Approved for Public Release by the Capitol Police Board on January 11, 2024

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS 

FOR THE 

UNITED STATES CAPITOL GROUNDS 

PROMULGATED BY 

THE CAPITOL POLICE BOARD 

UNITED STATES CAPITOL 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

FINAL PUBLICATION 

Amended 

FEBRUARY 17, 2019 
CAPITOL POLICE BOARD

UNITED STATES CAPITOL

WASHINGTON, D.C.

JUNE 1, 2014

WHEREAS it has been the long-standing intent and practice of Congress 

to retain exclusive control over the United States Capitol Buildings and 

Grounds;

WHEREAS said intent is reflected in the delegation of authority granted 

to the Capitol Police Board by Public Law 570, 79th Congress, approved July 

31, 1946, as amended, which:

 VESTS the Capitol Police Board with exclusive charge and control of 

the regulation and movement of all vehicular and other traffic within 

Capitol Grounds, including parking and impounding of vehicles and 

limiting the speed thereof; 

 AUTHORIZES AND EMPOWERS the Capitol Police Board to make 

and enforce all necessary regulations for such purposes;

 AUTHORIZES AND EMPOWERS the Capitol Police Board to prescribe penalties for violation of such regulations not to exceed a fine 

of $300 or imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days;

 AUTHORIZES AND EMPOWERS the Capitol Police Board to promulgate and amend such regulations from time to time whenever the 

Board shall deem it necessary; and,

 PROVIDES THAT certain parts of the District of Columbia Traffic 

Act of 1925, as amended, for the violation of which specific penalties 

are provided in said Act, shall be applicable to Capitol Grounds.

WHEREAS, in the interest of securing public safety and for protection 

against personal injury or damage to property and while taking into account 

the unique nature, circumstances and law enforcement needs on Capitol 

Grounds;

WHEREAS, it is the sense of the Board that continuity with local traffic 

regulations is desired to the greatest extent possible:
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, pursuant to the authority granted to it by Public Law 570, 70th Congress, approved July 31, 1946, as 

amended, the Capitol Police Board hereby:

 RESCINDS the Traffic and Motor Vehicle Regulations for the United 

States Capitol Grounds (June 1, 1983) and any amendments made 

thereto;

 REVISES the Traffic and Motor Vehicle Regulations for the United 

States Capitol Grounds by updating existing provisions and providing 

for specific traffic regulations unique to Capitol Grounds;

 RENAMES the Traffic and Motor Vehicle Regulations for the United 

States Capitol Grounds to “Traffic Regulations for the United States 

Capitol Grounds,” to reflect the inclusion of pedestrian and other 

miscellaneous vehicle regulations;

 DIRECTS the Executive Assistant of the Capitol Police Board to publish the Capitol Police Board Code of Traffic Regulations for the United States Capitol Grounds in conformance with 2 U.S.C. § 1969(c);

Adopted by the Capitol Police Board by unanimous vote on August 13, 2013

EFFECTIVE DATE: This revised Capitol Police Board Code of Traffic Regulations for the United States Capitol Grounds is hereby adopted and shall become 

effective after the expiration of ten days after the date of publication in one of 

more of the daily newspapers published in the District of Columbia at which 

time the existing traffic regulations shall no longer be in effect and shall be 

rescinded. 
III
IV
SECTIONS

ARTICLE I

GENERAL PROVISIONS.............................................................1

CHAPTER 1

APPLICABILITY AND ENFORCEMENT.......................................3

CHAPTER 2

TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS, SYMBOLS AND DEVICES ..................8

CHAPTER 3

EQUIPMENT...................................................................................... 14

CHAPTER 4

INSPECTION STICKER REQUIREMENTS................................. 34

CHAPTER 5

IDENTIFICATION TAGS................................................................. 35

ARTICLE II: MOTOR VEHICLES............................................39

CHAPTER 6

CRIMINAL DRIVING OFFENSES................................................. 41

CHAPTER 7

MOVING INFRACTIONS ............................................................... 45

CHAPTER 8

PARKING, STANDING AND STOPPING

INFRACTIONS................................................................................... 62

CHAPTER 9

TAXICABS AND VEHICLES FOR HIRE...................................... 78

CHAPTER 10

FUNERALS.......................................................................................... 86

ARTICLE III: PEDESTRIANS,

BICYCLES AND OTHER TRAFFIC .........................................87

CHAPTER 11

PEDESTRIAN INFRACTIONS........................................................ 89

CHAPTER 12

DEMONSTRATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS.......................... 91

CHAPTER 13

BICYCLES............................................................................................ 99

CHAPTER 14

PEDICABS......................................................................................... 104

CHAPTER 15

LOW-SPEED VEHICLES ............................................................... 107

CHAPTER 16

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL

RESTRICTIONS WITHIN CAPITOL GROUNDS.................... 112

CHAPTER 17

UNION SQUARE ............................................................................. 118
This Page Intentionally Blank
TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I

GENERAL PROVISIONS.............................................................1

CHAPTER 1

APPLICABILITY AND ENFORCEMENT............................................3

§ 1.1. AUTHORITY..........................................................................3

§ 1.2. PURPOSE................................................................................3

§ 1.3. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS .....................3

§1.3.10. REQUIRED COMPLIANCE WITH TRAFFIC 

REGULATIONS ...........................................................................3

§1.3.20. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A LAWFUL ORDER...........3

§ 1.4. APPLICABILITY....................................................................3

§1.4.10. GENERAL......................................................................................3

§1.4.20. EXEMPTIONS FOR AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEES AND 

VEHICLES.....................................................................................4

§1.4.30. PRESUMPTION OF OWNERSHIP..........................................4

§1.4.40. PARENTAL NEGLIGENCE .......................................................4

§1.4.50. WAIVER.........................................................................................4

§ 1.5. DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES FOR AUTHORIZED 

EMERGENCY VEHICLES .....................................................4

§1.5.10. PRIVILEGES .................................................................................4

§1.5.20. AUDIBLE WARNING SIGNAL REQUIRED..........................4

§1.5.30. RECKLESS DRIVING .................................................................5

§1.5.40. COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS AND 

DIRECTIVES ................................................................................5

§ 1.6. PENALTIES.............................................................................5

§1.6.10. FINES AND IMPRISONMENT ................................................5

§ 1.7. ADJUDICATION....................................................................5

§1.7.10. D.C. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS ...................................................5

§1.7.20. HILL-SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS.................................................5

§ 1.8. IMPOUNDMENT AND REMOVAL .....................................6

§1.8.10. MOTOR VEHICLES MAY BE IMPOUNDED FOR 

VIOLATIONS ...............................................................................6

§1.8.20. BICYCLES, PEDICABS AND LOW-SPEED VEHICLES 

MAY BE IMPOUNDED FOR VIOLATIONS .........................7
CHAPTER 2

TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS, SYMBOLS AND DEVICES ........................ 8

§ 2.1. GENERAL ...............................................................................8

§2.1.10. PLACEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC 

CONTROL DEVICES..................................................................8

§2.1.20. EXCLUSIVE CONTROL.............................................................8

§2.1.30. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS OR 

DEVICES .......................................................................................8

§2.1.40. EXEMPTION FOR ILLEGIBLE SIGNS ...................................8

§2.1.50. INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC

CONTROL DEVICES..................................................................8

§ 2.2. UNAUTHORIZED TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, 

MARKINGS AND SIGNS ......................................................9

§2.2.10. UNAUTHORIZED SIGNS..........................................................9

§2.2.20. NO NOTICE REQUIRED ..........................................................9

§ 2.3. DRIVER OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL

SIGNALS ................................................................................9

§2.3.10. PLACEMENT AND MAINTENANCE....................................9

§2.3.20. OBEDIENCE TO ALL TRAFFIC SIGNS.................................9

§2.3.30. GREEN SIGNAL ..........................................................................9

§2.3.40. GREEN ARROW....................................................................... 10

§2.3.50. STEADY YELLOW SIGNAL................................................... 10

§2.3.60. STEADY YELLOW ARROW.................................................. 10

§2.3.70. STEADY RED SIGNAL............................................................ 10

§2.3.80. STEADY RED ARROW ........................................................... 11

§2.3.90. PROPER STOPPING................................................................ 11

§ 2.4. DRIVER OBEDIENCE TO FLASHING RED AND 

YELLOW SIGNALS .............................................................11

§2.4.10. OBEDIENCE TO SIGNALS .................................................... 11

§2.4.20. RED FLASHING SIGNAL....................................................... 11

§2.4.30. YELLOW FLASHING SIGNAL.............................................. 11

§2.4.40. YELLOW ARROW.................................................................... 11

§2.4.50. FAILURE TO YIELD ................................................................ 12

§ 2.5. DRIVER OBEDIENCE TO LANE-USE CONTROL 

SIGNALS ...............................................................................12

§2.5.10. GENERAL .................................................................................. 12

§2.5.20. DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW........................................... 12

§2.5.30. STEADY YELLOW X ............................................................... 12

§2.5.40. FLASHING YELLOW X .......................................................... 12
§2.5.50. STEADY RED X ........................................................................ 12

§2.5.60. TRAFFIC CONTROLS REMAIN IN EFFECT .................... 12

§ 2.6. PEDESTRIAN OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL 

SIGNALS ...............................................................................12

§2.6.10. APPLICATION.......................................................................... 12

§2.6.20. GREEN SIGNAL........................................................................ 13

§2.6.30. STEADY YELLOW SIGNAL................................................... 13

§2.6.40. STEADY RED SIGNAL............................................................ 13

§2.6.50. VERTICAL GREEN OR THRU ARROW............................. 13

§ 2.7. PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS .....................................................13

§2.7.10. APPLICATION.......................................................................... 13

§2.7.20. WALK SIGNAL.......................................................................... 13

§2.7.30. NO CROSSING.......................................................................... 13

CHAPTER 3

EQUIPMENT........................................................................................14

§ 3.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.....................................................14

§3.1.10. SCOPE AND EFFECT OF REGULATIONS ........................ 14

§3.1.20. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE................................... 14

§3.1.30. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE.................................. 14

§ 3.2. UNSAFE VEHICLES ............................................................15

§3.2.10. UNSAFE MECHANICAL CONDITION.............................. 15

§ 3.3. LAMPS AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT............................15

§3.3.10. APPLICABILITY....................................................................... 15

§3.3.20. HEADLIGHTS REQUIRED.................................................... 15

§3.3.30. LAMP EQUIPMENT ............................................................... 15

§3.3.40. CLEARANCE LAMPS.............................................................. 16

§3.3.50. EXTENDED LOAD ................................................................. 16

§3.3.60. WINDSHIELD WIPERS.......................................................... 16

§ 3.4. HEADLAMPS .......................................................................16

§3.4.10. TWO HEADLAMPS REQUIRED.......................................... 16

§3.4.20. FRONT HEADLAMPS REQUIRED...................................... 17

§3.4.30. MOTORCYCLES AND MOTORIZED BICYCLES ............ 17

§ 3.5. TAIL LAMPS.........................................................................17

§3.5.10. REAR TAIL LAMP REQUIRED............................................. 17

§3.5.20. TWO TAIL LAMPS REQUIRED............................................ 17

§3.5.30. MOUNTED HEIGHT .............................................................. 17

§3.5.40. TAGS TO BE ILLUMINATED ............................................... 17

§3.5.50. FRONT AND REAR LIGHTING........................................... 17
§ 3.6. STOP LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS AND REFLECTORS.......18

§3.6.10. STOP LAMPS ............................................................................ 18

§3.6.20. ELECTRIC TURN SIGNALS ................................................. 18

§3.6.30. REAR REFLECTORS................................................................ 18

§3.6.40. MOUNTED HEIGHT FOR REFLECTORS ......................... 18

§ 3.7. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ON TOW 

TRUCKS AND CRANES......................................................19

§3.7.10. WARNING LAMP .................................................................... 19

§3.7.20. TOP WARNING LAMPS......................................................... 19

§3.7.30. REAR WARNING LAMPS ...................................................... 19

§3.7.40. SINGLE WARNING LAMP ................................................... 19

§3.7.50. VISIBILITY ................................................................................ 19

§ 3.8. COLOR AND MOUNTING OF CERTAIN REFLECTORS, 

CLEARANCE LAMPS, SIDE MARKER LAMPS AND 

BACKUP LAMPS..................................................................19

§3.8.10. FRONT CLEARANCE AND MARKER LAMPS................. 19

§3.8.20. REAR CLEARANCE AND MARKER LAMPS ................... 19

§3.8.30. REAR LIGHTING AND REFLECTORS............................... 20

§3.8.40. CLEARANCE AND SIDE MARKER LAMPS...................... 20

§3.8.50. CONFORMANCE TO SAE STANDARDS ......................... 20

§ 3.9. VISIBILITY OF REFLECTORS, CLEARANCE LAMPS 

AND MARKER LAMPS ......................................................20

§3.9.10. VISIBILITY ................................................................................ 20

§3.9.20. FRONT AND SIDE REFLECTORS ....................................... 20

§3.9.30. FRONT AND REAR CLEARANCE LAMPS ....................... 20

§3.9.40. SIDE MARKER LAMPS........................................................... 20

§ 3.10. SPOT LAMPS AND AUXILIARY LAMPS........................21

§3.10.10. SPOT LAMPS........................................................................... 21

§3.10.20. FOG LAMPS ............................................................................ 21

§3.10.30. AUXILIARY PASSING LAMPS............................................ 21

§3.10.40. AUXILIARY DRIVING LAMPS........................................... 21

§ 3.11. AUDIBLE AND VISUAL SIGNALS ON EMERGENCY 

VEHICLES ............................................................................21

§3.11.10. AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES....................... 21

§3.11.20. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A SIREN................................. 22

§ 3.12. SIGNAL LAMPS AND SIGNAL DEVICES .......................22

§3.12.10. STOP LAMPS........................................................................... 22

§3.12.20. TURNING LAMPS ................................................................. 22

§3.12.30. PLACEMENT OF TURNING LAMPS................................ 22
§3.12.40. TURNING INDICATOR....................................................... 22

