and drugs. He says changes might pose a greater risk to other drivers. He also says fewer than nine percent of the cases his office pursues are against people with alcohol levels below .08.

Schwartz and other council members have expressed concern the city's night clubs and restaurants could suffer if police target motorists who've just had a drink or two.

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