QandAs: Autos

What are the driving laws in Washington D.C.?

Answer:
Washington D.C. uses a point system to track

driving records. Most moving violations have a point value assigned to them, such as:

·                    Following too closely – 2 points
·                    Seatbelt violation – 3 points
·                    Speeding – 3 – 5 points (depending on speed)
·                    Reckless driving – 12 points

Your license will be suspended if you accumulate 10 or 11 points. Your license will be revoked for 6 months if you accumulate 12 points. Points stay on your record for two years.

You must follow the posted speed limit in Washington, D.C. Failure to do so earn you a fine and points added to your record. The highest speed limit you will see in the country’s capital is 50 mph. Also, you may not use a cell phone in Washington, D.C., unless it is equipped with a hands free device. Those with a learner’s permit or who drive a school bus may not use a cell phone under any circumstances.

All passengers and drivers in Washington D.C. must be wearing a seatbelt. Failure to conform to this law will result in a $50 fine. Also, children under the age of eight must be in an approved child safety seat. Anyone who is on a motorcycle must have a helmet on according to the law.

Always yield the right of way to emergency vehicles when traveling in the nation’s capital. Remember, you must pull over to the side of the road and stop your vehicle if an emergency vehicle with lights flashing is approaching you from either direction. Failure to do so will result in a fine and points added to your license.


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