§3.12.50. GLARING LIGHT .................................................................. 22

§ 3.13. ADDITIONAL LIGHTING EQUIPMENT .......................23

§3.13.10. FENDER LAMPS .................................................................... 23

§3.13.20. RUNNING-BOARD COURTESY LAMP........................... 23

§3.13.30. BACK-UP LAMPS .................................................................. 23

§3.13.40. WARNING LAMPS ................................................................ 23

§ 3.14. MULTIPLE-BEAM ROAD LIGHTING EQUIPMENT ....24

§3.14.10. ARRANGEMENT OF LAMPS ............................................. 24

§3.14.20. MAXIMUM LIGHT DENSITY............................................ 24

§3.14.30. MINIMUM LIGHT DENSITY ............................................. 24

§3.14.40. BEAM INDICATOR ............................................................. 24

§3.14.50. LOW BEAMS REQUIRED.................................................... 24

§3.14.60. EXCEPTION FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED

 BEFORE 1950........................................................................... 25

§ 3.15. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING 

EQUIPMENT........................................................................25

§3.15.10. CANDLEPOWER LIMIT ...................................................... 25

§3.15.20. MAXIMUM FOUR LAMPS PERMITTED ........................ 25

§3.15.30. FRONT RED LIGHTS PROHIBITED................................. 25

§3.15.40. FLASHING LIGHTS PROHIBITED ................................... 25

§ 3.16. BRAKES ..............................................................................26

§3.16.10. TRAILERS ................................................................................ 26

§3.16.20. SERVICE BRAKES.................................................................. 26

§3.16.30. PARKING BRAKES ................................................................ 26

§3.16.40. GOOD WORKING ORDER ................................................. 26

§ 3.17. HORNS AND WARNING DEVICES ................................26

§3.17.10. AUDIBLE HORN .................................................................... 26

§3.17.20. UNREASONABLY LOUD HORNS ..................................... 26

§3.17.30. AUDIBLE WARNING............................................................ 26

§3.17.40. PERMISSIBLE HORNS.......................................................... 27

§3.17.50. THEFT ALARM SYSTEM..................................................... 27

§ 3.18. WINDSHIELDS AND MIRRORS .....................................27

§3.18.10. SIGNS AND POSTERS .......................................................... 27

§3.18.20. MECHANICAL DEFROST ................................................... 27

§3.18.30. WINDSHIELD WIPERS........................................................ 27

§3.18.40. GOOD WORKING ORDER ................................................. 27

§3.18.50. CRACKED WINDSHIELD ................................................... 27

§3.18.60. REFLECTIVE MIRRORS....................................................... 27
§ 3.19. TIRE EQUIPMENT............................................................28

§3.19.10. UNSAFE TIRES....................................................................... 28

§3.19.20. TIRE THICKNESS.................................................................. 28

§3.19.30. BALD TIRES ............................................................................ 28

§3.19.40. PROTUBERANCE.................................................................. 28

§3.19.50. PERMISSIBLE USES............................................................... 28

§ 3.20. BUMPERS AND FENDERS ...............................................28

§3.20.10. FRONT BUMPER REQUIRED ............................................ 28

§3.20.20. REAR BUMPER REQUIRED................................................ 28

§3.20.30. FENDER REQUIRED............................................................. 29

§3.20.40. SHARP EDGES ....................................................................... 29

§3.20.50. EXTENDED FENDERS PROHIBITED .............................. 29

§ 3.21. WINDOW GLAZING MATERIALS .................................29

§3.21.10. SAFETY GLAZING MATERIALS ....................................... 29

§3.21.20. SAFETY GLAZING MATERIALS DEFINED.................... 29

§3.21.30. RIGID-TYPE PLASTIC WINDOWS .................................. 29

§3.21.40. FLEXIBLE-TYPE PLASTIC WINDOWS ........................... 29

§ 3.22. TINTED WINDOWS ........................................................30

§ 3.23. MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT ....................................30

§3.24.10. SPEEDOMETER REQUIRED............................................... 30

§3.24.20. TELEVISION EQUIPMENT................................................. 30

§3.24.30. RADAR DETECTORS AND JAMMERS ............................ 30

§ 3.24. SEAT BELTS........................................................................30

§3.24.10. DEFINITIONS......................................................................... 30

§3.24.20. SEAT BELT REQUIRED ........................................................ 31

§3.24.30. LIABILITY................................................................................ 31

§3.24.40. COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS................................. 31

§3.24.50. VEHICLES FOR HIRE........................................................... 31

§ 3.25. CHILD RESTRAINT..........................................................32

§3.25.10. DEFINITIONS......................................................................... 32

§3.25.20. REQUIREMENTS................................................................... 32

§ 3.26. EXHAUST EMISSION SYSTEMS......................................33

§3.26.10. GOOD WORKING ORDER ................................................. 33

§3.26.20. POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM..................................... 33

§3.26.30. VISIBLE SMOKE AND FUMES........................................... 33
CHAPTER 4

INSPECTION STICKER REQUIREMENTS.......................................34

§ 4.1. GENERAL ............................................................................34

§4.1.10. INSPECTION OF EQUIPMENT ........................................... 34

§ 4.2. INSPECTION STICKERS ....................................................34

§4.2.10. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RESIDENTS............................. 34

§4.2.20. NON-RESIDENTS.................................................................... 34

§4.2.30. EXEMPTIONS........................................................................... 34

§ 4.3. DETACHED AND CONDEMNED STICKERS ..................34

§4.3.10. DETACHMENT MUTILATION AND LOSS ...................... 34

§4.3.20. OPERATING WITH CONDEMNED STICKER................. 34

CHAPTER 5

IDENTIFICATION TAGS....................................................................35

§ 5.1. PROPER DISPLAY OF TAGS ..............................................35

§5.1.10. VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE DISTRICT OF 

COLUMBIA................................................................................ 35

§5.1.20. MISCELLANEOUS VEHICLES ............................................. 35

§5.1.30. NON-RESIDENT TAGS .......................................................... 35

§5.1.40. SWINGING TAGS ................................................................... 35

§5.1.50. ILLEGIBLE TAGS...................................................................... 35

§5.1.60. EMBLEMS ................................................................................. 36

§5.1.70. VALIDATION STICKERS ....................................................... 36

§5.1.80. TAG COVERINGS ................................................................... 36

§ 5.2. LICENSING, REGISTRATION AND RECIPROCITY 

REQUIREMENTS.................................................................36

§5.2.10. GENERAL................................................................................... 36

§ 5.3. FAILURE TO SURRENDER.................................................36

§5.3.10. IDENTIFICATION TAGS ....................................................... 36

§5.3.20. SPECIAL LICENSE TAGS OR PARKING PERMIT ........... 36

§ 5.4. IMPROPER USE OF TAGS ..................................................37

§5.4.10. LENDING TAGS AND REGISTRATION ............................ 37

§5.4.20. DEALER TAGS .......................................................................... 37
ARTICLE II: MOTOR VEHICLES............................................39

CHAPTER 6

CRIMINAL DRIVING OFFENSES......................................................41

§ 6.1. PENALTIES...........................................................................41

§ 6.2. SPEEDING AND RECKLESS DRIVING ............................41

§6.2.10. RECKLESS DRIVING .............................................................. 41

§6.2.20. AGGRAVATED RECKLESS DRIVING................................. 41

§ 6.3. FLEEING FROM A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

IN A MOTOR VEHICLE......................................................41

§6.3.10. DEFINITIONS........................................................................... 41

§6.3.20. FLEEING..................................................................................... 41

§ 6.4. LEAVING AFTER COLLIDING..........................................42

§ 6.5. OBJECT FALLING OR FLYING FROM VEHICLE............42

§ 6.6. NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE ...................................................43

§6.6.10. NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE ...................................................... 43

§6.6.20. NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE INCLUDED IN 

MANSLAUGHTER................................................................... 43

§6.6.30. IMMODERATE SPEED NOT DEPENDENT ON

LEGAL RATE OF SPEED ........................................................ 43

§ 6.7. IMPAIRED OPERATING AND DRIVING.........................43

§6.7.10. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL

OR A DRUG............................................................................... 43

§6.7.20. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL

OR A DRUG: COMMERCIAL VEHICLES .......................... 44

§6.7.30. OPERATING A VEHICLE WHILE IMPAIRED ................. 44

§6.7.40. OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF

ALCOHOL OR A DRUG: HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLE.... 44

§6.7.50. ADDITIONAL PENALTIES.................................................... 44

CHAPTER 7

MOVING INFRACTIONS ...................................................................45

§ 7.1. GENERAL .............................................................................45

§7.1.10. APPLICABILITY....................................................................... 45

§7.1.20. OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES.......................................... 45

§ 7.2. SPEED RESTRICTIONS ......................................................45

§7.2.10. MAXIMUM LAWFUL SPEED ON STREETS AND 

HIGHWAYS................................................................................ 45
§7.2.20. MAXIMUM LAWFUL SPEED IN DRIVEWAYS,

GARAGES AND UNDER ARCHWAYS ............................... 45

§7.2.30. REASONABLE SPEED FOR CONDITIONS ....................... 45

§7.2.40. DUTY OF DUE CARE ............................................................. 45

§7.2.50. EXCESSIVE SPEEDING ......................................................... 46

§ 7.3. MINIMUM SPEED RESTRICTIONS..................................46

§7.3.10. REDUCED SPEED REQUIRED............................................. 46

§7.3.20. IMPEDING TRAFFIC ............................................................ 46

§ 7.4. PROPER USE OF THE ROADWAYS...................................46

§7.4.10. DRIVE ON RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD........................... 46

§7.4.20. SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES STAY TO THE RIGHT....... 46

§7.4.30. PASSING VEHICLES PROCEEDING IN OPPOSITE 

DIRECTIONS ............................................................................ 47

§7.4.40. FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE.................................................... 47

§7.4.50. SUFFICIENT SPACE BETWEEN VEHICLES..................... 47

§7.4.60. FAILURE TO CLEAR AN INTERSECTION ....................... 47

§ 7.5. DESIGNATED ROADWAYS ................................................47

§7.5.10. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC................................................................ 47

§7.5.20. MULTIPLE-LANE ROADWAYS............................................ 47

§7.5.30. DIVIDED ROADWAYS ........................................................... 48

§7.5.40. DRIVING THROUGH MEDIAN PROHIBITED............... 48

§ 7.6. OVERTAKING AND PASSING...........................................48

§7.6.10. APPLICATION.......................................................................... 48

§7.6.20. OVERTAKING VEHICLE TO PASS ON LEFT................... 48

§7.6.30. DRIVING ON LEFT SIDE OF ROADWAY.......................... 48

§7.6.40. OVERTAKEN VEHICLE TO GIVE WAY ............................ 49

§7.6.50. PASSING ON THE RIGHT..................................................... 49

§7.6.60. UNSAFE PASSING ON THE RIGHT ................................... 49

§7.6.70. UNSAFE PASSING ON THE LEFT....................................... 49

§7.6.80. RETURN AFTER OVERTAKING ......................................... 49

§7.6.90. OVERTAKING BICYCLES...................................................... 49

§ 7.7. TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS .......................................50

§7.7.10. APPLICATION.......................................................................... 50

§7.7.20. RIGHT TURNS.......................................................................... 50

§7.7.30. LEFT TURN FROM A TWO-WAY STREET ONTO A 

TWO-WAY STREET................................................................. 50

§7.7.40. LEFT TURN FROM A TWO-WAY STREET ONTO A 

ONE-WAY STREET.................................................................. 50

§7.7.50. LEFT TURN FROM A ONE-WAY STREET ONTO A

ONE-WAY STREET ................................................................. 50
§7.7.60. LEFT TURN FROM A ONE-WAY STREET ONTO A

ONE-WAY STREET.................................................................. 51

§7.7.70. CUT-OFF ROADWAYS............................................................ 51

§7.7.80. UNBALANCED TRAFFIC LANES ....................................... 51

§7.7.90. IMPROPER TURNING ........................................................... 51

§ 7.8. TURNING REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS.......51

§7.8.10. TURNING AROUND BEFORE A CURVE OR CREST

OF GRADE ................................................................................ 51

§7.8.20. SAFE TURN REQUIRED ........................................................ 51

§7.8.30. PROPER TURN SIGNAL......................................................... 51

§7.8.40. INTENTION TO TURN ......................................................... 51

§7.8.50. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC MARKERS............................... 51

§7.8.60. OBEDIENCE TO SIGNS ......................................................... 52

§7.8.70. U-TURN AT AN INTERSECTION ....................................... 52

§7.8.80. TURNING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION.............................. 52

§ 7.9. PROPER SIGNALS FOR TURNING AND STOPPING.....52

§7.9.10. PROPER SIGNALS ................................................................... 52

§7.9.20. SIGNAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED .................................... 52

§7.9.30. SIGNAL FROM THE LEFT OF THE VEHICLE ................. 52

§ 7.10. STARTING, STOPPING AND BACKING........................52

§7.10.10. SAFE STARTING .................................................................... 52

§7.10.20. SUDDEN STOPS OR DECREASE OF SPEED................... 53

§7.10.30. BACKING UP SAFELY.......................................................... 53

§ 7.11. RIGHT-OF-WAY ................................................................53

§7.11.10. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY TO YIELD............................. 53

§7.11.20. INTERSECTIONS................................................................... 53

§7.11.30. STOP AND YIELD SIGNS .................................................... 54

§7.11.40. OTHER AREAS....................................................................... 54

§7.11.50. PEDESTRIANS........................................................................ 55

§7.11.60. SCHOOL BUSES ..................................................................... 55

§ 7.12. EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND FIRE TRUCKS..............55

§7.12.10. MOVE-OVER LAW................................................................ 55

§7.12.20. DUTY OF CARE .................................................................... 55

§7.12.30. FOLLOWING FIRE TRUCK................................................. 55

§7.12.40. DRIVING OVER FIRE HOSE .............................................. 56

§ 7.13. COASTING .........................................................................56

§7.13.10. MOTOR VEHICLES............................................................... 56
§ 7.14. OBSTRUCTION AND PASSENGER INTERFERENCE...56

§7.14.10. LOADED VEHICLE .............................................................. 56

§7.14.20. EXCESS PASSENGER OBSTRUCTION............................. 56

§7.14.30. PASSENGER INTERFERENCE............................................ 56

§7.14.40. FULL TIME AND ATTENTION ......................................... 56

§7.14.50. RUNNING BOARDS.............................................................. 56

§7.14.60. DESIGNATED PASSENGER AREAS ................................. 56

§7.14.70. SUSPENDED OBJECTS......................................................... 57

§ 7.15. OPEN DOORS AND BOARDING ....................................57

§7.15.10. BOARDING IN MOTION .................................................... 57

§7.15.20. SWINGING DOORS ............................................................. 57

§7.15.30. OPEN DOORS......................................................................... 57

§ 7.16. RIDING ON MOTORCYCLES ..........................................57

§7.16.10. GENERAL ................................................................................ 57

§7.16.20. PASSENGERS ......................................................................... 57

§7.16.30. PROTECTIVE HELMET REQUIRED................................ 58

§7.16.40. PROTECTIVE GEAR............................................................. 58

§ 7.17. RESTRICTED STREETS....................................................58

§7.17.10. CLOSED STREETS ................................................................. 58

§7.17.20. DRIVING OVER BARRIERS................................................ 58

§7.17.30. BUS RESTRICTIONS ............................................................. 58

§ 7.18. TRUCKS..............................................................................58

§7.18.10. TRUCK INTERDICTION .................................................... 58

§ 7.19. SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTES ........................................59

