District of Columbia driving law, answered
Every answer here comes from DC Driver Manual and, where the manual is silent, the Code of the District of Columbia: Title 50, Chapter 10: Driver License Compact, Title 50, Chapter 11: Inspection, Title 50, Chapter 13: Motor Vehicle Owners and Operators Responsibility, Title 50, Chapter 14: Operators' Permits and Identification Cards, Title 50, Chapter 15: Registration of Motor Vehicles, Title 50, Chapter 16: Regulation of Bicycles, Title 50, Chapter 16A: General Helmet Use, Title 50, Chapter 17: Child Restraint, Title 50, Chapter 17A: Distracted Driving Prevention, Title 50, Chapter 18: Mandatory Use of Seat Belts, Title 50, Chapter 19: Implied Consent to Chemical Testing, Title 50, Chapter 21: Vehicle Cover Requirements, Title 50, Chapter 22: Regulation of Traffic, Title 50, Chapter 23: Traffic Adjudication, Title 50, Chapter 26: Regulation of Parking, Title 31, Chapter 24: Compulsory/No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance, Title 25, Sections 1001 and 1002: Open containers and persons under 21, with the page or the section it is in.
Statutes fetched on 7 October 2026; manuals fetched on 16 September 2026. How the answers are made
How far from a fire hydrant must you park?
Do not stand or park a vehicle, occupied or not, within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. Firefighters need to reach the hydrant and run a hose from it at once, and a parked car can cost them minutes.
Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant
As of 16 Sep 2026
How far from a stop sign or traffic signal must you park?
Do not stand or park within 25 feet in front of any flashing signal, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway. A parked car in front of a stop sign or signal hides it from the drivers who need to obey it.
Within 25 feet in front of any flashing signal, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway
As of 16 Sep 2026
How far from a railroad crossing must you park?
Except temporarily while loading or unloading merchandise or passengers, do not park within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. A car parked near the tracks hides an oncoming train from drivers and can be hit if it sticks out too far.
Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing
As of 16 Sep 2026
How far from a fire station driveway must you park?
Do not stand or park within 20 feet of the entrance to any fire station driveway. Fire trucks swing wide as they leave the station, and a car near the entrance can block them on the way to a fire.
Within 20 feet of the entrance to any fire station driveway
As of 16 Sep 2026
How close to the curb must you park?
When parallel parking on a two-way street, you must park parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb. A car parked far from the curb sticks into the travel lane where passing cars and cyclists can hit it.
When parallel parking on a two-way street, make sure the space is large enough for your vehicle and you must park parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb.
As of 16 Sep 2026
When must you stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
When a school vehicle is stopping or stopped with its alternating flashing red lights on, all vehicles must stop at least 20 feet from its front or rear. Children getting on or off may cross in front of or behind the bus, and the gap gives you room to see them.
When a school vehicle is stopping or has stopped on the roadway, and is operating the alternating flashing red lights, all vehicles must stop at least 20 feet from the front or rear of the school vehicle.
As of 16 Sep 2026
How far behind a fire truck answering an alarm may you follow?
Do not follow any fire apparatus closer than 500 feet when it is responding to an emergency. A fire engine can stop suddenly at the scene, and firefighters and hoses come off it into the street right behind it.
Do not follow any fire apparatus closer than 500 feet when it is responding to an emergency.
As of 16 Sep 2026
When must you turn on your headlights?
You must turn on your headlights from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise. Dusk and dawn are when your car blends into the gray light and other drivers do not see it coming.
You must turn on your headlights one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise
As of 16 Sep 2026
How far from an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?
You must change to low beams at least 500 feet before meeting oncoming vehicles. High beams straight into an oncoming driver's eyes can blind them for seconds, right as they pass you.
You must change to low beams at least 500 feet before meeting oncoming vehicles
As of 16 Sep 2026
Who must wear a seat belt?
District law requires the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts in passenger cars, trucks, tractors, multi-purpose vehicles or passenger buses. In a crash an unbelted rider keeps moving at the car's speed and hits the dashboard, the windshield or the people in front.
