Provision 1· US, US_DC_CODE, DC Code
DC Code §50-2201.03
§ 50–2201.03. Mayor to make rules; Department of Transportation; Director; Congressional and Council parking; title fees; common carriers; penalties; prosecutions; publication of regulations; excise tax.
(a) The Mayor is authorized and empowered to make, modify, repeal, and enforce rules relating to and concerning the following:
(1) The control of traffic and the movement of traffic;
(2) (A) The length, weight, height, and width of vehicles; and
(B) The brakes, horns, lights, mufflers, and other equipment of vehicles and the inspection of same;
(3) (A) The registration and reregistration of vehicles;
(B) The titling and retitling of motor vehicles and trailers, and the transfer of titles to motor vehicles and trailers; and
(C) The revocation, suspension, restoration, a [...]
Provision 2· US, US_DC_CODE, DC Code
DC Code §50-2209.01
§ 50–2209.01. Authorized; violations as moving violations; evidence; definition.
(a) The Mayor is authorized to use an automated traffic enforcement system to detect moving infractions. Violations detected by an automated traffic enforcement system shall constitute moving violations. Proof of an infraction may be evidenced by information obtained through the use of an automated traffic enforcement system. For the purposes of this subchapter, the term “automated traffic enforcement system” means equipment that takes a film or digital camera-based photograph which is linked with a violation detection system that synchronizes the taking of a photograph with the occurrence of a traffic infraction.
(b) Recorded images taken by an automated traffic enforcement system are pri [...]
Provision 3· US, US_DC_CODE, DC Code
DC Code §50-2209.02
§ 50–2209.02. Liability for fines; notice of infraction; hearing.
(a) Absent an intervening criminal or fraudulent act, the owner of a vehicle issued a notice of infraction shall be liable for payment of the fine assessed for the infraction.
(b) When a violation is detected by an automated traffic enforcement system, the Mayor shall mail a summons and a notice of infraction to the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles or the appropriate state motor vehicle agency. The notice shall include the date, time, and location of the violation, the type of violation detected, the license plate number, and state of issuance of the vehicle detected, and a copy of the photo or digitized image of the violation.
(b-1) No [...]
Provision 4· US, US_DC_CODE, DC Code
DC Code §50-2302.05
§ 50–2302.05. Answer.
(a) In answer to a notice of infraction, a person to whom the notice was issued may:
(1) Admit, by payment of the civil fine, the commission of the infraction;
(1A) Admit with an explanation; or
(2) Deny the commission of the infraction.
(b) (1) A person charged with a moving violation may contest the charge by mail, through the Department’s website, or through a personal appearance scheduled by appointment; provided, that a person charged with a violation that was detected by an automated traffic enforcement system pursuant to § 50-2209.01 may contest the charge by mail, through the Department’s website, or by appearing on a walk-in basis during regular business hours at a location designated by the Department.
(2) A motor vehicle owner or operat [...]
Provision 5· US, US_DC_CODE, DC Code
DC Code §50-2302.06
§ 50–2302.06. Hearing.
(a) Each hearing for the adjudication of a traffic infraction pursuant to this subchapter shall be held before a hearing examiner in accordance with Chapter 10 of Title 18 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations except as provided by this chapter. The burden of proof shall be on the District and no infraction shall be established except by clear and convincing evidence.
(b) (1) If a person to whom a notice of infraction has been issued fails to appear at a hearing for which he or she received notice, the hearing examiner may enter a default judgment sustaining the charges, fix the appropriate fine, assess appropriate penalties, if any, if the commission of the infraction is established by clear and convincing evidence. The judgment shal [...]
Provision 6· US, US_DC_CODE, DC Code
DC Code §50-2303.02
§ 50–2303.02. Exceptions for serious offenders.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the provisions of this subchapter shall not apply to a person alleged to have committed a parking, standing, or stopping infraction who, during the 18 months immediately preceding the date of the infraction, has been assessed in excess of $750 in fines, including any penalties imposed by law for failure to timely pay such fines. Such person shall be subject to criminal prosecution by the Corporation Counsel for such offense in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01 or imprisonment of up to 10 days, or both, for each infraction.
(b) The Director shall prom [...]
Provision 7· US, US_DC_CODE, DC Code
DC Code §50-2303.04
§ 50–2303.04. Civil liability.
(a) (1) The operator of a vehicle shall be primarily liable for the civil penalties imposed pursuant to this subchapter. The owner or lessee of the vehicle, even if not the operator thereof, shall also be liable, unless the owner or lessee can show that the vehicle was used without the owner’s or lessee’s express or implied permission.
(2) An owner or lessee who pays a civil fine or penalties pursuant to this subchapter shall have the right to seek recovery of the amount of the fines and penalties from the operator and shall have a cause of action against the operator of the vehicle for those amounts.