§7.19.10. EFFECTIVE TIRES ................................................................ 59

§7.19.20. PARKING PROHIBITION.................................................... 59

§ 7.20. MISCELLANEOUS MOVING INFRACTIONS................59

§7.20.10. UNNECESSARY NOISE........................................................ 59

§7.20.20. PARALLEL PARKING ........................................................... 59

§7.20.30. DRIVING OVER SIDEWALKS ........................................... 60

§7.20.40. FIXED OBJECTS..................................................................... 60

§7.20.50. OVERTAKING A STOPPED VEHICLE ............................ 60

§7.20.60. LITTERING FROM VEHICLE............................................. 60

§ 7.21. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN MOTOR VEHICLES......60

§7.21.10. OPEN CONTAINER .............................................................. 60

§7.21.20. TRUNK CARGO OR STORAGE AREA............................. 60

§7.21.30. CLOSED CONTAINERS ....................................................... 60

§7.21.40. DEFINITIONS......................................................................... 60
CHAPTER 8

PARKING, STANDING AND STOPPING

INFRACTIONS.....................................................................................62

§ 8.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS..............................................62

§8.1.10. APPLICABILITY....................................................................... 62

§8.1.20. PRESUMPTION IN REFERENCE TO ILLEGAL

PARKING ................................................................................... 62

§ 8.2. PROPER PARKING..............................................................62

§8.2.10. NO PARKING IN VIOLATION OF SIGNS ......................... 62

§8.2.20. PARK IN THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC.......................... 62

§8.2.30. PARK WITHIN 12” OF CURB ............................................... 63

§8.2.40. LEFT-SIDE PARKING PROHIBITED................................... 63

§8.2.50. MOTORCYCLE PARKING..................................................... 63

§ 8.3. GENERAL PARKING...........................................................63

§8.3.10. UNPAVED AREAS.................................................................... 63

§8.3.20. PARKING FOR PERMIT-HOLDERS ONLY ....................... 63

§8.3.30. PARK BETWEEN THE LINES ............................................... 63

§8.3.40. PARKING BETWEEN TWO VEHICLES............................. 63

§8.3.50. RESERVED PARKING SPACES FOR DISABLED 

INDIVIDUALS .......................................................................... 63

§ 8.4. NO SIGN REQUIRED: STOPPING, STANDING AND 

PARKING..............................................................................64

§ 8.5. NO SIGN REQUIRED: STANDING OR PARKING

ONLY.....................................................................................64

§ 8.6. NO SIGN REQUIRED: PARKING ONLY ..........................65

§ 8.7. OVERSIZED VEHICLES .....................................................65

§ 8.8. LOADING AND UNLOADING: VEHICLES.....................66

§8.8.10. DISCHARGING PASSENGERS ............................................. 66

§8.8.20. IMPEDING TRAFFIC.............................................................. 66

§8.8.30. MOMENTARY STOPPING PERMITTED........................... 66

§ 8.9. LOADING AND UNLOADING: SCHOOL BUSES ...........66

§8.9.10. DISCHARGING PASSENGERS ............................................. 66

§8.9.20. FLASHING WHITE LIGHTS REQUIRED .......................... 66

§8.9.30. FLASHING RED STOP LIGHT REQUIRED....................... 66

§ 8.10. LOADING ZONES..............................................................67

§8.10.10. ESTABLISHMENT OF LOADING ZONES AND 

APPLICABILITY....................................................................... 67
§8.10.20. LOADING RESTRICTED TO MARKED LOADING 

ZONES ........................................................................................ 67

§8.10.30. REASONABLE TIME LIMIT ON LOADING ................... 67

§8.10.40. METER FARE REQUIRED .................................................. 67

§8.10.50. TIME LIMIT ............................................................................ 67

§8.10.60. EXPIRED METER................................................................... 67

§8.10.70. PERMISSIBLE PARKING TIMES........................................ 68

§ 8.11. PARKING METERS AND PARKING METER ZONES....68

§8.11.10. PARKING METER ZONE..................................................... 68

§8.11.20. PARKING PROHIBITED ...................................................... 68

§8.11.30. NO PARKING PAST METER LIMIT.................................. 68

§8.11.40. PARK WITHIN MARKED AREA ....................................... 68

§8.11.50. NO PARKING BEYOND ZONE .......................................... 68

§8.11.60. DISPLAY OF RECEIPT.......................................................... 69

§8.11.70. PURCHASING BEYOND TIME LIMIT............................. 69

§8.11.80. ILLEGAL PARKING............................................................... 69

§8.11.90. NO CHARGE REQUIRED.................................................... 69

§8.11.100. UNEXPIRED TIME IS TRANSFERRABLE..................... 69

§8.11.110. EXCEPTION FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLES ........... 69

§ 8.12. RESTRICTED USE OF VALET PARKING, VALET 

STAGING, BUS, TAXICAB AND SIGHTSEEING

ZONES AND STANDS .........................................................70

§8.12.10. GENERAL ................................................................................ 70

§8.12.20. DRIVER TO REMAIN NEAR VEHICLE........................... 70

§8.12.30 BUS ZONE RESTRICTIONS ................................................. 70

§8.12.40. PARKING RESTRICTIONS EFFECTIVE AT

ALL TIMES .............................................................................. 70

§ 8.13. EMERGENCY PARKING PERMITS.................................70

§8.13.10. PERMISSIBLE PARKING...................................................... 70

§8.13.20. PARKING FOR EMERGENCY PURPOSES ONLY.......... 71

§8.13.30. PERMIT MUST BE VISIBLE ................................................ 71

§8.13.40. TRANSFER PROHIBITED ................................................... 71

§8.13.50. FAILURE TO SURRENDER ................................................. 71

§ 8.14. RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING .................................71

§8.14.10. 2 HOUR PARKING LIMIT ................................................... 71

§8.14.20. PROPER AFFIXATION......................................................... 71

§8.14.30. NO TIME LIMIT..................................................................... 72

§8.14.40. VISIBILITY AND DISPLAY ................................................. 72

§8.14.50. VALIDITY................................................................................ 72

§8.14.60. ONE PERMIT PER VEHICLE.............................................. 72
§8.14.70. PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITED........................ 72

§8.14.80. PERMISSIBLE PARKING...................................................... 73

§8.14.90. TRANSFER OF STICKERS PROHIBITED........................ 73

§ 8.15. VISITOR OR TEMPORARY PERMITS............................73

§8.15.10. REPLICATION UNLAWFUL............................................... 73

§ 8.16. TEMPORARY AND EMERGENCY PARKING 

RESTRICTIONS ...................................................................73

§8.16.10. ASSEMBLIES ........................................................................... 73

§8.16.20. CONSTRUCTION .................................................................. 73

§8.16.30. PARADES ................................................................................. 74

§8.16.40. EMERGENCIES ...................................................................... 74

§8.16.50. PROPER DISPLAY OF PARKING PERMIT

PLACARDS ................................................................................ 74

§8.16.60. TAMPERING WITH SIGNS................................................. 74

§8.16.70. ADVANCE NOTICE WAIVER ............................................ 75

§ 8.17. OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PARKING............................75

§8.17.10. PROPER DISPLAY.................................................................. 75

§ 8.18. STREET CLEANING PARKING PROVISIONS...............75

§8.18.10. NO PARKING.......................................................................... 75

§ 8.19. SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING REGULATIONS..........75

§8.19.10. SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTES .......................................... 75

§ 8.20. LITTERING AND DEBRIS................................................75

§8.20.10. GLASS AND OTHER DEBRIS ............................................. 75

§8.20.20. FAILURE TO REMOVE HARMFUL MATERIAL............ 76

§8.20.30. TOWING AND REMOVAL OF WRECKED

VEHICLES.................................................................................. 76

§ 8.21 ADVERTISING....................................................................76

§8.21.10. GENERAL ................................................................................ 76

§8.21.20. DE MINIMUS DISPLAY........................................................ 76

§ 8.22. MISCELLANEOUS NON-MOVING VIOLATIONS........76

§8.22.10. UNATTENDED VEHICLES................................................. 76

§8.22.20. TURNING WHEELS TO CURB .......................................... 76

§8.22.30. IDLE ENGINE ......................................................................... 76

§8.22.40. DISPLAY OF SALE AND REPAIR....................................... 77

CHAPTER 9

TAXICABS AND VEHICLES FOR HIRE ...........................................78

§ 9.1. APPLICABILITY..................................................................78

§9.1.10 DEFINITIONS............................................................................ 78
§ 9.2. FAILURE TO GIVE RECEIPT UPON REQUEST ..............78

§ 9.3. DISPLAY OF IDENTIFICATION FOR TAXICABS ..........79

§9.3.10. FAILURE TO DISPLAY............................................................ 79

§9.3.20. FAILURE TO MAKE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION .... 79

§9.3.30. IDENTIFICATION MUST BE VISIBLE

TO PASSENGER........................................................................ 79

§9.3.40. REMOVAL FROM UNATTENDED VEHICLES ............... 79

§9.3.50. PASSENGER RIGHTS DISPLAY............................................ 79

§ 9.4. SOLICITING PASSENGERS................................................79

§9.4.10. SOLICITING PROHIBITED................................................... 79

§9.4.20. LOITERING ............................................................................... 79

§9.4.30. REFUSAL TO HAUL................................................................ 80

§9.4.40. EXCEPTIONS ............................................................................ 80

§9.4.50. HELD FOR HIRE...................................................................... 80

§9.4.60. AVAILABILITY......................................................................... 80

§9.4.70. REFUSAL OF SERVICE .......................................................... 80

§ 9.5. ON-CALL AND OFF-DUTY SIGNS ...................................80

§9.5.10. “ON CALL” DISPLAY............................................................... 80

§9.5.20. “OFF DUTY” DISPLAY .......................................................... 81

§9.5.30. PROPER PLACEMENT OF SIGNS ....................................... 81

§9.5.40. SIGNS MUST BE SECURED WHEN NOT IN USE........... 81

§ 9.6. CRUISING LIGHTS .............................................................81

§9.6.10. CRUISING LIGHT REQUIRED............................................. 81

§9.6.20. CRUISING LIGHT MUST BE ILLUMINATED .................. 81

§9.6.30. LIGHTS ON “ON CALL” ......................................................... 81

§9.6.40. LIGHTS OFF “ON DUTY”...................................................... 82

§9.6.50. PROPER WORKING CONDITION...................................... 82

§ 9.7. TAXICAB STANDS ..............................................................82

§9.7.10. AVAILABLE FOR HIRE........................................................... 82

§9.7.20. LOITERING............................................................................... 82

§9.7.30. BLOCKING AT TAXICAB STANDS PROHIBITED.......... 82

§9.7.40. PARKING REGULATIONS APPLY TO STANDS .............. 82

§ 9.7.50. PRIVATE VEHICLES-FOR-HIRE AND LIMOUSINES 

PROHIBITED FROM TAXICAB STANDS .......................... 82

§ 9.8. OPERATION OF TAXICABS ..............................................82

§9.8.10. HACK LICENSE AND PERMIT REQUIRED ..................... 82

§9.8.20. SAFE OPERATION AND OBEDIENCE TO LAWS........... 83

§9.8.30. NO LOADING IN A CROSSWALK....................................... 83

§9.8.40. PULLING TO CURB................................................................ 83
§ 9.9. MANIFEST RECORD ..........................................................83

§9.9.10. MAINTENANCE ...................................................................... 83

§9.9.20. CONTENTS .............................................................................. 83

§9.9.30. ACCURACY .............................................................................. 84

§9.9.40. ALTERATION .......................................................................... 84

§ 9.10. VEHICLES FOR HIRE AND SIGHTSEEING

VEHICLES ............................................................................84

§9.10.10. IDENTIFICATION LICENSE............................................... 84

§9.10.20. OPERATOR LICENSE ........................................................... 84

§9.10.30. SIGHTSEEING VEHICLES................................................... 84

§ 9.11. LIMOUSINES .....................................................................84

§9.11.10. LICENSE REQUIRED............................................................ 84

§9.11.20. IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS .............................. 85

§ 9.12. PRIVATE VEHICLES FOR HIRE......................................85

§9.12.10. STREET HAILS PROHIBITED ............................................ 85

§9.12.20. TRADE DRESS ........................................................................ 85

§9.12.30. OPERATION OF PRIVATE VEHICLES FOR HIRE ........ 85

CHAPTER 10

FUNERALS ...........................................................................................86

§ 10.1. PERMIT REQUIRED .........................................................86

§10.1.10. NO FUNERAL PROCESSIONS THROUGH

CAPITOL SQUARE .................................................................. 86

§ 10.2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FUNERAL PROCESSION 

MEMBERS.............................................................................86

§10.2.10. STAY TO THE RIGHT........................................................... 86

§10.2.20. PROCEEDING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION.......... 86

§10.2.30. HEADLIGHT DISPLAY ........................................................ 86

§10.2.40. DISPLAY OF HEADLIGHTS ON RETURN...................... 86

§ 10.3. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES...........................................86

§10.3.10. DRIVING THROUGH A FUNERAL PROCESSION ...... 86
ARTICLE III: PEDESTRIANS,

BICYCLES AND OTHER TRAFFIC .........................................87

CHAPTER 11

PEDESTRIAN INFRACTIONS............................................................89

§ 11.1. GENERAL ...........................................................................89

§11.1.10. PEDESTRIANS SUBJECT TO TRAFFIC

REGULATIONS ........................................................................ 89

§11.1.20. PEDESTRIAN IDENTIFICATION...................................... 89

§ 11.2. RIGHT-OF-WAY IN CROSSWALKS.................................89

§11.2.10. APPLICATION........................................................................ 89

§11.2.20. JAYWALKING......................................................................... 89

§11.2.30. OBEDIENCE TO SIGNALS .................................................. 89

§ 11.3. NON-CROSSWALK CROSSING.......................................90

§11.3.10. APPLICATION........................................................................ 90

§11.3.20. YIELD TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.................................... 90

§11.3.30. PROPER CROSSING.............................................................. 90

§ 11.4. SIDEWALKS AND ROADWAYS .......................................90

§11.4.10. STAY TO THE RIGHT........................................................... 90

§11.4.20. MUST USE SIDEWALKS....................................................... 90

§11.4.30. STAY TO LEFT OF ROADWAY........................................... 90

§11.4.40. HITCHHIKING ...................................................................... 90

§11.4.50. MOVE-OVER LAW................................................................ 90

CHAPTER 12

DEMONSTRATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS.................................91

§ 12.1. DEMONSTRATION ACTIVITY ......................................91

§12.1.10. DEFINITION........................................................................... 91

§12.1.20. APPLICABILITY..................................................................... 91

§12.1.30. SPECIAL EVENTS.................................................................. 91

§ 12.2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS............................................92