The District of Columbia law requires that the driver and all passengers wear seat belts in passenger cars, trucks, tractors, multi-purpose vehicles or passenger buses.
As of 16 Sep 2026
When must a child ride in a car seat?
In the District, the driver may not transport any child less than 3 years of age unless the child is properly secured in a child safety seat in the back seat. A small child's body is too small for an adult belt, and a fitted seat in the back holds them where a crash does least harm.
In the District of Columbia, the operator of a motor vehicle may not transport any child less than 3 years of age unless the child is properly secured in a child safety seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
As of 16 Sep 2026
What is the legal blood alcohol limit for adult drivers?
(9) “Intoxicated” means: (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, that: (i) An alcohol concentration at the time of testing of 0.08 grams or more per 100 milliliters of the person’s blood or per 210 liters of the person’s breath, or of 0.10 grams or more per 100 milliliters of the person’s urine; or (ii) Any measurable amount of alcohol in the person’s blood, urine, or breath if the person is under 21 years of age. (B) If operating or in physical control of a commercial vehicle, that: (i) An alcohol concentration at the time of testing of 0.04 grams or more per 100 milliliters of the person’s blood or per 210 liters of the person’s breath, or of 0.08 grams or more per 100 milliliters of the person’s urine; or (ii) Any measurable amount of alcohol in the person’s blood, urine, or breath if the person is under 21 years of age.
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-2206.01(9)
As of 7 Oct 2026
What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21?
(9) “Intoxicated” means: (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, that: (i) An alcohol concentration at the time of testing of 0.08 grams or more per 100 milliliters of the person’s blood or per 210 liters of the person’s breath, or of 0.10 grams or more per 100 milliliters of the person’s urine; or (ii) Any measurable amount of alcohol in the person’s blood, urine, or breath if the person is under 21 years of age. (B) If operating or in physical control of a commercial vehicle, that: (i) An alcohol concentration at the time of testing of 0.04 grams or more per 100 milliliters of the person’s blood or per 210 liters of the person’s breath, or of 0.08 grams or more per 100 milliliters of the person’s urine; or (ii) Any measurable amount of alcohol in the person’s blood, urine, or breath if the person is under 21 years of age.
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-2206.01(9)
As of 7 Oct 2026
May you use a handheld phone while driving?
In the District of Columbia you must be hands-free while driving with a cell phone. A phone held to your ear takes a hand off the wheel just when you may need both to steer clear of trouble.
You must be hands-free while driving with a cellular phone in the District of Columbia
As of 16 Sep 2026
May you text while driving?
In the District, texting while driving is never allowed. Typing a message takes your eyes, your hands and your mind off the road at the same time.
Remember, texting while driving is never allowed!
As of 16 Sep 2026
How far before a turn must you signal?
In the District you must use a turn signal, arm or hand signal, or both, continuously for at least 100 feet before turning. Drivers and cyclists behind you need time to see the signal and slow down before you start the turn.
You must use a turn signal, arm or hand signal, or both, continuously for at least 100 feet before turning.
As of 16 Sep 2026
May you turn right on a red light?
You may turn right at a red signal after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign at the intersection says "No Turn on Red." The full stop gives you time to see the people and cars the red light has sent across your path.
You may turn right at a red signal after coming to a complete stop, unless there are signs posted at the intersection, which reads, “No Turn on Red.”
As of 16 Sep 2026
May you turn left on a red light onto a one-way street?
It is illegal in the District of Columbia to make a left turn on red. A left turn on red cuts across lanes of traffic that has the green, and the District does not allow it.
It is illegal in the District of Columbia to make a left turn on red.
As of 16 Sep 2026
Where are U-turns not allowed?
U-turns are prohibited in the District at intersections controlled by traffic lights, or on a crosswalk next to such an intersection. At a signal, cars and people moving on a green arrow or walk light do not expect anyone to swing around in front of them.
U-turns are prohibited in the District of Columbia at intersections controlled by traffic lights, or on a crosswalk adjacent to such an intersection.
As of 16 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit on a residential street when no sign is posted?
