A Message from Director Robinson

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and as the weather gets warmer, more motorcyclists are out this time of year. In this month's newsletter, we feature safety tips on motorcycles and remind riders that they require more skill and coordination to operate than a car. We also discuss motor-driven cycles, and how riders should follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals. Additionally, please note that our Inspection Station will transition to Spring/Summer operating hours starting on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Keep reading for the new schedule. Remember, DC DMV offers more than 55 online services and many of the most frequent transactions can be completed when you #SkipTheTrip and download the DMV mobile app. Finally, please join us for our DC DMV Live Chat held the first Thursday of each month. We will be online for a full hour to respond in real-time to any of your DC DMV related questions. The next DMV Live Chat is scheduled for Thursday, June 6 at 12 p.m.  Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy and stay safe!

Motorcycle Safety

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month!

Safe riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s roads and highways.

Remember that a motorcycle requires more skill and coordination to operate than a car. Riders must be aware, know their limits, and ride within them. Riders must also understand their motorcycle's limitations and the environment in which they ride.

Here are some tips to help keep you safe as a motorcyclist:

• Attend a motorcycle training course to learn skills and safety and always follow the rules and laws.
• Watch out for intersections, where about 70 percent of motorcycle collisions occur.
• Stay out of cars’ blind spots to stay visible.
• Be extra cautious in bad weather and bad road conditions; minor problems for cars are major hazards for motorcycles.
• Stay sober: approximately half of all fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crashes involve alcohol.
• Wear protective clothing that covers and cushions your body—pants and long-sleeved jackets—with bright, reflective colors on your upper body to make you visible.
• Always wear a helmet with a U.S. Department of Transportation certification.
• Wear clean, unscratched, high-quality goggles or a face shield on your helmet for eye protection—and make sure it is clear when night riding.
• Keep your hands covered with durable, comfortable gloves that allow a firm grip on the controls.
• Avoid riding between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic.
• Know and obey traffic laws, including ordinances in your community.
• Use signals when turning or changing lanes, always check the rearview mirrors.

Holiday Closure Updates

In recognition of Memorial Day all DC DMV facilities will be closed on Saturday, May 25 and Monday, May 27. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 28.

DC DMV at Your Fingertips

On the move and need to submit an address change or private sale vehicle registration request? DC DMV at your fingertips can get the job done!

Our mobile app transactions include:

• Ticket Payment
• Registration Renewal
• Registration Replacement
• Tag Cancellation
• Driver License and ID Card Renewal
• Driver License and ID Card Replacement
• Provisional License Conversion Request
• Organ Donor Status Update
• Insurance Lapse Payment
• Vision Zero Awareness Training

Scan the QR code below to download our mobile app today!

Inspection Station to Transition to Spring/Summer Hours

Effective Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Inspection Station will transition to "Spring/Summer" operating hours. The Inspection Station operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

DC DMV also has two self-service on-board diagnostic (OBD) emissions test kiosks that allow District residents to perform their own vehicle emissions tests, 24-hours, seven days per week. Visit our kiosks located in Ward 4's Takoma Recreation Center, and Ward 8's Fort Stanton Recreation Center.

For more information about vehicle inspections and self-service kiosk emissions testing, visit our website here. 

More about motor-driven cycles

DC government is committed to the safety of our city's pedestrians, bicyclists, motor-driven cyclists, and drivers. Drivers of motor-driven cycles must follow the rules of the road.

A motor-driven cycle (commonly referred to as a “moped” or “motor scooter”) is a motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle for the use of the operator and has two or three wheels in contact with the ground.

Things to remember when operating a motor-driven cycle:

• You must obey traffic signals and the speed limit
• You must wear a helmet
• You may not ride on the sidewalks and bike lanes
• You must have a valid driver license
• Your motor-driven cycle must be registered and display a license plate
• Your vehicle cannot have the capability of traveling more than 30 mph
• Your vehicle may be gas, electric, or a hybrid; however, it must be 50cc or less

DC is carrying out targeted public engagement, education, and enforcement so that drivers and vendors of motor-driven cycles understand the rules and their responsibilities.

For more information on motor-driven cycles and other non-traditional vehicles, visit the DMV website here.

DMV to participate in the DCHR Spring Hiring Fair

On Thursday, May 16, DC DMV will participate in Mayor Bowser's Spring into a New Career 2024 Hiring Fair at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library, recruiting for Legal Instrument Examiners.

We look forward to considering individuals who may have knowledge of DC DMV regulations, policies and standard procedures for motor vehicles and operator licensing. We are also looking for individuals who are experienced in customer service and data entry, with effective communication and general computer skills.

The event is free and individuals wishing to participate are required to pre-register. DC DMV is scheduling interviews with registered qualified candidates. Interview slots are limited, so register today. Visit the DCHR website here to learn more and register today.