§12.2.10. PERMISSIBLE DEMONSTRATION AREAS..................... 92

§12.2.20. PROHIBITED DEMONSTRATION AREAS ..................... 92

§ 12.3. GROUPS UNDER TWENTY.............................................92

§12.3.10. NO PERMIT REQUIRED...................................................... 92

§12.3.20. AVAILABILITY....................................................................... 92

§12.3.30. PERMIT ENCOURAGED ..................................................... 92

§12.3.40. PROHIBITIONS...................................................................... 92

§12.3.50. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER SECTIONS ........................ 93
§ 12.4. GROUPS OVER TWENTY................................................93

§12.4.10. PERMIT REQUIRED FOR GROUPS OF TWENTY

OR MORE................................................................................... 93

§12.4.20. PERMIT APPLICATIONS..................................................... 93

§12.4.30. PROCESSING APPLICATIONS AND ISSUANCE

OF PERMITS ............................................................................. 94

§12.4.40. TERMS AND CONDITIONS ............................................... 94

§12.4.50. GROUPS TO REMAIN IN ASSIGNED AREAS................ 95

§12.4.60. REVOCATION FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OR FOR 

CAUSE ........................................................................................ 95

§ 12.5. PROPS AND EQUIPMENT...................................................... 95

§12.5.10. GENERAL ................................................................................ 95

§12.5.20. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMIT 

APPLICANTS ............................................................................ 96

§ 12.6. SIGNS, BANNERS AND PLACARDS...............................96

§ 12.7. TEMPORARY STRUCTURES ..........................................96

§ 12.8. AMPLIFICATION AND OTHER NOISE 

DISTURBANCES..................................................................96

§12.8.10. AMPLIFICATION EQUIPMENT........................................ 96

§12.8.20. SOUND PROJECTION.......................................................... 97

§12.8.30. UNAMPLIFIED DISTURBANCES...................................... 97

§ 12.9. ROAD RACES.....................................................................97

§12.9.10. DEFINITION........................................................................... 97

§12.9.20. PERMIT REQUIRED FROM NEIGHBORING

AGENCY..................................................................................... 97

§12.9.30. SUNDAYS ................................................................................ 97

§12.9.40. NO RE-TRACING ON CAPITOL GROUNDS ................. 97

§12.9.50. CAPITOL SQUARE................................................................ 97

§12.9.60. AUTHORIZED ROUTE ........................................................ 97

§ 12.10. MARCHES ........................................................................97

§12.10.10. PRIOR PERMIT REQUIRED ............................................. 97

§12.10.20. AUTHORIZED ROUTE ...................................................... 97

§ 12.11. DAMAGE TO CAPITOL GROUNDS .............................98

§12.11.10. RESTORATION OF GROUNDS........................................ 98

§ 12.12. PERSONAL ACTIVITIES........................................................ 98

§ 12.13. ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS .......................................98
CHAPTER 13

BICYCLES .............................................................................................99

§ 13.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS...................................................99

§13.1.10. APPLICATION........................................................................ 99

§13.1.20. BICYCLE DEFINED............................................................... 99

§ 13.2. HIGHWAYS AND SIDEWALKS........................................99

§13.2.10. RIDING ON SIDEWALKS .................................................... 99

§13.2.20. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ......... 99

§13.2.30. DUTIES OF BICYCLE OPERATORS.................................. 99

§ 13.3. SAFE RIDING.....................................................................99

§13.3.10. SAFE OPERATION ................................................................ 99

§13.3.20. SEAT REQUIRED ................................................................. 100

§13.3.30. EXTRA RIDERS .................................................................... 100

§13.3.40. CARRYING ARTICLES ....................................................... 100

§13.3.50. WARNING DEVICE............................................................. 100

§13.3.60. NO CLINGING .................................................................... 100

§13.3.70. RIDING ABREAST............................................................... 100

§13.3.80. OVERTAKING AND PASSING ......................................... 100

§13.3.90. RIDING INTO PATH OF VEHICLE ................................ 100

§ 13.4. RIGHT-OF-WAY ............................................................. 101

§13.4.10. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS ON SIDEWALK ................... 101

§13.4.20. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALK................. 101

§13.4.30. EMERGING AND ENTERING.......................................... 101

§ 13.5. BICYCLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.................................. 101

§13.5.10. BICYCLE BRAKE.................................................................. 101

§13.5.20. FRONT LAMP ON BICYCLE............................................. 101

§13.5.30. REAR LAMP ON BICYCLE................................................ 101

§13.5.40. BODY LAMP ON BICYCLE OPERATORS ..................... 101

§13.5.60. PROHIBITION ON SIRENS............................................... 102

§ 13.6. PARKING AND SECURING BICYCLES ....................... 102

§13.6.10. PERMISSIBLE BICYCLE PARKING ................................ 102

§13.6.20. PARKED BICYCLES............................................................. 102

§13.6.30. TWENTY-FOUR HOUR TIME LIMITATION............... 102

§13.6.40. SECURED BICYCLE CANNOT IMPEDE TRAFFIC..... 102

§13.6.50. SECURING BICYCLES PROHIBITED IN CERTAIN 

AREAS....................................................................................... 102

§13.6.60. BUILDINGS AND IMPROVED AREAS .......................... 103

§13.6.70. TAMPERING PROHIBITED.............................................. 103
CHAPTER 14

PEDICABS ......................................................................................... 104

§ 14.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS................................................ 104

§14.1.10. APPLICATION...................................................................... 104

§14.1.20. PEDICAB DEFINED............................................................ 104

§ 14.2. HIGHWAYS AND SIDEWALKS..................................... 104

§14.2.20. PUBLIC ROADS.................................................................... 104

§14.2.20. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ....... 104

§14.2.30. DUTIES OF PEDICAB OPERATORS ............................... 104

§ 14.3. SAFE RIDING.................................................................. 104

§14.3.10. APPLICABILITY OF BICYCLE REGULATIONS .......... 104

§14.3.20. SAFE OPERATION .............................................................. 104

§14.3.30. DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED........................................... 105

§ 14.4. SAFETY EQUIPMENT ................................................... 106

§14.4.10. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ................................................ 106

CHAPTER 15

LOW-SPEED VEHICLES ................................................................. 107

§ 15.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS................................................ 107

§15.1.10. APPLICATION...................................................................... 107

§15.1.20. LOW-SPEED VEHICLE DEFINED................................... 107

§15.1.40. TAMPERING PROHIBITED.............................................. 107

§ 15.2. GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ......................... 108

§15.2.10. REASONABLE AND PRUDENT SPEED......................... 108

§15.2.20. SAFE OPERATION .............................................................. 108

§13.2.30. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ...... 108

§15.2.40. DUTIES OF LOW-SPEED VEHICLE OPERATORS...... 108

§ 15.3. SEGWAYS......................................................................... 108

§15.3.10. REGISTRATION................................................................... 108

§15.3.20. AGE.......................................................................................... 108

§15.3.30. MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT................................................. 108

§15.3.40. PACKAGES ............................................................................ 108

§15.3.50. HEADPHONES..................................................................... 108

§15.3.70. RIDING ON SIDEWALKS .................................................. 109

§15.3.80. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS ON SIDEWALK ................... 109

§15.3.90. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALK................. 109

§15.3.100. EMERGING AND ENTERING........................................ 109

§ 15.4. MOTORIZED BICYCLES ............................................... 109

§15.4.10. MINIMUM AGE ................................................................. 109
§15.4.20. SIDEWALKS........................................................................... 109

§15.4.30. ROADWAY............................................................................. 109

§15.4.40. SEAT REQUIRED ................................................................. 109

§15.4.50. EXTRA RIDERS .................................................................... 110

§15.4.60. CARRYING ARTICLES ....................................................... 110

§15.4.70. WARNING DEVICE............................................................. 110

§15.4.80. NO CLINGING .................................................................... 110

§15.4.90. RIDING ABREAST............................................................... 110

§15.4.100. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALK............... 110

§15.4.120. EMERGING AND ENTERING........................................ 110

§15.4.130. OVERTAKING AND PASSING....................................... 110

§ 15.5. ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES AND DIRTBIKES ............. 111

§15.5.10. PROHIBITED........................................................................ 111

§15.5.20. PENALTIES............................................................................ 111

§ 15.6. PARKING AND SECURING LOW-SPEED VEHICLE 

ON PUBLIC SPACE .......................................................... 111

§15.6.10. BUILDINGS AND IMPROVED AREAS .......................... 111

CHAPTER 16

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS 

WITHIN CAPITOL GROUNDS....................................................... 112

§ 16.1. LEGAL DEFINITION OF CAPITOL GROUNDS ......... 112

§ 16.2. PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION ............................... 112

§16.2.10. RESTRICTION ON PUBLIC USE ..................................... 112

§16.2.20. PROPERTY DAMAGE......................................................... 112

§16.2.30. CLIMBING AND SWINGING .......................................... 112

§16.2.40. STANDING ON SKYLIGHTS AND ENTRY INTO 

WORK AREAS ........................................................................ 112

§16.2.50. SWIMMING AND ENTRY INTO POOLS ...................... 112

§16.2.60. SKATING AND PLAY VEHICLES .................................... 113

§16.2.70. GAME-PLAYING ............................................................... 113

§16.2.80. KITE-FLYING........................................................................ 113

§16.2.90. MODEL ROCKETS AND BOATS ..................................... 113

§ 16.3. CROWD CONTROL ....................................................... 113

§16.3.10. ESTABLISHING A POLICE LINE..................................... 113

§16.3.20. OBEY AN ORDER ............................................................... 113

§16.3.30. UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY ................................................ 113

§16.3.40. BLOCKING AND OBSTRUCTING ROADWAYS.......... 113

§ 16.4. SLEEPING OR LYING DOWN ..................................... 114

§16.4.10. PAVED OR IMPROVED AREAS ....................................... 114
§16.4.20. UNPAVED AND GRASSY AREAS.................................... 114

§ 16.5. WINTER ACTIVITIES ................................................... 114

§16.5.10. SNOWMOBILING................................................................ 114

§16.5.20. SLEDDING............................................................................. 114

§16.5.30. SKIING.................................................................................... 114

§ 16.6. CAMPING ....................................................................... 114

§16.6.10. CAMPING DEFINED.......................................................... 114

§16.6.20. CAMPING PROHIBITED................................................... 114

§16.6.30. STORAGE OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS..................... 114

§ 16.7. DRIVING INTO RESTRICTED AREAS........................ 115

§16.7.10. SIDEWALK AND NON-ROADWAY AREAS.................. 115

§16.7.20. EAST FRONT PLAZA.......................................................... 115

§ 16.8. ANIMALS WITHIN CAPITOL GROUNDS.................. 115

§16.8.10. NON-DOMESTICATED ANIMALS................................. 115

§16.8.20. LEASH LAW .......................................................................... 115

§ 16.9. METAL DETECTORS ..................................................... 115

§ 16.10. OPEN FLAMES, GAS GENERATORS AND OTHER 

INCENDIARY DEVICES .................................................. 115

§16.10.10. OPEN FLAMES................................................................... 115

§16.10.20. INCENDIARY DEVICE ................................................... 115

§16.10.30. GAS GENERATORS ......................................................... 116

§ 16.11. RESTRICTED VEHICLES ............................................ 116

§16.11.10. COMMERCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL

VEHICLES................................................................................ 116

§16.11.20. ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLES ..................................... 116

§ 16.12. SALE OF GOODS, COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY AND 

SOLICITATION................................................................. 116

§16.12.10. CONVEYANCE OF GOODS AND MERCHANDISE. 116

§16.12.20. VENDING............................................................................ 116

§16.12.30. COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING ................................... 116

§16.12.40. SOLICITATION ................................................................ 116

§ 16.13. TRIPODS AND PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT...... 117

§ 16.14. TEMPORARY CLOSING OR CORDONING OFF

OF CAPITOL GROUNDS................................................. 117

§ 16.15. CLOSED OR CORDONED OFF AREAS ON

CAPITOL GROUNDS ....................................................... 117
§ 16.16. PROHIBITED ITEMS ON CAPITOL GROUNDS...... 117

§16.16.10 .................................................................................................. 117

§16.16.20 .................................................................................................. 117

CHAPTER 17

UNION SQUARE............................................................................... 118

§ 17.1. GENERAL PROHIBITION OF COMMERCIAL

ACTIVITY ......................................................................... 118

§ 17.2. UNION SQUARE............................................................. 118

§ 17.3. AUTHORITY OF THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL 

POLICE BOARD................................................................ 118

§ 17.4. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY............................................ 118

§17.4.1 .................................................................................................... 118

§17.4.2 .................................................................................................... 118

§ 17.5. PERMITS ......................................................................... 119

§ 17.6. PROHIBITED ITEMS AND ACTIVITIES .................... 119

§ 17.7. SECURITY ASSESSMENTS............................................ 120

§17.7.1 SECURITY ASSESSMENT..................................................... 120

§17.7.2 INSPECTIONS......................................................................... 120

§ 17.8. PERMIT FEES.................................................................. 120

§17.8.1 PERMIT FEES........................................................................... 120

§17.8.2 APPROVAL OF THE FEE STRUCTURE............................. 120

§17.8.3 REVIEW OF THE FEE STRUCTURE.................................. 120

§17.8.4 CAPITOL TRUST ACCOUNT.............................................. 120

§17.8.5 USE OF FUNDS........................................................................ 120

§17.8.6 PUBLICATION OF FEES ....................................................... 120

§ 17.9. FEE SCHEDULE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS ...... 121

§17.9.1 STILL PHOTOGRAPHY FEES............................................. 121

§17.9.1.1 STILL PHOTOGRAPHY FEES: SCHOOL

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPANIES ......................................... 121

§17.9.2 FILMING FEES......................................................................... 121

§17.9.3 BOND......................................................................................... 121

§17.9.4 INSURANCE............................................................................. 122

§ 17.10. DENIAL OF PERMIT APPLICATION ........................ 122

§17.10.1 DENIAL OF PERMIT APPLICATION .............................. 122

§17.10.2 RESUBMISSION .................................................................... 122

§17.10.3 APPEAL ................................................................................... 122
APPENDICES ............................................................................A1

APPENDIX A-DEFINITIONS ...........................................................A|3

APPENDIX B-2 USC 1969

AUTHORITY TO REGULATE TRAFFIC........................A|13

APPENDIX C-1

D.C CODE 10-503.25............................................................A|17

APPENDIX C-2

D.C CODE 50-2301.01 .........................................................A|21

APPENDIX C-3

D.C CODE 50-2302.01 .........................................................A|25

APPENDIX C-4

D.C CODE 50-2303.01 .........................................................A|29

APPENDIX C-5-18

DCMR 3003.01 ......................................................................A|31

APPENDIX D-1

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS BY BOARD ...........................A|33

APPENDIX D-2

CONDUCT OF PROSECUTIONS.....................................A|37

APPENDIX E

TRUCK INTERDICTION REGULATIONS ....................A|45

APPENDIX F

40 USC 5104 ...........................................................................A|49

APPENDIX G

DEMONSTRATION MAP ..................................................A|55

APPENDIX H

CASE LAW SUMMARIES ...................................................A|57

APPENDIX I

40 USC 5102 ...........................................................................A|61

APPENDIX J

POLICE BOARD REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO 

FIREARMS EXPLOSIVES INCENDIARY DEVICES AND 

OTHER DANGEROUS WEAPONS (1967). ....................A|81

MAPS.........................................................................................121

BOUNDARY OF EXTENDED JURISDICTION 

U.S. CAPITOL POLICE.....................................................................A|85

PROPERTIES UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF 

ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL ...................................................A|86

U.S CAPITOL COMPLEX.................................................................A|87
1

ARTICLE I

GENERAL PROVISIONS
2

This Page Intentionally Blank
3

CHAPTER 1

APPLICABILITY AND ENFORCEMENT

§ 1.1. AUTHORITY

The Capitol Police Board has exclusive charge and control over the 

regulation and movement of all vehicular and pedestrian traffic on 

Capitol Grounds. This includes the authority to promulgate and enforce regulations; to impound vehicles; and to impose speed limitations.1

§ 1.2. PURPOSE

These regulations are set forth in order to: provide for the safety of 

all persons on Capitol Grounds; to prevent destruction or damage to 

Capitol Grounds; to preserve healthy and sanitary surroundings; and, 

to maintain Capitol Grounds in an attractive and intact condition for 

the enjoyment of all visitors.