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on District of Columbia city streets is 20 miles per hour. City streets are full of people walking and biking, and a person hit at 20 mph is far more likely to live than one hit faster.
District of Columbia city streets is 20 miles per hour
As of 16 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit on a highway outside town when no sign is posted?
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on ordinary highways is 30 to 50 miles per hour. Ordinary highways have cross streets and driveways, so limits stay below those of roads built for through traffic.
On Ordinary Highways 30 – 50 miles per hour
As of 16 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit in a school zone?
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a District of Columbia school zone is 15 miles per hour. Children dart out without looking, and a slow car can stop before it reaches one.
District of Columbia School Zone is 15 miles per hour
As of 16 Sep 2026
When may you pass another vehicle on the right?
On a two-lane highway you may pass on the right only when the vehicle being overtaken is making or about to make a left turn. The shoulder is where people walk, cars break down and debris collects, so a pass there can hit something you did not expect.
You may pass on the right only when the vehicle being overtaken is making or is about to make a left turn.
As of 16 Sep 2026
May you wear headphones while driving?
You may not wear earplugs, a headset, or earphones attached to a radio, CD player or other audio device while driving; earphones or earplugs for cell phones, and hearing aids, are acceptable. Music in both ears drowns out sirens, horns and train bells you need to hear.
A person may not wear earplugs, a headset, or earphones attached to a radio, tape player, CD player or other audio device while driving a motor vehicle.
As of 16 Sep 2026
How old must you be to get a learner's permit?
To get a DC learner permit you must be at least 16 years old and pass the knowledge test and vision screening. The permit is the first step, and it comes only after you show you know the rules and can see the road.
To obtain a leaner permit you must be at least 16 years old, pass the knowledge test and vision screening.
As of 16 Sep 2026
How long must you hold a learner's permit before a license?
Before getting a provisional license you must have held a valid learner permit for at least 6 months with no pointable moving violations. Six months of supervised driving through changing seasons and traffic builds the habits a solo driver needs.
You must have held a valid learner permit for at least 6 months and have no pointable moving violations.
As of 16 Sep 2026
Who must ride with you when you drive on a learner's permit?
A learner permit holder may drive only when supervised by a driver who is 21 years or older, has a valid full driver license, and is seated in the front passenger seat. A grown, fully licensed driver beside you can spot a hazard you miss and talk you through it before it becomes a crash.
A learner permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle when supervised by another driver who is 21 years or older, has a valid full driver license, and is seated next to you in the passenger front seat.
As of 16 Sep 2026
What hours may a provisional driver not drive?
From September to June, a provisional license holder may drive Monday to Thursday from 6:01am to 10:59pm. School nights end earlier because a tired teen driving home late is a crash waiting to happen.
Provisional License September – June Monday – Thursday, 6:01am – 10:59pm
As of 16 Sep 2026
How many passengers may a new provisional driver carry?
A provisional license holder may drive with one passenger who holds a valid full license, is 21 or older, sits in the front passenger seat and wears a seat belt, plus any passengers who are their sibling, child, or parent. Carloads of teenage friends are a leading cause of new-driver crashes, so family is allowed and friends are not.
You can drive with one (1) passenger that is the holder of a valid full driver license who is 21 years of age or older, occupying the passenger front seat next to you and is wearing a seat belt, and any other passenger who is your sibling, child, or parent.
As of 16 Sep 2026
What is the fine for a first drunk-driving conviction?
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a person violating any provision of § 50-2206.11 or § 50-2206.12 shall upon conviction for the first offense be fined $1,000, or incarcerated for not more than 180 days, or both; provided, that:
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-2206.13(a)
As of 7 Oct 2026
How long can you be jailed for a first drunk-driving conviction?
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a person violating any provision of § 50-2206.11 or § 50-2206.12 shall upon conviction for the first offense be fined $1,000, or incarcerated for not more than 180 days, or both; provided, that:
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-2206.13(a)
As of 7 Oct 2026
When must you install an ignition interlock after a drunk-driving conviction?
