A Message from DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson

As we close 2024 with the holidays and prepare for all that is to come in 2025, I truly am grateful reflecting on the hard work of my team at the Department of Motor Vehicles and all of our colleagues across DC Government.  In this month's newsletter, we include a reminder about the importance of keeping your vehicle winter ready; we'll also take a look at the impact of impaired driving in the District, as December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.  We would like to remind everyone that DC DMV will close for the Holidays as our staff takes time to be with loved ones, refresh and renew for the new year. More information on DMV closures, and services that can be completed from the comfort of your own home, are included in this month's newsletter - read on to learn more!  Please know, your feedback is important to us. Write us a letter or join me for DMV's monthly Live Chat on the first Thursday of each month. The next DC DMV Live Chat is scheduled for Thursday, January 2 at 12 p.m.  Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Here's to a meaningful holiday season filled with peace, joy and love. Enjoy and stay safe!

Is Your Vehicle Winter Ready? 

Rain, sleet, snow and ice can trigger dangerous driving conditions so, preparing yourself and your vehicle for inclement weather is key as the seasons continue to change.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2022 there were 498 fatal traffic crashes, and an estimated 32,213 injury crashes that occurred when there were snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash.

A simple thing you can do to ensure safety is slowing down as weather conditions can make slowing or stopping your vehicle tricky. Increase your follow distance between the vehicle in front of you to safeguard against sleek roads and possible crashes. Wear your seatbelt, stay alert, and don't forget to use your headlights when conditions create visibility issues. 

Continue to stay up to date on vehicle maintenance, inspect your tires for unusual wear, and check your tire pressure as the temperatures begin to dip. For more winter driving tips, visit the NHTSA's website for more ways you can stay safe this holiday season. 

DC DMV IID Program Reminder: December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Driving while impaired by any substance can be deadly. DC's Highway Safety Office reports that 47 alcohol impaired fatalities and 562 injuries occurred between 2017 and 2021 in the District of Columbia. 

Thinking about having a few more drinks? It could cost more than you think.

DC DMV’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program is mandatory after any impaired driving offense in the District. The IID stops a vehicle from being able to start until the driver passes a blow test. Watch the explanatory video below. 

This holiday, make sure you are doing your part to promote the safe operation of motor vehicles in the District and beyond.

Before you drink and drive – stop and think. Take the metro, call a friend, or take advantage of SoberRide.

Get the Facts about Motorcycle and Motor-Driven Cycle Safety in the District

Did you know? All motorcycles, two or three-wheeled vehicles that can travel more than 30mph, and motor-driven cycles, two or three-wheeled vehicles that can travel between 20 to 30mph, are regulated by the DC Government.

DC residents who own or use motor-driven cycles must also register their vehicles regardless of engine displacement, display a DC issued tag, have a valid license, have insurance, wear a helmet, and follow all the rules of the road. Curious about the differences in class of motor-driven cycles? Classifications can be tricky and we're here to help. 

A Motor-Driven Cycle: has a seat or saddle and two or three wheels in contact with the ground and a gas, electric, or hybrid motor with a maximum piston or rotor displacement of 50 cubic centimeters, or its equivalent, with a maximum speed of 30 MPH.

A Motorcycle: has a seat or saddle and two or three wheels in contact with the ground, is not a motor-driven cycle or motorized bicycle and can go over 30 MPH.

A Motorized Bicycle: has a post-mounted seat or saddle for each person; two or three wheels (at least 16 inches in diameter) in contact with the ground; fully operative pedals for human propulsion; and a motor capable of a maximum speed of 20 MPH on level ground. 

The District of Columbia Government takes motorcycle and motor-driven cycle safety seriously, and ensuring compliance for registration and use is a group effort.

The National Highway Transit and Safety Agency (NHTSA) reports that of the motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes in 2022, 35% were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.

DC Government is committed to the safety of our city's pedestrians, bicyclists, scooterists, and drivers, and reminds drivers of motorcycles and motor-driven cycles that they must follow the rules of the road. For example, they must obey traffic signals, obey the speed limit, wear a helmet, and not ride on sidewalks and bike lanes. They must also be properly licensed, registered, insured and wear an appropriate helmet.

DC DMV has partnered with the DC Highway Safety Office and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to distribute helmets to DC residents. You can claim yours at all seven MPD District locations and DMV's Southwest Service Center starting January 1, 2025 while supplies last!

DC DMV Holiday Closures 

In recognition of Christmas, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Wednesday, December 25. 

In recognition of the New Year all DC DMV locations will be closed on Wednesday, January 1. 

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

Remember, as you travel this month, don't forget to buckle up! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017.

Traveling to DC? Ensure Compliance with Trip Permits.

Chartered buses and other non-apportioned vehicles planning to operate in the District of Columbia must obtain a DC Trip Permit before entering the city to ensure compliance with local regulations.

• Cost: $50 for six days of travel within DC.
• Requirement: The permit must be maintained on the vehicle and is only valid for the listed vehicle.

DC law requires any bus transporting a chartered party with a seating capacity greater than 15 passengers to either:

• Be registered as a Class B commercial vehicle in the licensing jurisdiction and obtain a DC Trip Permit, or
• Obtain proportional registration through the International Registration Plan (IRP) in the vehicle’s base jurisdiction.

Easily purchase your permit online through the DMV website and avoid penalties. For questions or assistance related to the trip permits, contact us on (202) 729-7083.

Failure to comply prior to entering the District may result in a $500 fine or up to 180 days of imprisonment.

DC DMV at Your Fingertips: Get the Mobile App!

Do you need to renew or replace your Driver License or ID Card? #SkipTheTrip and order your replacements with our free mobile app!

Mobile app transactions include:

Address Change Request
Registration Renewal
Tag Cancellation
Ticket Payment
and much more

The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles promotes the safe operation of motor vehicles and public safety while providing outstanding customer service.