§ 1.3. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS 

§1.3.10. REQUIRED COMPLIANCE WITH TRAFFIC 

REGULATIONS

It is unlawful for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to 

perform any act required by these regulations. 

§1.3.20. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A LAWFUL ORDER

No person shall fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order 

or directions of any police officer or other individual vested 

by law with the authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic. 

This subsection shall apply to pedestrians and to operators of 

any type of vehicle referenced in these regulations.

§ 1.4. APPLICABILITY

§1.4.10. GENERAL

The provisions of these regulations shall apply to any operator of any motorized vehicle operating on Capitol Grounds, 

except where otherwise indicated.2

1 2 USC § 1969(a), Pub. L. No 79-570, § 14(a) (July 31, 1946):

“The Capitol Police Board, consisting of the Sergeant at Arms of the United States 

Senate, the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives, and the Architect of the 

Capitol, shall have exclusive charge and control of the regulation and movement of all vehicular and other traffic, including the parking and impounding of vehicles and limiting 

the speed thereof, within the United States Capitol Grounds; and said Board is hereby 

authorized and empowered to make and enforce all necessary regulations therefor...”

See Appendix B.

2 Duties for bicycles, pedicabs and low-speed vehicles are set forth in their respective chapters. 
4

§1.4.20. EXEMPTIONS FOR AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEES AND 

VEHICLES

The provisions of these regulations that restrict activities 

performed by authorized Congressional employees within the 

scope of their official duty shall not be applicable. 

§1.4.30. PRESUMPTION OF OWNERSHIP

When applicable, the owner of a vehicle shall be presumed to 

be the operator when any violations of these regulations may 

occur, unless he or she proves to the contrary.

§1.4.40. PARENTAL NEGLIGENCE

The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall 

not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to 

violate any of the provisions of the regulations. 

§1.4.50. WAIVER

The Board is authorized to waive any restriction or prohibition 

contained in these regulations as it deems necessary for the 

safety and security of those persons on Capitol Grounds. 

§ 1.5. DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES FOR AUTHORIZED 

EMERGENCY VEHICLES

§1.5.10. PRIVILEGES

The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may do any of 

the following:

a. Park or stand, irrespective of the limitations set forth in 

these regulations;

b. Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;

c. Exceed the prima facie speed limit so long as it does not 

endanger life or property, with the exception of ambulances; and,

d. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement 

or turning in specified directions. 

The above privileges may be exercised in the following circumstances:

a. When responding to an emergency call;

b. When in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of 

the law; or,

c. When responding to, but not upon returning from, a 

fire alarm. 

§1.5.20. AUDIBLE WARNING SIGNAL REQUIRED

The exemptions granted in this section to an authorized emergency vehicle shall only apply when:

a. While in motion, the driver of the vehicle sounds an 

audible signal by bell, siren, or exhaust whistle; and, 
5

b. The vehicle is equipped as specified in §3.12 of these 

regulations.3

§1.5.30. RECKLESS DRIVING

The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of an 

authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due 

regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall these provisions 

protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others. 

§1.5.40. COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS AND 

DIRECTIVES

The operation of authorized emergency vehicles shall be consistent with Capitol Police Department Regulations and Directives. 

§ 1.6. PENALTIES

§1.6.10. FINES AND IMPRISONMENT

Penalties for the violations set forth in these regulations are 

not to exceed a fine of $300 or imprisonment for over ninety 

(90) days, with the exception of those penalties for offenses 

which originate from the District of Columbia Traffic Act of 

1925 and are set forth by the District.4

§ 1.7. ADJUDICATION

§1.7.10. D.C. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

A violation of these regulations which mirrors an existing regulation in the District will be prosecuted in accordance with 

District law.5

3 §3.12 (“Audible and Visual Signals on Emergency Vehicles”).

4 2 USC § 1969(a), Pub. L. No 79-570, §14(a) (July 31, 1946): 

“The Capitol Police Board...is hereby authorized...to prescribe penalties for violation 

of such regulations, such penalties not to exceed a fine of $ 300 or imprisonment for 

not more than ninety days...those provisions of the District of Columbia Traffic Act of 

1925...for the violation of which specific penalties are provided in said Act...shall be 

applicable to United States Capitol Grounds....”

See Appendix B. 

See D.C. Code § 50-2201.01 et seq. for a current listing of traffic regulations that originate 

from the District of Columbia Traffic Act of 1925.

5 See Appendix C for a listing of the statutes that, read together, set forth the adjudication 

of the minor and criminal traffic offenses in the District of Columbia.
6

§1.7.20. HILL-SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS

Prosecutions for violation of regulations that are only applicable within Capitol Grounds shall be prosecuted by the District 

of Columbia Office of the Attorney General.6

§ 1.8. IMPOUNDMENT AND REMOVAL

§1.8.10. MOTOR VEHICLES MAY BE IMPOUNDED FOR 

VIOLATIONS7

Members of the United States Capitol Police are authorized 

to issue a notice of parking violation and may authorize the removal of a vehicle from any public way to a city vehicle pound 

or authorized garage or any other legal parking space in the 

public way under the following circumstances:

a. INCAPACITATED DRIVER. When a vehicle upon any 

public way is so disabled as to constitute an obstruction 

to traffic and the person or persons in charge of the 

vehicle are by reason of physical injury incapacitated to 

such an extent as to be unable to provide for its custody 

or removal;

b. OBSTRUCTION. When an unattended vehicle is lawfully parked so as to constitute a hazard or obstruction 

to the normal movement of traffic;

c. PARKING VIOLATIONS. When an unattended vehicle 

is found parked:

1. On a sidewalk, bicycle path, parkway, bridge or in 

an underpass;

2. Within 20 feet of a fire hydrant, in a fire lane, or 

under a fire escape;

3. Illegally in a space designated for persons with 

disabilities;

4. On an alley with less than 10 feet on either side;

5. In a loading zone or common carrier vehicle stop;

6. In violation of posted signs when snow accumulation is equal to or greater than 2 inches, or

7. Upon a roadway for the purpose of displaying the 

vehicle for sale.

6 D.C. Code § 10-503.25(a); D.C. Code § 23-101:

Prosecutions for violations issued by the Capitol Police Board that do not mirror an 

already- existing offense in the District are prosecuted by the Attorney General for the 

District of Columbia, who has jurisdiction over police and municipal ordinances which 

carry a maximum punishment of a fine only or imprisonment not exceeding one year. 

SeeAppendix D.

7 2 USC § 1969(a), Pub. L. No 79-570, §14(a) (July 31, 1946): 

“The Capitol Police Board shall have . . . exclusive charge and control of the regulation 

and movement of traffic . . . including the parking and impounding of vehicles . . . [.]”

See Appendix B.
7

d. ABANDONED VEHICLES. When a vehicle has been 

abandoned or found to be a hazardous dilapidated 

motor vehicle;

e. EXCESS OF METER. When a vehicle illegally occupies 

a parking meter space for more than 24 hours;

f. TOW ZONE. When an unattended vehicle is parked illegally in an officially designed and marked “tow zone;”

g. INCIDENT TO ARREST. When towing or removal is 

necessary as an incident to an arrest.

§1.8.20. BICYCLES, PEDICABS AND LOW-SPEED VEHICLES 

MAY BE IMPOUNDED FOR VIOLATIONS

The Board may cause the removal and impoundment of any 

bicycle, pedicab, or low-speed device that is found in violation 

of or being operated in violation of these regulations. Such 

item shall be removed, transported to, and impounded in or 

at, any place designated by the Board. 
8

CHAPTER 2

TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS, SYMBOLS AND DEVICES

§ 2.1. GENERAL

§2.1.10. PLACEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC 

CONTROL DEVICES

The Board shall place and maintain traffic control devices 

upon all streets, highways, and driveways within Capitol 

Grounds to:

a. Indicate and carry out the provisions of these regulations; 

b. To regulate, warn, and to guide traffic; and,

c. To establish official parking spaces and areas as the 

Board deems necessary.

§2.1.20. EXCLUSIVE CONTROL

No person or authority shall place or maintain any traffic 

control device upon any street or highway within the Capitol 

Grounds except by permission of the Board. This subsection 

does not apply to the streets adjacent to Capitol Grounds under the control and jurisdiction of the Director of the District 

of Columbia. 

§2.1.30. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS OR 

DEVICES

The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any 

official traffic control device placed in accordance with these 

regulations unless an exception is granted by the Board or 

unless otherwise directed by a police officer. Whenever these 

regulations state that a sign is not required, such section shall 

be effective even though no signs are erected or in place.

§2.1.40. EXEMPTION FOR ILLEGIBLE SIGNS

No provision of these regulations for which signs are required 

shall be enforced against an alleged violator if an official sign 

is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by 

an ordinarily observant person at the time and place of the 

alleged violation.

§2.1.50. INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

No person shall alter, deface, injure, knock down, remove, 

or attempt to do any of these acts to an official traffic control 

device without lawful authority to do so. 
9

§ 2.2. UNAUTHORIZED TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, 

MARKINGS AND SIGNS

§2.2.10. UNAUTHORIZED SIGNS

No person shall place, maintain, or display upon or in view of 

any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device 

which:

a. Purports to be, is an imitation of, or resembles an official traffic control device; 

b. Attempts to direct the movement of traffic; or

c. Interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic 

control device or hides it from view. 

§2.2.20. NO NOTICE REQUIRED 

The Board does not have to provide notice before removing 

any prohibited sign, signal, marking or device. Any sign, 

signal, marking, or device prohibited by these regulations is 

hereby declared to be a public nuisance.

§ 2.3. DRIVER OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL 

SIGNALS 

§2.3.10. PLACEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic control signals exhibiting the words “Go,” “Caution,” or “Stop,” or exhibiting 

different colored lights, arrows, or combinations of lights and 

arrows successively one at a time, only those colors set forth in 

this section shall be used, and the terms and lights shall indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles as set forth in this section. 

§2.3.20. OBEDIENCE TO ALL TRAFFIC SIGNS

In the event an official traffic control signal is erected and 

maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this section shall be applicable, except those provisions which by their nature could have no application. 

§2.3.30. GREEN SIGNAL 

The color Green alone or the word “Go” on a traffic control 

signal shall have the following meaning:

a. Vehicular traffic facing the Green or “Go” signal may 

proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a 

sign at such place prohibits a turn in either direction or 

both directions; and

b. Vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or 

left, shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to 

pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time the Green or “Go” signal is 

exhibited. 
10

§2.3.40. GREEN ARROW

A Green Arrow shall have the following meaning:

a. Vehicular traffic facing such signal may cautiously enter 

the intersection only to make the movement indicated 

by the arrow; and

b. Vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians 

lawfully within a crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully 

using the intersection. 

§2.3.50. STEADY YELLOW SIGNAL

A Steady Yellow Signal alone shall have the following meaning:

a. Vehicular traffic facing a steady yellow signal is thereby 

warned that a related green signal is being terminated 

or that a red signal will be exhibited thereafter, or both; 

and

b. Vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the nearest 

crosswalk of the intersection, unless so close to the 

intersection that a stop cannot safely be made. 

§2.3.60. STEADY YELLOW ARROW

A Steady Yellow Arrow shall have the following meaning:

a. Vehicular traffic facing the signal is warned that vehicular movement in the direction that the arrow is pointing 

is about to be terminated by means of a steady full red, 

a steady red arrow, or simply by the green arrow being 

turned off; and

b. Vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the nearest 

crosswalk at the intersection, unless so close to the 

intersection that a stop cannot safely be made. 

§2.3.70. STEADY RED SIGNAL

A Steady Red Signal alone or the word “Stop” shall have the 

following meaning:

a. Vehicular traffic facing the signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection 

or, if none, then before entering the intersection;

b. Stopped vehicles shall remain standing until green, 

green arrow, or flashing yellow is shown, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection; and

c. A vehicle facing a steady red signal may cautiously 

enter the intersection to turn right after stopping. The 

vehicle shall yield right-of-way to pedestrians within an 

adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using 

the intersection. 
11

§2.3.80. STEADY RED ARROW

A Steady Red Arrow shall have the following meaning:

a. Vehicular traffic facing the signal destined to proceed in 

the direction that the arrow is pointing shall stop before 

entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, the vehicle shall stop before entering 

the intersection; and

b. The vehicle shall remain standing until a green arrow or 

flashing yellow arrow is shown. 

§2.3.90. PROPER STOPPING

Any stop required shall be made at a sign or marking on the 

pavement indicating where the stop shall be made. In the 

absence of any sign or marking, the stop shall be made at the 

signal. 

§ 2.4. DRIVER OBEDIENCE TO FLASHING RED AND 

YELLOW SIGNALS 

§2.4.10. OBEDIENCE TO SIGNALS

Whenever flashing red, yellow, or yellow arrow signals are 

used they shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as set 

forth in this section. 

§2.4.20. RED FLASHING SIGNAL

When a Red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest 

crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked, or, 

if none, then before entering the intersection, and the right to 

proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a 

stop at a “Stop” sign. 

§2.4.30. YELLOW FLASHING SIGNAL

When a Yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent 

flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution. 

