Inadequate, Obscured, or Conflicting DC Signage - 18 DCMR §2400
DC parking signage is governed by 18 DCMR §2400 et seq. Signs must conform to MUTCD and the DC supplement, must be conspicuously posted, and must be unambiguous. Where signs are missing, faded, obscured by foliage/snow/banners, or conflict (street-cleaning sign + permit sign + 2-hour limit sign on same block), the regulation is unenforceable. DC has many infamous 'sign forests' near Dupont, Adams Morgan, and Capitol Hill.
Legal basis
18 DCMR §2400 (regulatory signage); DC Code §50-2201.03; MUTCD adopted by reference; DC Code §50-2302.06 (defenses)
Sample appeal wording
[DATE] DC DMV Adjudication Services RE: NOI #[NUMBER] - Inadequate Signage Defense Dear Hearing Examiner: I contest NOI #[NUMBER] because the parking restriction allegedly violated was not communicated through legally adequate signage as required by 18 DCMR §2400 and the MUTCD. Facts: 1. Vehicle parked at [LOCATION] on [DATE/TIME]. 2. From the position of my vehicle, [no legible parking restriction sign was visible / multiple signs gave conflicting instructions / the relevant sign was obscured]. 3. Photographs taken on [DATE] (Exhibits A-D) document signage conditions. 4. The nearest legible regulatory sign was [DISTANCE] from my vehicle. 5. [If conflicting signage] Sign A reads [TEXT]; Sign B reads [TEXT]. A motorist of ordinary prudence cannot reconcile these. A citation cannot lawfully issue where the regulation was not conspicuously posted or where signage is contradictory. Dismissal respectfully requested. Sincerely, [NAME] [CONTACT]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
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- 18 DCMR §2400
- DC Code §50-2201.03
- MUTCD 2009 Edition
- DC Code §50-2302.06