Justin Timberlake says 'don't get behind the wheel' after drinking

Just minutes after reaching a settlement in his own drunk driving case, Justin Timberlake spoke out about the dangers of driving under the influence.

The “Mirrors” singer, 43, spoke to reporters, including PEOPLE, outside the courthouse in Sag Harbor, New York, on Friday, September 13, and stressed the importance of using a ride-sharing app or calling a friend to get home after consuming any amount of alcohol.

“I want to say to all the 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. There are a lot of travel apps,” he said. “Take a taxi. That's a mistake I made, but I hope that everyone who's listening and watching right now can learn from that mistake. I know I certainly… Even if you've only had one drink, don't get behind the wheel of a car.”

Previously, Timberlake – who was charged with drunken driving following his arrest in June – pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of driving under the influence as part of his plea deal. The deal means the star must pay a $500 fine plus $260 in restitution, complete 25 hours of community service at a nonprofit of his choice, have his driver's license suspended for 90 days, and make a public service announcement about the dangers of driving under the influence.

In a conversation with reporters, the Grammy winner expressed his disappointment with his behavior and explained why he felt it necessary to speak publicly about the issue of drunk driving.

“Many of you have probably been with me for a good portion of my life, and as you may know, I try to hold myself to very high standards. And that wasn't it. That wasn't it,” he said. “I found myself in a situation where I could have made a different decision, but I had some time to think about it, and I also understand … that I have a platform, you have a platform, we share that platform.”

Timberlake also said that he “grew up in a small town” and therefore could relate and understand “the stress or the special nature” of his case that the people of Sag Harbor have likely experienced because of his case (the star grew up in Millington, Tennessee, a town of around 10,400 people; Sag Harbor has a population of around 2,500).

“I want to say to everyone involved, from everyone in the courtroom to everyone outside, including the police, I'm very grateful and thank you. In closing, I want to say that we can all be safer out there. And I'll do my part to make that happen,” he concluded. “I hope everyone else does their part. And thank you very much.”

In court, Timberlake made a similar comment about the strain on local resources, prompting Judge Carl Irace to question his “intent” since he had not yet commented on his decision to drive when he could have used another mode of transportation.

The musician then said he “should have had better judgment” and understood the “seriousness” of the matter, after which Irace told the star he appreciated his candor.

“I believe you,” Irace said before agreeing to the deal and announcing the terms of the verdict.

In several hearings this summer, Timberlake's attorney, Edward Burke Jr., insisted in court that his celebrity client was “not drunk” at the time of his arrest, and Timberlake said he had been drinking a martini.

The star is currently on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, which will run until June 2025. His next show is scheduled for September 28 in Newark, NJ, and the tour is on track to land in the top 10 of the year-end tour list, according to Billboard.