Justin Timberlake speaks to reporters after pleading guilty to driving while impaired

Justin Timberlake pleaded guilty to a traffic violation – driving under the influence – on Friday to settle his drunken driving case in the Hamptons.

Timberlake apologized to reporters for his behavior after the trial, saying, “Many of you have probably covered me for much of my life. … I try to hold myself to very high standards – and that was not the case.”

“I found myself in a situation where I could have made a different decision. But I had some time to think about it,” he said.

“I want to say to all viewers and listeners: Don't get behind the wheel of a car, even if you've only had one drink. There are so many alternatives. Call a friend, take an Uber,” Timberlake said.

Timberlake appeared in person at the Sag Harbor Village court on Friday. The judge sentenced him to pay a fine and perform community service.

Timberlake also agreed to appear in a public service announcement about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.

“The evidence established that my client drank the contents of one drink in a two-hour period at the American Hotel,” Timberlake's lawyer Edward Blake told reporters after the hearing as the pop star watched. “And contrary to what has been reported, he did not drink other people's drinks, nor did he warn in advance not to drive. He was not rude, he was not obnoxious, he was not belligerent. In fact, he was polite and cooperative and he was respectful throughout his encounter with law enforcement.”

“His plea today on the reduced and amended non-criminal charge … is consistent with those facts,” he said.

Timberlake said: “That's a mistake I made, but I hope that everyone watching and listening right now can learn from that mistake. I know I certainly did.”

“We can all be safer out there. And I will do my part and hope everyone else does their part,” he said.

Timberlake was leaving a hotel in June when he was stopped for ignoring a stop sign and crossing into oncoming traffic.

The officer smelled alcohol on the pop star's breath and police noted that he had bloodshot, glassy eyes, a police report said. Timberlake also spoke slowly, was unsteady on his feet and performed poorly on a breathalyzer test, the criminal complaint said.

Timberlake told the arresting officer that he had only had one drink, the complaint states.

The singer is currently on his “The Forget Tomorrow World Tour.” His next concert will take place on September 28th in Newark, New Jersey.