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.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Universal helmet law enacted 1970.
5 years
70 and over: no electronic renewal; medical certification required
55
55
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
.20, .25 and .30
2-90 days or until deposition
Yes
Mandatory for all convictions
Yes
Yes
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
8-15 yrs
September through June: 11 p.m. - 6 a.m. (Sun-Thurs); Midnight - 6 a.m. (Fri-Sat) July through August: midnight - 6 a.m.
First 6 months: no passengers Thereafter: No more than 2 passengers under 21
18 years
16
6
40 (10 in intermediate stage)
16 / 6
Primary
16 and over
All
Yes. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
Drivers with learner's permit. Primary law.
All drivers. Primary law.
Permitted by district law
Citywide
Permitted by district law
Citywide
None
Decriminalized and legal for recreational and medical use
None
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2023
Contact: Adam Snider, 202-580-7930, 202-365-8971 (after hours)
Grants will support multidisciplinary local prevention programs and youth journalists highlighting the impacts of this dangerous driver behavior
“We’re at a pivot point from the way it was to the way it will be in the future. We, as a community, are trying to figure out what we need to change in order to preserve the benefits from traffic enforcement but to correct systemic problems we see,” Russ Martin, GHSA’s senior director of policy and government relations, told Vox.
Another aspect of the updated program is partnering with members of the community and local stakeholders. This, Jonathan Adkins, the Executive Director of the Governors Highway Safety Association says, could have a tremendous impact on the effort.
The D.C. region is dealing with a dangerous and sad increase in pedestrian crashes. Transportation reporter Adam Tuss talked with safety experts and police about what's going wrong and better ways to improve safety.
Jonathan Adkins, a D.C. resident and executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, said automated enforcement has been effective nationwide. He said whether fines or points are issued — or both — the primary goal should be to eliminate dangerous driving.
“We really need folks to slow down,” said Jonathan Adkins, the Executive Director of the Governors Highway Safety Association. “Speeding is a huge, huge issue.”
Story by Nick Minock
April 25, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2021
CONTACT: Adam Snider, 202-580-7930
202-365-8971 (after hours)