§2.4.40. YELLOW ARROW

When a Yellow Arrow is illuminated with rapid intermittent 

flashes, vehicular traffic facing such indication may cautiously 

enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by 

such arrow, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians 

within a crosswalk, and to any vehicle lawfully in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to 

constitute an immediate hazard. 
12

§2.4.50. FAILURE TO YIELD

After a driver has yielded at a flashing yellow arrow in accordance with §2.4.40, the driver may proceed, and the drivers of 

all other vehicles approaching the intersection shall yield to 

the vehicle so proceeding. If the driver is involved in a collision with a pedestrian in a crosswalk or a vehicle in the intersection after making the movement indicated by a flashing 

yellow arrow without stopping, such collision shall be deemed 

prima facie evidence of failure to yield right-of-way. 

§ 2.5. DRIVER OBEDIENCE TO LANE-USE CONTROL 

SIGNALS

§2.5.10. GENERAL

The meanings of lane-use control signals and the requirements 

for obedience to such signals are set forth in this section. 

§2.5.20. DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW

A steady Downward Green Arrow means that a driver is permitted to drive in the lane over which the arrow signal is located. 

§2.5.30. STEADY YELLOW X

A steady Yellow X means that a driver should prepare to vacate, in a safe manner, the lane over which the signal is located 

because a lane control change is being made, and to avoid 

occupying that lane when a steady Red X is displayed. 

§2.5.40. FLASHING YELLOW X

A flashing Yellow X means that a driver is permitted to use 

a lane over which the signal is located for a left turn, using 

proper caution. 

§2.5.50. STEADY RED X

A steady Red X means that a driver shall not drive in the lane 

over which the signal is located. This indication shall modify 

the meaning of all other traffic controls present. 

§2.5.60. TRAFFIC CONTROLS REMAIN IN EFFECT

When lane-use control signals are in use, drivers shall obey all 

other traffic controls and follow normal safe driving practices. 

§ 2.6. PEDESTRIAN OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL 

SIGNALS

§2.6.10. APPLICATION

Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic control signals exhibiting the words “Go,” “Caution,” or “Stop,” or exhibiting different colored lights successively one at a time, or with arrows, 

the terms and lights shall apply to pedestrians as set forth in 

this section. 
13

§2.6.20. GREEN SIGNAL

Pedestrians facing a Green Signal or the word “Go,” my 

proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked 

crosswalk, except where special pedestrian control signals 

show a “Don’t Walk” signal. 

§2.6.30. STEADY YELLOW SIGNAL

Pedestrians facing a Steady Yellow Signal are thereby advised 

that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway, and any 

pedestrian then starting to cross shall yield the right-of-way to 

all vehicles. 

§2.6.40. STEADY RED SIGNAL

Pedestrians facing a Steady Red Signal or the word “Stop” shall 

not enter the roadway, except where special pedestrian control 

signals show a “Walk” signal. 

§2.6.50. VERTICAL GREEN OR THRU ARROW

Pedestrians facing a vertical Green or “Thru” Arrow may 

proceed across the roadway in any marked or unmarked 

crosswalk. 

§ 2.7. PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS 

§2.7.10. APPLICATION

Whenever special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the 

words “Walk,” “Don’t Walk,” or “Wait” are in place, such signals shall indicate and apply to pedestrians as set forth in this 

section. 

§2.7.20. WALK SIGNAL

Pedestrians facing a “Walk” signal may proceed across the 

roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the 

right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles. 

§2.7.30. NO CROSSING

No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction 

of a “Don’t Walk” or “Wait” signal. 
14

CHAPTER 3

EQUIPMENT

§ 3.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

§3.1.10. SCOPE AND EFFECT OF REGULATIONS

a. APPLICATION. The rules and regulations contained 

in a. this chapter shall govern the requirements for 

equipment on vehicles using the streets and highways 

of Capitol Grounds. 

b. NON-CONVENTIONAL DESIGN. Vehicles may 

be exempted from this chapter if the District of Columbia has found that a vehicle is not of conventional 

design and construction or if proof is offered that the 

equipment required by this chapter is not available for 

replacement purposes or cannot be made available by 

the manufacturer. In either case, the vehicle must have 

an “approved” inspection sticker issued by the Director. 

c. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT. Nothing contained in 

this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the use of additional parts and accessories on any vehicle so long as 

they are consistent with the provisions of this chapter.

d. EXEMPTIONS. Unless specifically provided for in this 

chapter, the provisions of this chapter which require 

equipment on vehicles shall not apply to an authorized 

official government vehicle that requires special equipment by design or function. 

§3.1.20. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The current edition of the District of Columbia Vehicle 

Inspection Lane Operator’s Manual or, when applicable, 

the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators 

Vehicle Operator’s Manual is incorporated by reference into 

this chapter. In case of conflict between the provisions of the 

District of Columbia Vehicle Inspection Lane Operator’s Manual and those contained in this chapter, the provisions of this 

chapter shall be applicable. 

§3.1.30. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE

All motor vehicles must display a manufacturer’s certification 

of compliance, attesting that the vehicle complies with federal 

safety standards for use on public roads, streets, and highways, 

as required by the National Traffic and Motor Safety Act of 

1966;8 except that mopeds need not display such certification 

of compliance.

8 40 U.S.C. § 5104(d).
15

§ 3.2. UNSAFE VEHICLES

§3.2.10. UNSAFE MECHANICAL CONDITION

No person shall operate or permit the operation or use of any 

vehicle on Capitol Grounds which is mechanically unsafe, 

improperly equipped or otherwise unfit to be operated. All 

equipment shall be in good working order and in proper condition and adjustment as required by this chapter.

§ 3.3. LAMPS AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT

§3.3.10. APPLICABILITY

a. VISIBILITY. The provisions of this chapter which set 

forth specific distances from which certain lamps and 

devices shall render objects visible or distances within 

which such lamps or devices shall be visible, shall apply 

during the times stated in this section with respect to 

a vehicle without load when upon a straight, level, unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions, 

unless a different time or condition is expressly stated.

b. HEIGHT. The provisions of this chapter which require 

a specific mounted height of lamps or devices shall 

mean a distance measured from the center of the lamp 

or device to the level ground upon which the vehicle 

stands when the vehicle is without a load. 

c. AS ENUMERATED. The sections of this chapter which 

relate to clearance and marker lamps, reflectors, and 

stop lights shall apply as stated in those sections to vehicles of the type enumerated in those sections; namely, 

passenger buses, trucks, truck trailers, and certain trailers, semi-trailers, and pole trailers, respectively, when 

operated upon any street or highway. 

§3.3.20. HEADLIGHTS REQUIRED

No person shall operate a vehicle on Capitol Grounds from 

one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before 

sunrise unless the lighted lamps and illuminating devices 

required by this chapter are properly displayed. Properly 

displayed lamps and illuminating devices are also required 

when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric 

conditions, a person or vehicle on the highway is not clearly 

discernible at a distance of five hundred feet (500 ft.).

§3.3.30. LAMP EQUIPMENT 

The vehicles cited in this section shall be equipped as required 

and all lamp equipment required shall be lighted at the times 

mentioned in this section. Clearance and side marker lamps 

need not be lighted where there is sufficient light to render 

persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of five hundred feet (500 ft.) clearly discernible. 
16

§3.3.40. CLEARANCE LAMPS

Whenever motor vehicles and other vehicles are operated in 

combination during the time when lights are required, any 

lamp (except tail lamps) need not be lighted which, by reason 

of its location on a vehicle of the combination, would be obscured by another vehicle of the combination. Lighted clearance lamps must still be displayed on the front of the foremost 

vehicle required to have clearance lamps, and all lights required on the rear of the rear most vehicle of any combination 

shall be lighted. 

§3.3.50. EXTENDED LOAD 

a. ADDITIONAL RED LIGHT. Whenever the load upon 

any vehicle extends to the rear four feet (4 ft.) or more 

beyond the bed or body of the loaded vehicle, there 

shall be a red light or lantern to the sides and rear displayed at the extreme rear end of the load and shall be 

plainly visible from distance of at least five hundred feet 

(500 ft.). This red light or lantern is required in addition 

to the red rear light required upon every vehicle. 

b. RED FLAG OR CLOTH. At any other time when lights 

are not required, there shall be displayed at the extreme 

rear end of the extended load a red flag or cloth not 

less than twelve inches square (12 in.) which is so hung 

that the entire area is visible to the driver of a vehicle 

approaching from the rear. 

§3.3.60. WINDSHIELD WIPERS

In addition to the requirements of subsection §3.3.10, whenever a motor vehicle’s windshield wipers are operated for a 

continuous period of time because of impaired visibility resulting from unfavorable atmospheric conditions, the vehicle 

headlamps shall also be lighted. 

a. A violation of this subsection shall not constitute or be 

used as evidence of negligence or contributory negligence, limit liability of any party or insurer, or diminish 

the recovery for damages arising out of the ownership, 

maintenance, or operation of a motor vehicle.

b. A police officer may enforce the provisions of this 

subsection only as a secondary action when the police 

officer detains a driver of a motor vehicle for a suspected violation of another traffic regulation. 

§ 3.4. HEADLAMPS

§3.4.10. TWO HEADLAMPS REQUIRED

Each motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or motorized bicycle shall be equipped with at least two (2) head lamps which 

shall comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in 

this chapter. 
17

§3.4.20. FRONT HEADLAMPS REQUIRED

Each motor vehicle required to have two (2) head lamps shall 

have at least one (1) head lamp on each side of the front of the 

motor vehicle. 

§3.4.30. MOTORCYCLES AND MOTORIZED BICYCLES

Each motorcycle and motorized bicycle shall be equipped with 

at least one (1) and not more than two (2) headlamps which 

shall comply with the requirements and limitations of this 

chapter. 

§ 3.5. TAIL LAMPS

§3.5.10. REAR TAIL LAMP REQUIRED

Each motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, pole trailer and 

any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a train 

of vehicles shall be equipped with at least one (1) tail lamp 

mounted on the rear. The lamp shall emit a red light plainly 

visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500 ft.) to the rear 

and only the tail lamp on the rear most vehicle need actually 

be seen.

§3.5.20. TWO TAIL LAMPS REQUIRED

Each vehicle of the types listed in §3.5.10 registered in the 

District of Columbia and manufactured or assembled after 

September 15, 1955; other than truck tractors manufactured 

or assembled prior to January 1, 1968, motorcycles, and 

motorized bicycles; shall be equipped with at least two (2) tail 

lamps mounted on the rear, on the same level, and as widely 

spaced as practicable, which, when lighted as required, shall 

comply with the provisions of this section. 

§3.5.30. MOUNTED HEIGHT

Each tail lamp on each vehicle shall be located at a height of 

not more than seventy-two inches (72 in.) or less than fifteen 

inches (15 in.), measured from the center of the lamp to the 

level ground upon which the vehicle stands when the vehicle 

is without a load. 

§3.5.40. TAGS TO BE ILLUMINATED 

Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed 

and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty 

feet (50 ft.) to the rear. 

§3.5.50. FRONT AND REAR LIGHTING

Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp 

for illuminating the rear registration, shall be wired to be 

lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps 

are lighted. 
18

§ 3.6. STOP LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS AND REFLECTORS

§3.6.10. STOP LAMPS 

a. VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1957. No 

motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer manufactured or 

assembled before September 15, 1957 shall be operated 

on Capitol Grounds unless it is equipped with at least 

one (1) stop lamp meeting the requirements of §3.13.

b. VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER 1957. No motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer manufactured on and 

after September 15, 1957 shall be operated on Capitol 

Grounds unless it is equipped with at least two (2) stop 

lamps meeting the requirements of §3.13. 

c. TRUCK TRACTORS. Truck tractors manufactured 

or assembled after September 15, 1957 but prior to 

January 1, 1968 shall be equipped with at least one stop 

lamp meeting the requirements of §3.13.

d. MOTORCYCLES. Motorcycles and motorized bicycles 

shall be equipped with at least one (1) stop lamp meeting the requirements of §3.13.

§3.6.20. ELECTRIC TURN SIGNALS 

No motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer, manufactured or 

assembled on and after September 15, 1955 shall be operated 

on Capitol Grounds unless it is equipped with electric turn 

signals meeting the requirements of §3.13. Motor driven 

cycles which attain a speed of thirty miles per hour (30 mph) 

or less in a distance of one (1) mile, motorized bicycles and 

motorcycles shall be exempt from this requirement. 

§3.6.30. REAR REFLECTORS

Each new motor vehicle sold and operated upon a street or 

highway, other than a truck tractor, shall carry on the rear, 

either as part of the tail lamps or separately, two (2) red reflectors, except that each motorcycle and motorized bicycle shall 

carry at least one (1) reflector meeting the requirements of this 

section; and, provided, that vehicles of the type listed in §3.6 

shall be equipped with reflectors as specifically required in this 

chapter. 

§3.6.40. MOUNTED HEIGHT FOR REFLECTORS

Each reflector shall be mounted on the vehicle at a height 

not less than fifteen inches (15 in.) or more than sixty inches 

(60 in.) measured as set forth in §3.3.10(b), and shall be of 

such size and characteristics and so mounted as to be visible 

at night from all distances within three hundred feet (300 ft.) 

to fifty feet (50 ft.) from the vehicle when directly in front of 

lawful upperbeams of head lamps, except that visibility from 

a greater distance is required of reflectors on certain types of 

vehicles. 
19

§ 3.7. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ON TOW 

TRUCKS AND CRANES

§3.7.10. WARNING LAMP

Each tow crane or tow truck shall be equipped with flashing, 

blinking, or alternating warning lamp or lamps and the lamp 

or lamps shall only be operated while at the scene of a disabled 

vehicle or while actually towing a disabled vehicle. Each warning 

lamp shall be of a type approved by the District of Columbia. 

§3.7.20. TOP WARNING LAMPS

When two (2) lamps are used to display the warning on a tow 

crane or tow truck, they shall be mounted at the same level on the 

top of the cab and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and 

shall display a flashing, blinking, or alternating white or amber 

light or any shade of color between white and amber to the front. 

§3.7.30. REAR WARNING LAMPS

The lamps used to display the warning to the rear on a tow crane 

or tow truck shall be mounted at the same level on the top of the 

cab and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and shall display 

a flashing, blinking, or alternating amber or red light or any shade 

of color between amber and red. 

§3.7.40. SINGLE WARNING LAMP 

When a single warning lamp is used on a tow crane or tow truck, 

it shall be mounted on the top of the cab as near center as practicable and shall display a flashing, blinking, or alternating white 

or amber light or any shade of color between white and amber to 

the front, and an amber or red light or any shade of color between 

amber and red to the rear. 

§3.7.50. VISIBILITY

The warning light or lights on a tow crane or tow truck shall be 

visible from a distance of not less than five hundred feet (500 ft.) 

under normal atmospheric conditions. 

§ 3.8. COLOR AND MOUNTING OF CERTAIN 

REFLECTORS, CLEARANCE LAMPS, SIDE MARKER 

LAMPS AND BACKUP LAMPS

§3.8.10. FRONT CLEARANCE AND MARKER LAMPS

Front clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors 

mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle 

shall display or reflect an amber color. 