(b) Where a lessor of a vehicle has paid a fine or penalty for which the lessor is liable and the Department thereafter collects from the p [...]
Provision 8· US, US_DC_CODE, DC Code
DC Code §50-2421.01
§ 50–2421.01. Short title. [Repealed]
Repealed.
( Oct. 28, 2003, D.C. Law 15-35, § 1, 50 DCR 6579 ; May 2, 2025, D.C. Law 25-325, § 302(g), 72 DCR 1284 .)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 50-2624 .
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see §§ 2 to 12, 14, 15, of Removal and Disposition of Abandoned and Other Unlawfully Parked Vehicles Reform Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-171, October 6, 2003, 50 DCR 9163).
Provision 9· US, US_DC_CODE, DC Code
DC Code §50-2421.10
§ 50–2421.10. Disposal of unclaimed vehicles; penalties; auction admission fees. [Repealed]
Repealed.
( Oct. 28, 2003, D.C. Law 15-35, § 10, 50 DCR 6579 ; Sept. 14, 2011, D.C. Law 19-21, § 9101, 58 DCR 6226 ; Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-171, § 146, 59 DCR 6190 ; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 276(c), 60 DCR 2064 ; July 22, 2022, D.C. Law 24-144, § 2(e), 69 DCR 006261 ; May 2, 2025, D.C. Law 25-325, § 302(g), 72 DCR 1284 .)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 22-2724 and § 50-2402 .
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 19-21 , in subsec. (c), deleted “from” following “retain”; and, in subsec. (e), substituted “all proceeds in this subsection” for “the remainder”.
The 2012 amendment by D.C. Law 19-171 substituted “the day of the auctions. The proceeds from t [...]
Provision 10· US, US_DC_CODE, DC Code
DC Code §50-2453
§ 50–2453. Immobilization and impoundment of immobilization-eligible vehicles.
(a) The Department of Public Works, Metropolitan Police Department, United States Park Police, or the District of Columbia Department of Transportation is authorized to take the following actions against an immobilization-eligible vehicle:
(1) Remove the vehicle from public space or private property pursuant to District law or regulation, through towing or other means, and transport the vehicle for impoundment; or
(2) Immobilize the vehicle using an immobilization device.
(b) A vehicle subject to impoundment pursuant to this section shall be taken to a District government impoundment facility or other facility as shall be determined by the Mayor.
( May 2, 2025, D.C. Law 25-325, § 123, 72 DCR 12 [...]
Provision 11· US, US_DC_CODE, 18 DCMR
18 DCMR §3000
18-3000
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NOTICE OF INFRACTION
Title :
18 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter :
18-30 ADJUDICATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Most recent version of the final adopted rule codified in the D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR)
Effective Date :
2/25/2022 12:00:00 AM
Authority :
Sections 1825 and 1826 of the Department of Motor Vehicles Establishment Act of 1998, effective March 26, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-175; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-904 and 50-905) and Section 107 of the Traffic Adjudication Act of 1978, effective September 12, 1978 (D.C. Law 2-104, D.C. Official Code § 50-2301.07).
Source :
Final Rulemaking published at 47 DCR 5558 (July 7, 2000); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 00340 (January 11, 2008); as amended by D.C. Act 17-417 publishe [...]
Provision 12· US, US_DC_CODE, 18 DCMR
18 DCMR §3001
18-3001
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FLEET RECONCILIATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION FEE
(Rename History)
Title :
18 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter :
18-30 ADJUDICATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Most recent version of the final adopted rule codified in the D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR)
Effective Date :
10/1/2011 12:00:00 AM
Authority :
The Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles (Director), pursuant to the authority set forth in sections 1825 and 1826 of the Department of Motor Vehicles Establishment Act of 1998, effective March 26, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-175; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-904 and 50-905 (2009 Repl.), sections 6 and 7 of the District of Columbia Traffic Act of 1925, approved March 3, 1925 (43 Stat. 1121; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-2201.03 and 50-1401.01 (2009 Repl.), [...]
Provision 13· US, US_DC_CODE, 18 DCMR
18 DCMR §3002
18-3002
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ISSUANCE OF PARKING VIOLATIONS ONLY
Title :
18 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter :
18-30 ADJUDICATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Most recent version of the final adopted rule codified in the D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR)
Effective Date :
10/30/2020 12:00:00 AM
Authority :
Sections 1825 and 1826 of the Department of Motor Vehicles Establishment Act of 1998, effective March 26, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-175; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-904 and 50-905 (2014 Repl.)), Sections 6 and 7 of the District of Columbia Traffic Act of 1925, approved March 3, 1925 (43 Stat. 1121; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-2201.03 and 50-1401.01 (2014 Repl.)), Section 2 of the District of Columbia Revenue Act of 1937, approved August 17, 1937 (50 Stat. 680; D.C. Official Code § 50–15 [...]
