Monday, April 19, 2021

On June 1, enforcement begins for parking, photo enforcement, and minor moving violations, but amnesty program will help many drivers by eliminating penalties

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a four-month amnesty program giving drivers the opportunity to pay outstanding tickets for parking, photo enforcement (including speed, red-light, and stop sign), and minor moving violations. The amnesty program will run from June 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021, and includes tickets issued before September 30, 2021. This program is launching as the District plans to restart on June 1 several government functions— such as all parking enforcement, towing of illegally parked vehicles, and requirements to renew vehicle registrations and inspections— that had been suspended during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. More functions will be restarting July 1.

“We know we can expect to see more activity on our roads and sidewalks, and these enforcement mechanisms are one way we can make our transportation network more efficient, restart important government services, and help protect residents and visitors as they move around DC,” said Mayor Bowser. “We encourage all residents with outstanding tickets to learn more about the ticket amnesty program and get current on any outstanding fines.”

Drivers eligible for the amnesty program are still obligated to pay the original ticket amount; however, any penalties will be waived. Department of Public Works (DPW) tow and storage fees, if any, will not be waived. Once the amnesty period begins on June 1, 2021, residents and non-residents facing financial hardship should contact the Office of the Chief Financial Officer’s Central Collection Unit (OCFO CCU) for settlement options. Any ticket included in a settlement plan will no longer be eligible for adjudication. More information can be found at ticketamnesty.dc.gov.

“In addition to getting many drivers in compliance with their ticket obligations, the amnesty program will help District residents pay their outstanding tickets so they can obtain a REAL ID credential and obtain assistance if they face financial hardship due to the pandemic,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure (DMOI) Lucinda Babers.

Parking Enforcement

As the amnesty program kicks off on June 1, DPW will resume full enforcement of the following parking violations:

• Expired parking meters

• Expired residential parking permits (RPP)

• Expired vehicle tags

• Parking in no parking zones (violators will be towed and ticketed)

• Registration of residential out-of-state automobiles (ROSA)

• Abandoned vehicles (i.e., with flat tires, expired registrations)

Solid Waste Management

DPW will also resume June 1:

• Enforcing sanitation violations under the Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program (SWEEP)

• Street sweeping; therefore, vehicles parked in street sweeping zones during posted sweeping hours will be ticketed

As it has throughout the public health emergency, DPW continues to enforce safety violations (e.g., blocking a crosswalk or fire hydrant), bike lane violations, and the towing of dangerous vehicles. School zone parking enforcement restarted on March 15.

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