Drunken-driving laws in the District are about to get tougher — and D.C. officials say they hope stricter rules will deter more drivers from getting behind the steering wheel after a few beers.

The new laws, passed by emergency legislation a few weeks ago, will take effect on Wednesday. They double jail time for drivers who blow between a 0.20 and 0.24 blood-alcohol level — from five days to 10 days behind bars — and increase penalties for 0.25 BACs or higher to a minimum of 15 days in jail.