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
18 years
16
6
40 (10 in intermediate stage)
16 / 6
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
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
“We’ve got to slow this traffic down or we are going to have another tragic incident,” said Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Story by Adam Tuss
April 13, 2021
Nearly 3 out of 5 scooter riders who were hospitalized in the nation’s capital last year were injured riding on the sidewalk, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Story by Luz Lazo
October 27, 2020
Three months into the coronavirus pandemic, the United States faces another crisis: a surge in speeding and reckless behavior on the nation's roadways.
Story by Luz Lazo
May 11, 2020
Police say drivers are taking advantage of empty roads to speed and drive aggressively.
Story by Marcella Robertson
April 27, 2020
This article highlights one of a number of recent fatal pedestrian crashes in Washington, D.C., citing GHSA's recent report on pedestrian fatalities for national context.
Story by Michael E. Miller
May 13, 2019
In light of GHSA's recent report projecting 2018 pedestrian fatalities, WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi Show dedicates an hour to analyzing pedestrian safety in Washington, D.C. featuring District DOT Director Jeff Marootian.
Story by Kojo Nnamdi
March 5, 2019
Pedestrian deaths are projected to have risen across DC, Maryland and Virginia in 2018, according to GHSA's latest report. Kara Macek, Senior Director of Communications and Programs, discusses the behavioral and design changes needed to address this issue.
Though speeding contributes to nearly one third of traffic deaths each year, GHSA's latest report highlights public complacency around the issue. Director of Policy and Government Relations Russ Martin addresses the need for a change in culture.
