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
AV legislation

Authorizes full deployment of AVs with a human operator.

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Bike helmets required?

Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.

District of Columbia
Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Universal helmet law enacted 1970.

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Provisions for Mature Drivers

70 and over: no electronic renewal; medical certification required

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Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

5 years

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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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Child Restraint Required

Under 2 yrs, under 40 lbs and under 40" in rear-facing child restraint
4 yrs in child restraint
4-7 yrs in child restraint or booster seat

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Adult Safety Belt Permissible

8-15 yrs

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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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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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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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Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

Citywide

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Red Light Cameras: State Law

Permitted by district 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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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
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