§3.8.20. REAR CLEARANCE AND MARKER LAMPS 

Rear clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors 

mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle 

shall display or reflect a red color. 
20

§3.8.30. REAR LIGHTING AND REFLECTORS

a. All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear 

of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color. 

b. The stop light or other signal device mounted on the 

rear of a vehicle may be red, amber, or yellow.

c. The light illuminating the license plate shall be white.

d. The light emitted by a back-up lamp shall be white. 

§3.8.40. CLEARANCE AND SIDE MARKER LAMPS

Clearance lamps shall be mounted on the permanent structure 

of the vehicle in a manner which will indicate the extreme 

width of the vehicle, and as near the top of the vehicle as 

practicable. Clearance lamps and side marker lamps may be 

mounted in combination so long as that illumination is given 

as required herein with reference to both and on buses when 

the outside windows are illuminated.

§3.8.50. CONFORMANCE TO SAE STANDARDS 

All reflectors, clearance lamps, and marker lamps shall 

conform to the standards and specifications of the Society of 

Automotive Engineers applicable to such equipment current at 

the time the devices are attached. 

§ 3.9. VISIBILITY OF REFLECTORS, CLEARANCE LAMPS 

AND MARKER LAMPS 

§3.9.10. VISIBILITY

Each reflector on any vehicle referred to in §3.7 shall be of 

such size and characteristics and so maintained as to be readily visible at night-time from all distances within five hundred 

feet (500 ft.) to fifty feet (50 ft.) from the vehicle when directly 

in front of upper beams of head lamps. 

§3.9.20. FRONT AND SIDE REFLECTORS

Reflectors required to be mounted on the front and sides of 

the vehicle shall reflect the required color of light to the front 

and sides, and those mounted on the rear shall reflect a red 

color to the rear. 

§3.9.30. FRONT AND REAR CLEARANCE LAMPS

Front and rear clearance lamps shall be capable of being seen 

and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at 

the times lights are required at a distance of five hundred feet 

(500 ft.) from the front and rear of the vehicle. 

§3.9.40. SIDE MARKER LAMPS

Side marker lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times 

lights are required at a distance of five hundred feet (500 ft.) 

from the side of the vehicle on which mounted. 
21

§ 3.10. SPOT LAMPS AND AUXILIARY LAMPS

§3.10.10. SPOT LAMPS

No motor vehicle shall be equipped with more than two (2) 

spot lamps. No part of the high-intensity portion of the beam 

shall be directed to the left of the prolongation of the extreme 

left side of an approaching vehicle or more than one-hundred 

feet (100 ft.) ahead of the vehicle. 

§3.10.20. FOG LAMPS

No motor vehicle shall be equipped with more than two (2) 

fog lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than 

twelve inches (12 in.) or more than thirty inches (30 in.) above 

the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and so aimed 

that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high-intensity 

portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall 

at a distance of twenty-five feet (25 ft.) ahead project higher 

than a level of four inches (4 in.) below the level of the center 

of the lamp from which it comes. Lighted fog lamps meeting 

the above requirements may be used with lower head-lamp 

beams as specified in §3.15.9 

§3.10.30. AUXILIARY PASSING LAMPS

No motor vehicle shall be equipped with more than two (2) 

auxiliary passing lamps mounted on the front at a height of 

not less than twenty-four inches (24 in.) or more than forty-two inches (42 in.) above the level surface upon which the 

vehicle stands. 

§3.10.40. AUXILIARY DRIVING LAMPS

No motor vehicle shall be equipped with more than two (2) 

auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front at a height not 

less than twenty-four inches (24 in.) or more than forty-two 

inches (42 in.) above the level surface upon which the vehicle 

stands. 

§ 3.11. AUDIBLE AND VISUAL SIGNALS ON EMERGENCY 

VEHICLES

§3.11.10. AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Each authorized emergency vehicle shall, in addition to any 

other equipment and distinctive markings required by these 

regulations, be equipped with a siren, exhaust whistle or bell 

capable of giving a signal audible from a distance of not less 

than five hundred feet (500 ft.) under normal conditions. 

There shall be at least one (1) lighted lamp displaying a red 

light capable of flashing alternately and that is visible under 

normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet (500 ft.) to the front of the vehicle. 

9 §3.14 (“Multiple-Beam Road Lighting Equipment”).
22

§3.11.20. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A SIREN

Whenever an emergency vehicle is equipped with a siren, the 

siren shall not be used except when the vehicle is being operated in response to an emergency call; or in the immediate 

pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which 

case, the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren when necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach 

of the vehicle. 

§ 3.12. SIGNAL LAMPS AND SIGNAL DEVICES

§3.12.10. STOP LAMPS

Any motor vehicle may be equipped and when required by 

these regulations shall be equipped, with a stop lamp or lamps 

on the rear of the vehicle which shall display a red or amber 

light, or any shade of color between red and amber, visible 

from a distance of not less than one-hundred feet (100 ft.) 

to the rear in normal sunlight, and which shall be actuated 

upon application of the service (foot) brake and which may be 

incorporated with one (1) or more other rear lamps. 

§3.12.20. TURNING LAMPS

Any motor vehicle may be equipped and when required shall 

be equipped with lamps showing to the front and rear for the 

purpose of indicating an intention to turn either to the right 

or left. 

§3.12.30. PLACEMENT OF TURNING LAMPS

When lamps are used for turn indicators, the lamps showing 

to the front shall be located on the same level and as widely 

spaced laterally as practicable, and when in use shall display a 

white or amber light, or any shade of color between white and 

amber, visible from a distance of not less than one-hundred 

feet (100 ft.) to the front in normal sunlight. The lamps showing to the rear shall be located at the same level and as widely 

spaced laterally as practicable, and when in use shall display 

a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and 

amber, visible from a distance of not less than one-hundred 

feet (100 ft.) to the rear in normal sunlight. 

§3.12.40. TURNING INDICATOR

When actuated, turn indicator lamps shall indicate the direction of the intended turn by flashing the light showing to the 

front and rear on the side toward which the turn is going to be 

made. 

§3.12.50. GLARING LIGHT 

No stop lamp or signal lamp shall project a glaring light. 
23

§ 3.13. ADDITIONAL LIGHTING EQUIPMENT 

§3.13.10. FENDER LAMPS

No motor vehicle may be equipped with more than two (2) 

sidecowl or fender lamps. Each fender lamp shall emit a white 

or amber light without glare. 

§3.13.20. RUNNING-BOARD COURTESY LAMP

No motor vehicle may be equipped with more than one (1) 

running-board courtesy lamp on each side of the vehicle. Each 

running-board courtesy lamp shall emit a white or amber light 

without glare. 

§3.13.30. BACK-UP LAMPS

No motor vehicle may be equipped with more than two (2) 

back-up lamps either separately or in combination with other 

lamps. The back-up lamps shall not be lighted when the motor 

vehicle is in forward motion, nor shall they have a maximum 

intensity of more than seven-hundred-fifty (750) beam candlepower per lamp. 

§3.13.40. WARNING LAMPS

a. AUTHORIZED VEHICLES. Any authorized emergency 

vehicle or public utilities vehicle may be equipped with 

lamps which may be used for the purpose of warning 

the other operators of other vehicles of the presence of a 

vehicular traffic hazard requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing. When 

so equipped, these vehicles may display the warning in 

addition to any other warning signals required by this 

chapter. 

b. PLACEMENT OF FRONT WARNING LAMPS. The 

lamps used to display a warning to the front shall be 

mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and shall display simultaneously 

flashing white or amber lights, or any shade of color 

between white and amber. 

c. PLACEMENT OF REAR WARNING LAMPS. The 

lamps used to display a warning to the rear shall be 

mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and shall show simultaneously flashing 

amber or red lights, or any shade of color between 

amber or red. 

d. WARNING LIGHT VISIBILITY. Warning lights shall 

be visible at night from distance of not less than fifteenhundred feet (1500 ft.) under normal atmospheric 

conditions. 

e. WARNING LAMP INDICATOR. When a vehicle is 

equipped with warning lamps there shall be an illumi-
24

nated indicator to give the operator a clear and unmistakable indication that the lamps are turned on. 

f. VISIBILITY OF WARNING LAMP INDICATOR. The 

illuminated indicator shall consist of one (1) or more 

bright lights flashing at the same frequency as the warning lamps, and shall be plainly visible to drivers of all 

heights when seated in normal position in the driver’s 

seat while driving in bright sunlight. 

§ 3.14. MULTIPLE-BEAM ROAD LIGHTING EQUIPMENT

§3.14.10. ARRANGEMENT OF LAMPS

Except as provided otherwise in this section, the headlamps, 

the auxiliary driving lamp, the auxiliary passing lamp or combination of such lamps on motor vehicles shall be arranged 

so that the driver may select between distributions of light 

projected to different elevations. These lamps may be arranged 

so that the selection can be made automatically, subject to the 

limitations stated in this section. This provision does not apply 

to motorcycles or motorized bicycles.

§3.14.20. MAXIMUM LIGHT DENSITY

There shall be an uppermost distribution of light or composite 

beam so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons or 

vehicles at a distance of at least three-hundred and fifty feet 

(350 ft.) for all conditions of loading.

§3.14.30. MINIMUM LIGHT DENSITY

There shall be a lowermost distribution of light or composite 

beam so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons 

and vehicles at a distance of at least one-hundred feet (100 ft.) 

ahead. None of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall be 

directed to strike the eyes of the oncoming driver on a straight 

level road and under any condition of loading.

§3.14.40. BEAM INDICATOR 

Each new motor vehicle with multiple-beam road lighting 

equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator. The beam 

indicator shall not be lighted unless the uppermost distribution of light from the head lamps is in use. The indicator shall 

be designed and properly placed so that it is readily visible 

without glare to the driver of the vehicle. This provision does 

not apply to motorcycles or motorized bicycles.

§3.14.50. LOW BEAMS REQUIRED

When lights are required, each motor vehicle equipped with 

multiple-beam head lamps shall use the lower or city-driving beam when operating on the highways of the Capitol 

Grounds. 
25

§3.14.60. EXCEPTION FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED

 BEFORE 1950

Vehicles that are manufactured and sold before 1950 do not 

require additional auxiliary lamps. Vehicles manufactured 

before 1950 do require a single distribution of light. None of 

the high-intensity portion of the light shall:

a. At a distance of twenty-five (25 ft.) ahead, project at a 

level higher than five inches (5 in.) below the level of 

the center of the lamp;

b. At a distance of seventy-five (75 ft.) ahead, project 

higher than forty-two inches (42 in.) above the level on 

which the vehicle stands; and,

c. Be of intensity sufficient to reveal persons and vehicles 

at a distance of at least one hundred feet (100 ft.) ahead 

on a straight-level road.

§ 3.15. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING 

EQUIPMENT

§3.15.10. CANDLEPOWER LIMIT

Two (2) or more lighted lamps shall be displayed at all times as 

required by these regulations provided:

a. Each lamp has at least four thousand (4,000) beam candlepower per lamp; and,

b. One lamp is displayed on each side of the front of the 

motor vehicle. 

This provision does not apply to motorcycles or motorized 

bicycles.

§3.15.20. MAXIMUM FOUR LAMPS PERMITTED

Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with head-lamps as 

required in this chapter and also equipped with any auxiliary 

lamp(s), spot lamp, or any other lamp on the front projecting 

a beam of an intensity greater than three-hundred (300) candlepower, no more than a total of four (4) of any such lamps 

on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when 

upon a street or highway. 

§3.15.30. FRONT RED LIGHTS PROHIBITED

No person shall drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon 

any highway with any lamp or device thereon displaying a red 

light visible from the front of the vehicle. This subsection shall 

not apply to any vehicle on which a red light visible from the 

front is expressly authorized or required by these regulations. 

§3.15.40. FLASHING LIGHTS PROHIBITED

Flashing lights are prohibited on all vehicles except on:

a. An authorized emergency vehicle;
26

b. Snow-removal equipment; or,

c. Any vehicle using the flashing light as a means for indicating a right or left turn or the presence of a vehicular 

traffic hazard. 

§ 3.16. BRAKES

§3.16.10. TRAILERS

Each motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer and pole trailer, and 

any combination of such vehicles operated upon a street or 

highway shall be equipped with brakes in compliance with the 

requirements of this subsection. 

§3.16.20. SERVICE BRAKES

Each vehicle and combination of vehicles, except special 

mobile equipment as defined in these regulations, shall be 

equipped with service brakes complying with the performance 

requirements of this section. The brakes should be adequate 

to control the movement of and to stop and hold the vehicle 

under all conditions of loadings and on any grade incident to 

its operation. 

§3.16.30. PARKING BRAKES

Each vehicle or combination of vehicles, except motorcycles 

and motorized bicycles, shall be equipped with parking brakes 

adequate to hold the vehicle on any grade on which it is operated under all conditions of loading on a surface free from 

snow, ice, or loose material. 

§3.16.40. GOOD WORKING ORDER

All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and 

shall be so adjusted to operate as equally as practicable with 

respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. 

§ 3.17. HORNS AND WARNING DEVICES

§3.17.10. AUDIBLE HORN

Each motor vehicle operated upon a highway shall be 

equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of 

emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than two hundred feet (200 ft.). 

§3.17.20. UNREASONABLY LOUD HORNS

No horn or other warning device shall emit an unreasonably 

loud or harsh sound or a whistle. 

§3.17.30. AUDIBLE WARNING

The driver of a motor vehicle shall only give audible warning 

with his or her horn when reasonably necessary to ensure safe 

operation. 
27

§3.17.40. PERMISSIBLE HORNS

No vehicle shall be equipped with nor shall any person use 

upon a vehicle any siren, whistle, or bell, except as otherwise 

permitted in these regulations. This section does not apply to 

authorized emergency vehicles as set forth in §3.12. 

§3.17.50. THEFT ALARM SYSTEM

A vehicle may be equipped with a sound device designed to be 

used solely as a theft alarm system which shall be so arranged 

that it cannot be used or controlled by the driver or other person for any purpose other than as an alarm system. 

§ 3.18. WINDSHIELDS AND MIRRORS

§3.18.10. SIGNS AND POSTERS

No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, 

or other non-transparent material upon the front windshield, 

sidewings, or side or rear windows of the vehicle unless authorized under law. 

§3.18.20. MECHANICAL DEFROST

The windshield on a motor vehicle shall be equipped with a 

mechanically operated device for cleaning rain, snow, or other 

moisture from the windshield. This device shall be constructed to be controlled by the driver of the vehicle. 

§3.18.30. WINDSHIELD WIPERS

No motor vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1938 shall be 

operated on Capitol Grounds unless it is equipped with windshield wipers capable of wiping the right and left hand sides of 

the windshield. 