Provision 14· US, US_DC_CODE, 18 DCMR
18 DCMR §3003
18-3003
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ISSUANCE OF MOVING AND NON-MOVING VIOLATIONS
Title :
18 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter :
18-30 ADJUDICATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Most recent version of the final adopted rule codified in the D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR)
Effective Date :
12/4/2020 12:00:00 AM
Authority :
Section 107 of the District of Columbia Traffic Adjudication Act of 1978, effective September 12, 1978 (D.C. Law 2-104; D.C. Official Code § 50-2301.07 (2014 Repl.)).
Source :
Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 4907 (June 4, 1999); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 49 DCR 5817 (August 21, 2002); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 53 DCR 850 (February 10, 2006); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 54 DCR 1577 (February 16, 2007); as [...]
Provision 15· US, US_DC_CODE, 18 DCMR
18 DCMR §3004
18-3004
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SERVICE OF THE NOTICE OF INFRACTION
Title :
18 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter :
18-30 ADJUDICATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Most recent version of the final adopted rule codified in the D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR)
Effective Date :
2/25/2022 12:00:00 AM
Authority :
Sections 1825 and 1826 of the Department of Motor Vehicles Establishment Act of 1998, effective March 26, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-175; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-904 and 50-905) and Section 107 of the Traffic Adjudication Act of 1978, effective September 12, 1978 (D.C. Law 2-104, D.C. Official Code § 50-2301.07).
Source :
Final Rulemaking published at 47 DCR 5558 (July 7, 2000); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 52 DCR 5639 (September 23, 2005); as amended by the Stre [...]
Provision 16· US, US_DC_CODE, 18 DCMR
18 DCMR §3005
18-3005
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RETURN ON NOTICE OF SERVICE
Title :
18 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter :
18-30 ADJUDICATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Most recent version of the final adopted rule codified in the D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR)
Effective Date :
2/25/2022 12:00:00 AM
Authority :
Sections 1825 and 1826 of the Department of Motor Vehicles Establishment Act of 1998, effective March 26, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-175; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-904 and 50-905) and Section 107 of the Traffic Adjudication Act of 1978, effective September 12, 1978 (D.C. Law 2-104, D.C. Official Code § 50-2301.07).
Source :
Final Rulemaking published at 47 DCR 5558 (July 7, 2000); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 53 DCR 850 (February 10, 2006); as amended by Final Rulemaking p [...]
Provision 17· US, US_DC_CODE, 18 DCMR
18 DCMR §3008
18-3008
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REQUESTS FOR HEARINGS
Title :
18 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter :
18-30 ADJUDICATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Most recent version of the final adopted rule codified in the D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR)
Effective Date :
10/30/2020 12:00:00 AM
Authority :
Sections 1825 and 1826 of the Department of Motor Vehicles Establishment Act of 1998, effective March 26, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-175; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-904 and 50-905 (2014 Repl.)), Sections 6 and 7 of the District of Columbia Traffic Act of 1925, approved March 3, 1925 (43 Stat. 1121; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-2201.03 and 50-1401.01 (2014 Repl.)), Section 2 of the District of Columbia Revenue Act of 1937, approved August 17, 1937 (50 Stat. 680; D.C. Official Code § 50–1501.02 (2014 Re [...]
Provision 18· US, US_DC_CODE, 18 DCMR
18 DCMR §3017
18-3017
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TRANSCRIPTS OF HEARINGS
Title :
18 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter :
18-30 ADJUDICATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Most recent version of the final adopted rule codified in the D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR)
Effective Date :
2/25/2022 12:00:00 AM
Authority :
Sections 1825 and 1826 of the Department of Motor Vehicles Establishment Act of 1998, effective March 26, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-175; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-904 and 50-905) and Section 107 of the Traffic Adjudication Act of 1978, effective September 12, 1978 (D.C. Law 2-104, D.C. Official Code § 50-2301.07).
Source :
Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 4403 (June 6, 2003); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 5988 (July 25, 2003); as amended by D.C. Act 15-295 published [...]
Provision 19· US, US_DC_CODE, 18 DCMR
18 DCMR §2402
18-2402
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LOADING ZONES
Title :
18 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter :
18-24 STOPPING, STANDING, PARKING, AND OTHER NON-MOVING VIOLATIONS
Most recent version of the final adopted rule codified in the D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR)
Effective Date :
12/13/2013 12:00:00 AM
Authority :
Sections 5(3)(D) (allocating and regulating on-street parking) and 6(b) (transferring to the Department the parking management function previously delegated to the Department of Public Works under Section III (H) of Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1983) of the Department of Transportation Establishment Act of 2002, effective May 21, 2002 (D.C. Law 14-137; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-921.04(3)(D) and 50-921.05(b) (2012 Repl.)), Section 3 of the Commercial Curbside Loadi [...]