A Message from Director Robinson

DC DMV's mission is to promote the safe operation of motor vehicles and public safety, while providing outstanding customer service. As we continue to experience less daylight during the fall season, I encourage all drivers to be alert and drive safely around pedestrians and cyclists. This month's newsletter includes several important safety tips that could help save a life! I also encourage everyone to view the "Lives Shatter on Impact" testimonial videos to hear real-life stories that highlight the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety. Additionally, our November newsletter includes updated information on our virtual hearing program as well as a reminder that the District's Ticket Amnesty Program has been extended to December 31, 2021. Finally, we're proud to highlight several awards DC DMV recently received from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Please continue to stay safe!

Now all District residents 5 and older are eligible to receive the #COVID19 vaccine. Parents are encouraged to protect their families from COVID-19 by vaccinating their children and themselves as soon as possible.

Visit http://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccine for more information.

Pedestrian Safety

Walking is part of many of our trips each day, and for some it is their primary mode of transportation. The following tips will help us all be safe drivers and keep those who walk safe:

• Look for pedestrians, particularly children and teens, who can be less predictable and move more slowly. Be especially careful around schools, residential neighborhoods and near parks and playgrounds. 
• Drive with care. Buckle up, obey speed limits, focus on the driving task and drive sober. Lives depend on it.
• Slower speeds save lives. In fact, the chances of a pedestrian surviving a crash rapidly decrease when the vehicle speed is above 30 mph. Follow speed limits – they aren’t suggestions and are designed to keep all road users safe. 
• Technologies such as pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear backup cameras, and better headlights for identifying pedestrians at night are just some of the technological advancements keeping pedestrians and others outside the vehicle safe. Learn more about Driver Assistance Technologies.
• Roadways designed to safely accommodate road users provide a solid foundation for use of emerging vehicle technologies and actively encourage safe behaviors among drivers and other road users. Learn more about safe roads from the Federal Highway Administration.

Since 2002, The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments' Street Smart program has worked to protect vulnerable road users by raising awareness about pedestrian and bicycle safety. Through Street Smart's "Lives Shatter on Impact" testimonial videos, several brave individuals have shared their stories to bring awareness to pedestrian and bicycle safety in the Washington, DC region.

Pay Your Outstanding Tickets Today Using DC DMV's Mobile App

With the District's Ticket Amnesty Program extended to December 31, 2021, you can easily pay all outstanding tickets now and avoid any penalties. Simply download DC DMV's free mobile app and tap the "Ticket Services" icon to pay your tickets. The app even allows you to search for unpaid citations by ticket number, tag number, or driver license number.

DC DMV's mobile app users can also update their voter registration information when renewing their ID or license and add their digital vehicle registration card to their Apple Wallet from an iPhone device. Users will have immediate access to other DC DMV information, including holiday closing schedules, interpreter and translation services, employment information, and DC DMV’s privacy policy.

Scan the QR Code Below or click here & Download the DCDMV App Today!

DC DMV Continues to Offer Virtual Hearings

During the public health emergency, DC DMV launched a virtual hearing pilot allowing all participants, including drivers, hearing examiners, police officers and attorneys to participate remotely via a computer or mobile device. Based on the success of the pilot, the agency will continue to offer virtual hearings so drivers may skip the trip and participate in a hearing remotely from their home or office.

Technical requirements for virtual hearings require the following:

• Must have fast and stable internet connection.
• Must have a video device, such as a webcam on a computer, phone or a laptop.

• Must have a microphone or the ability to dial into the hearing via phone.
• Must have a valid, working email address.
• Must allow application/plugin installation for Cisco Webex meetings.

Currently, virtual hearings are only available for minor moving violations, permit suspensions, and revocations and reinstatement hearings.

DC DMV Honored as Recipient of 2021 AAMVA Awards

DC DMV recently received several awards from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). AAMVA's annual awards program fosters a tradition of excellence in the motor vehicle and law enforcement community by honoring individuals, teams, and organizations who have committed their time and resources to safety initiatives, outstanding customer service, public affairs, and consumer educational programs throughout North America.

The 2021 AAMVA Awards presented to DC DMV included:

• Speech Writing - DC DMV Oversight Hearing Testimony
• Customer Convenience - Self-Service OBD Emissions Kiosk
• Community Service - DC DMV Recruitment Workshops in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau
• International Driver Examiner Certification (IDEC) Outstanding Examiner of the Year - DC DMV Driver Examiner Justin Day, who was previously featured in the August issue of DMV News You Can Use.

Ticket Amnesty Program Extended until December 31, 2021

The District's ticket amnesty program has been extended to December 31, 2021. The amnesty program gives District and non-District drivers a chance to pay outstanding tickets for parking, photo enforcement, and minor moving violations without penalty. At the end of the amnesty period, all penalties will be added back on all tickets. Details: ticketamnesty.dc.gov.

Holiday Closure Update

In recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday November 26, 2021. Regular business hours will resume on Saturday, November 27.

Many of DC DMV's services will be available online or via the agency's free mobile app.