District of Columbia

GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the District of Columbia. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.

District of Columbia
Bike helmets required?

Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.

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Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Universal helmet law enacted 1970.

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Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

5 years

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Provisions for Mature Drivers

70 and over: no electronic renewal; medical certification required

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Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)

55

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Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

55

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Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)

n/a

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Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

n/a

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Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)

n/a

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Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)

n/a

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Increased penalty for high BAC

.20, .25 and .30

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Administrative license suspension on first offense

2-90 days or until deposition

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Limited driving privileges during suspension

Yes

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Ignition Interlocks

Mandatory for all convictions

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Open container laws

Yes

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Repeat Offender Laws

Yes

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Adult Safety Belt Permissible

8-15 yrs

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Child Restraint Required

Under 2 yrs or under 40 lbs in rear-facing child restraint

2–3 yrs old and under 30 lbs in forward-facing child restraint in the back seat

Under 8 yrs old and under 57” tall in a child restraint or booster seat in the back seat

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Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

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Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

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Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

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Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40 (10 in intermediate stage)

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Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 6

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Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

September through June: 11 p.m. - 6 a.m. (Sun-Thurs); Midnight - 6 a.m. (Fri-Sat) July through August: midnight - 6 a.m.

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Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers Thereafter: No more than 2 passengers under 21

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Type of Law

Primary

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Who is Covered?

16 and over

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In What Seat?

All

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Hand-Held Ban?

Yes. Primary law.

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All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers

Yes. Primary law.

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All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers

Drivers with learner's permit. Primary law.

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Text Messaging Ban?

All drivers. Primary law.

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Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

Citywide

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Speed Cameras: State Law

Permitted by district law

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Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

Citywide

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Red Light Cameras: State Law

Permitted by district law

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DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

None

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Marijuana Possession and Use

Decriminalized and legal for recreational and medical use

District of Columbia
Marijuana Impaired Driving

None

Assistant Administrator and Chief Safety Officer (Executive Director)

Overview

The Executive Director will provide executive leadership over the development and promotion of nationwide programs to enhance the safety of motor carrier operations, vehicles, and drivers, and any other entity the agency credentials. With the Administrator and Deputy Administrator, the Executive Director establishes program policies, objectives, and priorities, and develops strategic plans for the accomplishment of motor carrier safety program activities.

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