(b) Except as provided in §§ 50-2206.13(d-1), 50-2206.15(c-1), and 50-2206.55(a-1)(2), a person who holds a driver's license issued by the District and commits a covered offense shall enroll in the Ignition Interlock System Program ("Program") established by this section for: (1) Upon the first commission of a covered offense, a period of 6 months; (2) Upon the second commission of a covered offense, a period of one year; and (3) Upon the third or subsequent commission of a covered offense, a period of 2 years.
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-2201.05a(b)
As of 7 Oct 2026
At what blood alcohol level do drunk-driving penalties increase?
(1) A 10-day mandatory-minimum term of incarceration shall be imposed if the person’s alcohol concentration was at least 0.20 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or per 210 liters of breath, or was at least 0.25 grams per 100 milliliters of urine; or
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-2206.13(a)(1)
As of 7 Oct 2026
For how many years does a prior drunk-driving conviction count against you?
(17) “Prior offense” means any guilty plea or verdict, including a finding of guilty in the case of a juvenile, for an offense under District law or a disposition in another jurisdiction for a substantially similar offense which occurred prior to the current offense regardless of when the arrest occurred. The term “prior offense” does not include an offense where the later of any term of incarceration, supervised release, parole, or probation ceased or expired more than 15 years before the arrest on the current offense.
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-1901(17)
As of 7 Oct 2026
How many points on your license lead to a suspension?
If you accumulate 10 or 11 points, your District driver license is suspended for 90 days, and it stays suspended until it is officially reinstated. A driver who keeps breaking traffic laws is a danger to everyone, so a pause off the road comes before anything harsher.
If you accumulate 10 or 11 points, your DC driver license will be suspended and you will lose your driving privileges for a period of ninety (90) days.
As of 16 Sep 2026
What is the fine for texting while driving?
(a) The penalty for violating §§ 50-1731.03, 50-1731.04, or 50-1731.05 shall be a fine of $100; provided, that, for a violation of § 50-1731.04, the fine shall be suspended for a first time violator who, subsequent to the violation but prior to the imposition of a fine, provides proof of acquisition of a hands-free accessory of the type required by this chapter. The suspension shall not apply to violations related to texting.
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-1731.06(a)
As of 7 Oct 2026
How much light must a tinted side or rear window let through?
(a)(1) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no motor vehicle, other than a mini-van, may be operated or parked upon the public streets or spaces of the District of Columbia with: (A) A front windshield or front side windows that allow less than 70% light transmittance; or (B) A rear windshield or rear side windows that allow less than 50% light transmittance. (2) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no mini-van may be operated or parked upon the public streets or spaces of the District of Columbia with: (A) A front windshield or front side windows that allow less than 55% light transmittance, or (B) A rear windshield or rear side windows that allow less than 35% light transmittance.
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-2207.02(a)
As of 7 Oct 2026
Must a vehicle driving slower than other traffic keep to the right lane?
When you are driving more slowly than the traffic flow on a highway with two or more lanes in your direction, you should move to and stay in the right lane. A slow car in the left lane makes faster drivers weave around it, which is when sideswipes happen.
When you are driving more slowly than the traffic flow on a highway that has two or more lanes in your direction, you should move to and stay in the right lane
As of 16 Sep 2026
What is the minimum liability insurance coverage for bodily injury or death of one person and property damage?
(c) Third-party personal liability. — Third-party personal liability coverage shall provide that any liability of an insured to pay for injury arising from an accident within or outside the District of Columbia, in accordance with applicable law, shall be paid by the insurer up to the amount established in the policy. The minimum amount of 3rd-party personal liability coverage that an insured shall purchase shall be $25,000 per person injured in any 1 accident and $50,000 for all persons injured in any 1 accident.
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 31-2406(c)
As of 7 Oct 2026
Ask a question about District of Columbia road law
Easier than searching the manual: ask in your own words — how far from a fire hydrant you may park, when you must stop for a school bus — and the answer comes from DC Driver Manual or District of Columbia’s code, with the page or the section it is in. When neither says, the answer says so rather than guess. Or tick Nationwide and compare every state on one question.