Summary of District of Columbia Laws

 

Traffic Offenses, Criminal Law, and Misdemeanors

Criminal Traffic Offenses

Operating After Revocation/Suspension (OAR/OAS):  See D.C. Code Ann. § 50-1403.

 

Hit-and-Run Offenses:  This includes two separate offenses: leaving after colliding with property damage; and leaving after colliding with personal injury.  See D.C. Code Ann. § 50-2201.05

 

Reckless Driving:  This is described as driving in a manner which is considered a menace to the safety of others. See Swailes v. District of Columbia, 219 A.2d 100 (D.C. 1966); D.C. Code Ann. § 50-2201.04

 

Excessive Speed (Over 30):  Though breaking the speed limit ordinarily imposes only a civil fine, if one breaks the limit by more than 30 mph, it is considered a criminal offense.  See D.C. Code Ann. §§ 50-2201.04 and (d);

 

No Permit:  It is a criminal offense to operate without a valid motor vehicle permit issued from the District or another state, or with one that has been expired for more than 90 days.  Applicable to D.C. permits only, if a permit has been expired for less than 90 days, only a civil fine will be issued.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

updated 2/18/08 AAA
links updated 6/9/08 rab