{"id":372332,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-traffic-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-11-20T13:49:21","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T18:49:21","slug":"district-of-columbia-traffic-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-traffic-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"District of Columbia Traffic Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

District of Columbia Traffic Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Even experienced drivers may need to refresh their knowledge of the local driving rules. Reviewing the law can also help you plan your next steps after a car accident or traffic ticket.<\/p>\r\n

States across the U.S. create their own traffic laws, and so does Washington, D.C. Read more about D.C. law and infractions in this article. You can also find services and tips for motorists through the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles<\/a> (DMV).<\/p>\r\n

The Washington, D.C. Code for Drivers<\/h2>\r\n

The traffic laws consist of statutes in Title 50 of the District of Columbia Code<\/a> plus separate municipal regulations<\/a>. See the chart below for links to specific driving rules.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Drinking & Driving Violations<\/th>\r\n Driving while under the influence of alcohol<\/a> (DC Code sections 50-2206.01 to 2206.18)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without a License \/ With a Suspended License<\/th>\r\n Operation without permit prohibited<\/a> (DC Code section 50-1401.01)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Insurance \/ With Insufficient Insurance<\/th>\r\n Financial responsibility; proof required for each registered vehicle<\/a> (DC Code section 50-1301.52)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Registration \/ With Expired Registration<\/th>\r\n Registration; unlawful acts; penalty<\/a> (DC Code section 50-1501.04)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Leaving the Scene of an Accident \/ Hit & Run<\/th>\r\n Fleeing from scene of accident; driving under influence of liquor or drugs<\/a> (DC Code section 50-2201.05)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mechanical Violations and Unlawful Modifications<\/th>\r\n Inspection<\/a> (DC Code section 50-1101)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Reckless Driving<\/th>\r\n Speeding and reckless driving<\/a> (DC Code section 50-2201.04)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Right Turns at a Red Light<\/th>\r\n Traffic control at intersections<\/a> (DC Code 50-2201.04e)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Running a Red Light \/ Stop Sign<\/th>\r\n Fail to stop per regulations facing red signal<\/a> (18 DCMR \u00a7 2103.7)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Seat Belt \/ Child Restraint Violations<\/th>\r\n Use of safety belts required<\/a> (DC Code section 50-1802)Child restraint; requirements<\/a> (DC Code section 50-1703)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Speeding<\/th>\r\n Speeding and reckless driving<\/a> (DC Code section 50-2201.04)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Criminal Traffic Offense Penalties<\/th>\r\n Fines for criminal offenses<\/a> (DC Code section 22-3571.01)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Moving Violations<\/th>\r\n Moving Infractions<\/a> (DC Code \u00a7 50-2302.01 to \u00a7 50-2302.08)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Penalties for Common Traffic Violations<\/h2>\r\n

You can face a variety of penalties for breaking a D.C. traffic law, such as:<\/p>\r\n