DC DMV News: September 2024 Newsletter

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 09/17/2024 11:15 AM EDT

September 2024

A Message from Director Robinson

Greetings DC! Back-to-school season is in full swing, and as always, I want to remind all drivers in the District to follow posted speed limits and always use caution around pedestrians and cyclists. Whether it's school, work, in your neighborhood or home, we want everyone to arrive safely to their destinations, and we all have a responsibility to ensure that happens.

In this month's newsletter, we highlight DDOT's Clear Lanes project, which focuses on ensuring bus lane and bus zone safety. It's important to remember that keeping the District’s bus zones clear from traffic will also increase safety and accessibility at bus stops, allowing buses to pull fully to the curb and provide accessible boarding for bus riders, and smoother traffic operations on our roads. 

Keep reading for more information on DMV's upcoming Job Prep Workshops for career readiness; and, this month we highlight Child Passenger Safety Week.

As a reminder, please join me for our DC DMV Live Chat, held the first Thursday of each month. I'll be online for a full hour to respond in real-time to any of your DC DMV-related questions. Our next online live chat is scheduled for Thursday, October 3 at 12pm. Spread the word!

Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy and stay safe!

DDOT'S Clear Lanes Project

The Clear Lanes Project is a joint initiative between Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) that aims to improve bus travel times and enhance bus stop safety by using camera technology to identify illegally parked and stopped vehicles in dedicated bus lanes and bus zones.

Metrobuses are mounted with automated cameras on buses serving select routes in DC. These cameras automatically take videos of violating vehicles and send information directly to DDOT for enforcement. Phase One enforcement began on November 15, 2023. Drivers illegally parking, standing, or stopping in a bus zone (area around a bus stop) may receive a $100 fine.

Bus Lanes

Bus lanes are roadways designated for the use of public transit buses, typically marked by red paint and signage. Many bus lanes are active only at certain times of the day, as indicated by signage.

Unauthorized vehicles should not stop, stand, or park in a bus lane or enter a bus lane except to:

Enter a legal parking space;

Pull over for an emergency vehicle; or

Turn within 40 feet of an intersection or driveway, as typically marked by signage or dashed red road markings.

Authorized vehicles include the following:

Public transit buses, school buses, and streetcars;

Tour buses (can drive in the bus lanes, but not park or pick-up/drop off)

Bikes, e-bikes, and scooters;

Maintenance vehicles (DC or WMATA vehicles that are actively making repairs);

Emergency vehicles (while responding to an emergency); and

Accessible transportation service vehicles (wheelchair-accessible vehicles registered with a government agency or with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission that are actively transporting someone with a disability)

Bus Zones

Bus zones are areas along the curb within 80 feet of the approach side and 20 feet of the departure side of a bus stop, unless otherwise signed. Unauthorized vehicles should not stop, stand, or park in a bus zone except to avoid conflict with other traffic.

Authorized vehicles include the following:

Public transit buses and school buses; and

Maintenance vehicles (DC or WMATA vehicles that are actively making repairs).

For more information about bus lane and bus zone enforcement visit DDOT's FAQ website.

Inspection Station now operating

on Fall/Winter Hours

The Inspection Station has transitioned to operating on "fall/winter" opening and closing hours.

The Inspection Station is open to District residents for vehicle services, and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Day	Time
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday	CLOSED CLOSED 7 am - 3 pm 8 am - 3 pm 7 am - 3 pm 7 am - 3 pm 7 am - 3 pm

The best times to visit the Inspection Station are Thursdays or Fridays from 8:30am to 10am and 1:30pm to 3pm. Volume is particularly heavy on Tuesdays as well as days preceding and following a holiday. The Inspection Station is also busy the first hour of opening and between the hours of 10am and 1pm.

DC DMV to host Job Prep Workshops to promote career readiness

DC DMV is set to host two Job Prep Workshops for District residents on Thursday, September 19, and Saturday, September 21. The two sessions will take place from 6pm to 8pm at the DMV Southwest Service Center on 95 M Street SW.

The mini clinics, led by DMV's human resources and training teams, will focus on key interview skills, including how to answer interview questions, common interview "do’s and don’ts," and resume preparation tips and best practices.

District residents are encouraged to register early as space is limited. The Eventbrite ticket and a valid Driver's License or ID card will be required for entry. For more information and to register for the DC DMV Job Prep Workshops, visit our event page here.

Child Passenger Safety Week: September 15 to 21

Each year, Child Passenger Safety Week educates parents and caregivers about the importance of protecting children during every stage of development – from car seats to booster seats and seat belt use. Data from the National Digital Car Seat Check Form shows 93.6% of children transitioned to a seat belt before they fit correctly.

The next car seat installation event brought to you by our partners at DC Highway Safety Office (HSO) takes place Saturday, September 21 from 10am to 3pm at the Bald Eagle Recreation Center located at 100 Joliet Street SW.

Residents are able to visit the Inspection Station any time during normal operating hours and ask for a free car seat safety check. For more information about the DMV Car Seat Safety Program, visit our website here.

DC DMV's Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program seen around the District

Have you seen DC DMV around the city? This fall we are raising awareness for the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program with a simple message:

A few more drinks?
It could cost more than you think.

DC DMV's IID Program is mandatory for all licensed DC drivers convicted of alcohol and drug related driving offenses, or those who refuse to consent to testing when stopped by law enforcement.

We’ve taken to the rails and roads of DC with a message you can now see on buses and train cars and hear on the radio: before you drink and drive in the District – stop and think. To get the facts about the IID program and learn more about how DC DMV is committed to preventing impaired driving incidents, visit our website here.

#SkipTheTrip

with DMV's mobile app

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The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles promotes the safe operation of motor vehicles
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