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Understanding DC Traffic Tickets: Fines, Points, and How to Pay

Learn everything about DC traffic tickets, including violations, fines, and payment options. Understand your ticket and avoid future penalties.

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Washington, DC, traffic tickets can throw a wrench in your driving record, forcing you to pay fines and potentially impacting your DC car insurance premium. You may also be unable to navigate important processes at the DC DMV — like renewing a license or registration — until you've paid outstanding tickets. It's crucial to understand DC traffic tickets and how they work so you can remain compliant with local regulations and avoid costing yourself unnecessary money and stress.

Introduction to DC Traffic Tickets

Like most cities, Washington, DC, issues traffic tickets for various reasons: moving violations, parking violations, failure to have a permit, operating with a suspended or revoked license, driving under the influence, and more. As authorities attempt to reduce the number of dangerous drivers in the DC Metro area, more serious violations have more serious penalties.

Types of Traffic Tickets in DC and Common Violations

The District of Columbia issues tickets for both moving and non-moving traffic violations. The district has a litany of traffic laws, and the variety of traffic tickets reflects that.

Some of the more common moving violations include:

  • Having an open alcohol container: $100 fine
  • Driving through a barricade: $500 fine
  • Being distracted on a cell phone: $100 fine
  • Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle: $150 fine
  • Driving without proper insurance: $500 fine
  • Driving through a red light: $150 fine

Police officers and automated speed cameras enforce moving violations and reckless driving throughout the city. Non-moving violations generally concern parking in areas where signs indicate you're not allowed to, abandoning vehicles in improper places, idling, or obstruction. Traffic fines for these violations may range from $15 to $500.

How To Pay DC Traffic Tickets

Unpaid tickets can prevent you from registering your vehicle with the DMV or renewing your license. It may also result in the city immobilizing your vehicle. The DMV makes it easy to pay your outstanding tickets before you face further consequences. DC DMV traffic tickets may be paid:

  • Online
  • Via the DC DMV Mobile app
  • By mail
  • By phone
  • In person at an Adjudication Services Center

How To Dispute Traffic Violations & Tickets

A clean driving record is essential for avoiding fines, but it also makes you more likely to be eligible for the lowest insurance premiums. Traffic tickets in DC may lead to higher premiums, so if you believe a ticket was issued unjustly, you may contest it.

To contest a ticket in DC, provide the DC DMV with all the information and documentation that supports your reasoning for contesting and allow a little time for the city to review your case.

Understanding the DC Point System and Driving Records

Washington, DC, uses a point system to track moving violations and assess a driver's record. Each violation incurs a specified number of points, with a DUI (driving under the influence) charge and reckless driving being the most serious, at 12 points.

If you accumulate eight to 11 points, your license may be suspended for up to 90 days. If you accumulate 12 or more points, your license may be revoked until the DMV reinstates your license, typically six months after revocation.

Points stay on your record for two years. You can find a complete list of points for federal traffic regulations and additional traffic regulations here.

Effect of Traffic Tickets on Insurance Premiums

While it may take a few violations before you face any consequences from the District, your insurance premiums may not be so lucky. Any time you receive traffic tickets, your insurance company will find out and include them on your record. While a minor violation like a ticket for an expired parking meter won't impact your insurance premiums, moving violations most likely will.

Depending on your insurance provider, you may see an uptick in your premium for just a single minor violation. That's why it's imperative to maintain a clean driving record and always drive safely in the District or anywhere else you're going.

Tips for Avoiding DC Traffic Tickets in the Future

Tickets are an expensive hassle and can have longer-term consequences than you would like. Fortunately, avoiding tickets is as simple as being a safe driver. (Easier said than done sometimes, we know.) But here are some good tips to help you avoid tickets:

  • Never drive more than 10 mph over the speed limit.
  • Always look for traffic before merging.
  • Read signs carefully before parking somewhere.
  • Keep track of deadlines to renew your vehicle registration and license.

Compare and Save on DC Car Insurance Today!

DC traffic tickets can be a pain, but as long as you pay the minor violations, you shouldn't experience any additional inconveniences. Avoiding tickets is one way to keep your car insurance premiums low, but there's an even better way to make sure you get the best premiums possible. Use EverQuote's comparison tools to shop for rates in real time and lock in the best value for mandatory car insurance.

FAQs

How do I find out how many tickets I have in DC?
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To find out how many tickets you have, you can register for the Ticket Alert Service (TAS) on the DMV website, contact the DMV's Adjudication Services, search the DC Superior Court online case search system, or visit the DC DPW website to search TICPIX for parking tickets.
Do Virginia drivers have to pay DC camera tickets?
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Yes. The DC District Attorney may sue Virginia drivers to pay unpaid tickets.
What happens if you don't pay DC tickets?
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Failure to pay your tickets on time may result in the immobilization of your vehicle, late fee penalties, and restrictions on your license and registration renewal.
How much is a photo-enforced ticket in DC?
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Depending on the type of violation, a photo-enforced ticket will cost at least $100 for driving more than 10 mph over the speed limit, $100 for a bus violation, or $150 for a red light violation.