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.

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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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Open container laws

Yes

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Repeat Offender Laws

Yes

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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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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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Adult Safety Belt Permissible

8-15 yrs

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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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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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Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

Citywide

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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

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Marijuana Impaired Driving

None

Senior Director of Policy and Government Relations

Overview

The Senior Director of Policy and Government Relations is responsible for federal advocacy activities in support of GHSA’s policy objectives while working with the GHSA CEO on the management of a range of highway safety initiatives. The position works closely with agencies in the executive branch, U.S. Congress, and its State members to represent GHSA positions, advance GHSA objectives and support member programs. This position also supports some GHSA programs, projects and member services, and represents the association in a variety of external capacities.

Mobility Safety Fellowship

Overview

Engage residents, commuters, and visitors of the District of Columbia to create a culture of mobility safety through public events, partnerships, and other strategic initiatives. Collaborate with the Highway Safety Office and Office of the Deputy Mayor or Operations and Infrastructure on a variety of messaging and outreach campaigns. Support WRAP’s mission to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking in the District of Columbia.

Senior Staff Accountant

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is seeking a full-time Senior Staff Accountant. This individual will be responsible for providing operational support for GHSA’s financial, operational, and accounting activities. The Senior Staff Accountant interacts with all organizational levels, internal and external to GHSA, and collaborates with GHSA’s leadership team to ensure business success and execution of GHSA’s Mission and Vision. This position is responsible for:

Vision Zero Transportation Specialist

Summary

This position is located in the District of Columbia Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure, Vision Zero Office. The goal of the District’s suite of Vision Zero policies is to identify, support and implement projects and interventions that will eliminate traffic deaths, including roadway design changes, enforcement of critical safety laws, and raising public awareness of behaviors that will ensure safe roadways.

Research Intern (Hybrid, Summer)

Summary

Under the direction of Technical Director and senior-level research associates at the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the student interns will assist in carrying out traffic safety research in areas related to (1) emerging technologies, (2) vulnerable road users, (3) driver behavior, and performance, and (4) roadway systems and drivers. The student interns will be directly involved with on-going AAA Foundation research projects, as well as performing analytical tasks on specific traffic safety issues and documenting findings.

Creative Director

Summary

As the Creative Director at Responsibility.org, you will serve as the visionary leader responsible for shaping the creative direction of our organization. You will lead, inspire, and manage our creative team to conceptualize and produce innovative and impactful campaigns and materials that not only align with our brand identity but also exceed client objectives. This role requires a balance of creativity, leadership, strategic thinking, effective project management, and responsible budget management to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality creative work.

Why Do We Have Right-on-Red, and is it Time to Get Rid of It?

Atlanta, Denver, Indianapolis, Washington, DC, Raleigh, North Carolina, and other major cities have recently proposed or passed laws banning it in parts of their busy downtowns or citywide. They believe it will protect people walking and biking amid the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in more than 40 years. Right turns on red “introduce extra movements into the intersection,” said Eric Dumbaugh, a professor in the department of urban and regional planning at Florida Atlantic University who studies traffic safety.

Highway Safety Specialist

Summary

You will serve as a Highway Safety Specialist and report to the Chief, Impaired Driving Division, Office of Impaired Driving and Occupant Protection, Research and Program Development (NPD). The Office has national responsibility for developing and improving traffic safety programs aimed at reducing alcohol and other drug-related highway crashes, deaths, and injuries.

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