§3.18.40. GOOD WORKING ORDER

Each windshield wiper shall be maintained in good working 

order. 

§3.18.50. CRACKED WINDSHIELD

No motor vehicle shall be operated when the windshield is 

cracked, scarred, clouded, or otherwise defective so as to 

obstruct vision. 

§3.18.60. REFLECTIVE MIRRORS

Each motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror or mirrors 

so located as to reflect to the driver, under all conditions of 

loading, a view of the street or highway for a distance of at 

least two hundred feet (200 ft.) to the rear of such vehicle.10

10 See 18 DCMR § 731.6 which requires certain vehicles be equipped with two adjustable 

rear-view mirrors. 
28

§ 3.19. TIRE EQUIPMENT

§3.19.10. UNSAFE TIRES

No person shall drive or move any motor vehicle equipped 

with any tire in such condition as to endanger or be likely to 

endanger any person or property. 

§3.19.20. TIRE THICKNESS

Each solid rubber tire on a vehicle shall have rubber on its 

entire traction surface at least one inch (1 in.) thick above the 

edge of the flange of the entire periphery. 

§3.19.30. BALD TIRES

No person shall operate or move on any street or highway any 

motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer having any metal tire in 

contact with the roadway. 

§3.19.40. PROTUBERANCE

No tire on a vehicle moved on a street or highway shall have 

on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat, or spike or any 

other protuberance of any material other than rubber which 

projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, 

except as provided in §3.20.50. 

§3.19.50. PERMISSIBLE USES

It shall be permissible to use the following:

a. PROTUBERANCES. Farm machinery with tires having 

protuberances which will not injure the street or highway;

b. TIRE CHAINS. Tire chains of reasonable proportions 

upon any vehicle when required for safety because of 

snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle 

to skid; or

c. STUDDED TIRES. Pneumatic tires containing metal 

type studs, the tips of which protrude beyond the rubber tread surface of such tire not more than one-eighth 

of an inch (1/8 in.), and the cross-sectional diameter 

of which do not exceed one-fourth of an inch (1/4 in.), 

inclusive of the casing but not including any flange or 

flanges embedded in the rubber of the tire; provided, 

that the use of studded tires is permitted only from 

October 15th through April 15th of each year. 

§ 3.20. BUMPERS AND FENDERS

§3.20.10. FRONT BUMPER REQUIRED

Each motor vehicle, except motorcycles and motorized 

bicycles, shall be equipped with bumpers in front, securely attached and extending beyond the extreme front of the vehicle. 

§3.20.20. REAR BUMPER REQUIRED

Each motor vehicle of the passenger car class, taxicabs and 
29

buses shall be equipped with a bumper on the rear of each 

vehicle securely attached to and extending beyond the extreme 

rear of the vehicle. 

§3.20.30. FENDER REQUIRED

No motor vehicle designed primarily to carry passengers shall 

be operated with the fenders removed. 

§3.20.40. SHARP EDGES 

No motor vehicle shall be operated if any part of the vehicle 

has a sharp or ragged edge that may snag any person or object 

while operating on Capitol Grounds. 

§3.20.50. EXTENDED FENDERS PROHIBITED

No motor vehicle shall be operated on Capitol Grounds if the 

fender, running board, bumper bar, or any other body part extends beyond the original margin or width of the fender line. 

§ 3.21. WINDOW GLAZING MATERIALS 

§3.21.10. SAFETY GLAZING MATERIALS

No motor vehicle manufactured or assembled after January 

1, 1936 shall be operated on Capitol Grounds unless it is 

equipped throughout with safety glazing materials of a type 

approved by the District of Columbia. 

§3.21.20. SAFETY GLAZING MATERIALS DEFINED

For the purposes of this section, the term “safety glazing materials” shall be construed to mean transparent glazing materials 

so formulated, treated, or combined with other materials as to 

reduce, in comparison with ordinary sheet glass or plate glass, 

the likelihood of injury to persons by objects from exterior 

sources or by these safety glazing materials when the glazing 

materials are cracked or broken. 

§3.21.30. RIGID-TYPE PLASTIC WINDOWS

The use of rigid-type clear plastic is restricted to side curtains 

or readily demountable windows, rear windows in the tops of 

convertible passenger cars, back lights, rear quarter lights and 

doors, in truck or truck-tractor cabs, in rear doors or taxicabs, 

in house or freight trailers, in the lights of lower part of folding 

doors when not over ten inches (10 in.) in the least dimension, 

in interior partitions and auxiliary wind deflectors, in standee 

windows in buses, and in openings in the roofs of tops. 

§3.21.40. FLEXIBLE-TYPE PLASTIC WINDOWS

The use of flexible-type, clear plastic is restricted to side curtains 

or readily demountable windows; rear windows in the tops of 

convertible passenger cars; and house or freight trailers. 
30

§ 3.22. TINTED WINDOWS 

a. MOTOR VEHICLES. No motor vehicle, other than a 

mini-van, may be operated or parked upon the public 

streets or spaces of Capitol Grounds with:

1. A front windshield or front side windows that 

allow less than 70% light transmittance; or

2. A rear windshield or rear side windows that allow 

less than 50% light transmittance.

b. MINI-VANS. No mini-van may be operated or parked 

upon the public streets or spaces of Capitol Grounds with:

1. A front windshield or front side windows that 

allow less than 55% light transmittance, or

2. A rear windshield or rear side windows that allow 

less than 35% light transmittance.

c. PERMISSIBLE TINTING. A motor vehicle may be operated or parked upon the public streets of the District 

of Columbia with a front windshield that allows less 

than 70% light transmittance above the AS-1 line, or 

within 5 inches from the top of the windshield.

§ 3.23. MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT

§3.24.10. SPEEDOMETER REQUIRED

Each motor vehicle operating on Capitol Grounds shall be 

equipped with a device in good working order to register the 

rate of speed of the vehicle in motion. Vehicles manufactured 

prior to January 1934 shall not be required to comply with this 

provision so long as proof is offered that machine parts for the 

maintenance of such devices are not available or where the 

manufacturer has dissolved or discontinued business.

§3.24.20. TELEVISION EQUIPMENT

No television equipment shall be installed in or on any motor 

vehicle in a manner which will make the reception of the 

television visible to the vehicle operator while the vehicle is in 

motion. 

§3.24.30. RADAR DETECTORS AND JAMMERS

No person shall use or have in his possession in an automobile 

on Capitol Grounds any device used to detect or counteract 

police radar. 

§ 3.24. SEAT BELTS

§3.24.10. DEFINITIONS

The following definitions apply to the terms in this section only:

a. MOTOR VEHICLE: an automotive transportation 

device with more than three (3) wheels and a seating 
31

capacity of eight (8) or less passengers, not including 

the driver.

b. PROPERLY RESTRAINED: strapped around the waist 

or torso of a passenger by a safety belt built into the 

motor vehicle.

§3.24.20. SEAT BELT REQUIRED

Except as provided in §3.25.20, the driver and all passengers 

in a motor vehicle shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened 

safety belt while the driver is in control of the vehicle. This 

provision does not apply to operators or passengers in the 

following circumstances:

a. Riders in a motor vehicle manufactured before July 1, 1966;

b. Riders who possess a written verification from a 

licensed physician that the rider is unable to wear a 

safety belt for medical reasons;

c. Riders who are passengers in a vehicle if all seating 

positions with seat belts in the vehicle are occupied by 

other persons. The driver shall ensure that children 

sixteen (16) years of age and under have preference to 

seating positions with seat belts over persons more than 

16 years of age; and,

d. Operators of taxicabs who possess valid taxicab license 

while picking up or transporting passengers for hire 

between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

§3.24.30. LIABILITY

The driver of the vehicle shall be responsible for ensuring the 

passengers comply with this section. Operators of passenger 

vehicles for hire are not responsible for ensuring passenger 

compliance with this section.

§3.24.40. COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS

All seat belts or safety harnesses, including the installation and 

anchorages thereof, shall meet or exceed the standards and 

specifications published by the United States Department of 

Commerce and the Society of Automotive Engineers applicable to such equipment, installation, and anchorages current at 

the time such devices are installed and continuously maintained to conform to these standards. 

§3.24.50. VEHICLES FOR HIRE

All public vehicles for hire shall have operating seat belts for 

each passenger and display a sign which states the following: 

“District of Columbia law requires mandatory use of seat belts. 

A fifty dollar ($50) fine applies for violations.” 
32

§ 3.25. CHILD RESTRAINT

§3.25.10. DEFINITIONS

The following definitions apply to the terms in this section only:

a. CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT: any motor vehicle restraint 

system which has been designed to protect children and 

has been approved pursuant to all current and applicable federal safety standards.11

b. OPERATOR: a person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.

c. PROPERLY RESTRAINED: 

When used in reference to the use of a:

1. Safety Belt means secured with the lap portion 

of a safety belt which is provided in a motor 

vehicle.

2. Child Restraint Seat means secured in a child 

restraint seat which itself has been fastened to 

the motor vehicle by a safety belt and in which 

all securing straps are being used.

d. TRANSPORT: to have a child of less than sixteen (16) 

years of age as a passenger in a motor vehicle while the 

operator is seated in the driver position and the motor 

vehicle is either parked or in motion.

e. MOTOR VEHICLE: any device with more than three 

(3) wheels and a seating capacity of eight (8) or fewer 

passengers, exclusive of the operator, which is propelled 

by an internal-combustion engine, electricity or steam 

and which is designed used or maintained for passenger 

or recreational purposes, or which is designed, used, 

or maintained for transporting freight, merchandise or 

other commercial loads or property. The term “motor 

vehicle” does not include any device used for livery, 

sightseeing, taxi, ambulance, funeral or farm purposes; 

or any device with more than three (3) wheels which is 

propelled by an internal-combustion engine, electricity 

or steam and which has a seating capacity of more than 

eight (8) passengers, exclusive of the operator.

§3.25.20. REQUIREMENTS

a. CHILDREN UNDER THREE. The operator of a motor 

vehicle may not transport any child of less than three 

(3) years of age unless the child is properly restrained in 

a child restraint seat. 

b. CHILDREN UNDER SIXTEEN. The operator of a motor vehicle shall not transport any child under sixteen 

(16) years of age unless the child is properly restrained 

11 See D.C. Code §50-1074. 
33

in an approved child safety restraint system or restrained in a seat belt. Children under eight (8) years of 

age shall be properly seated in an installed infant, convertible (toddler) or booster child safety seat, according 

to the manufacturer’s instructions. A booster seat shall 

only be used with both a lap and shoulder belt.

c. EXCEPTION. A parent or legal guardian may transport 

his or her own child without restraint if that person is 

transporting a number of his or her own children less 

than sixteen (16) years of age which exceeds the number of passenger positions equipped with safety belts in 

the motor vehicle. However, an unrestrained child may 

not be transported in the front seat of a motor vehicle.

§ 3.26. EXHAUST EMISSION SYSTEMS

§3.26.10. GOOD WORKING ORDER

When any motor vehicle was originally equipped with an 

emission control system, that system shall be maintained in 

good working order, and no person shall disconnect any part 

of that system, except temporarily in order to make repairs, 

replacements, or adjustments, and no person shall modify or 

alter that system in its operation. 

§3.26.20. POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM

No person shall operate, and no owner shall cause or permit 

to be operated, any motor vehicle originally equipped with 

a pollution control system while any part of that system is 

disconnected or while that system or its operation is modified 

or altered. 

§3.26.30. VISIBLE SMOKE AND FUMES

The engine, power, and exhaust mechanism of each motor 

vehicle shall be equipped, adjusted, and operated to prevent 

the escape from the vehicle of a trail of visible fumes or smoke 

for more than ten (10) consecutive seconds.
34

CHAPTER 4

INSPECTION STICKER REQUIREMENTS

§ 4.1. GENERAL 

§4.1.10. INSPECTION OF EQUIPMENT

Any police officer or other authorized agent of the Board may 

inspect and test the lights, brakes, steering assembly, tires, equipment horn, emission control equipment, exhaust emissions or 

other device at any time a vehicle is on Capitol Grounds. 

§ 4.2. INSPECTION STICKERS

§4.2.10. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RESIDENTS

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate, park, or permit 

to be operated or parked any vehicle with current District of 

Columbia tags unless one of the following is displayed on the 

right side of the vehicle’s windshield:

a. A current District of Columbia inspection sticker;

b. A temporary District of Columbia inspection sticker; or

c. When transferring ownership for registration purposes, 

a temporary registration certificate issued by a registered dealer or repair shop when transferring ownership for registration purposes.

§4.2.20. NON-RESIDENTS

A vehicle owned by a non-resident and currently registered in 

another jurisdiction shall display the proper inspection sticker 

issued for the vehicle in accordance with the requirements of 

the issuing jurisdiction. 

§4.2.30. EXEMPTIONS

Vehicles bearing special bus identification, current dealer tags, 

transport tags, special use papers, vintage license tags or historic motor vehicle tags shall be exempt from the inspection 

sticker requirements in this section.

§ 4.3. DETACHED AND CONDEMNED STICKERS

§4.3.10. DETACHMENT MUTILATION AND LOSS

If an inspection sticker becomes wholly or partly detached from 

the place where it was attached or becomes mutilated or lost, 

the registrant or the person desiring registration (or their agent) 

shall present that motor vehicle or trailer to the inspection station where it was originally inspected within seventy-two (72) 

hours after the detachment, mutilation, or loss is discovered. 

§4.3.20. OPERATING WITH CONDEMNED STICKER

No person shall park, operate or permit to be operated any 

motor vehicle bearing a “condemned” sticker issued by any 

authorized agency from any jurisdiction on Capitol Grounds.
35

CHAPTER 5

IDENTIFICATION TAGS

§ 5.1. PROPER DISPLAY OF TAGS

§5.1.10. VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE DISTRICT OF 

COLUMBIA

Whenever a District of Columbia registered motor vehicle or 

trailer is being operated or left standing on Capitol Grounds, such 

vehicle shall display two (2) current identification tags, with one 

(1) on the front and the other on the rear; except as follows:

a. Motor vehicles need only display a special use identification tag on the rear of the vehicle only; and

b. Motor vehicles may display a souvenir presidential 

inauguration tag on the front of the vehicle not more 

than sixty (60) days before and not more than sixty (60) 

days after inauguration day so long as a current identification tag is displayed on the rear. 

§5.1.20. MISCELLANEOUS VEHICLES

Motorized bicycles, motorcycles, trailers and vehicles identified 

by a dealer’s tag or manufacturer’s tag shall display only one (1) 

valid identification tag on the rear of the vehicle. 

§5.1.30. NON-RESIDENT TAGS

A vehicle owned by a non-resident and currently registered in 

another jurisdiction shall display the proper identification tag 

or tags issued for the vehicle in accordance with the requirements of the issuing jurisdiction provided they are displayed 

in accordance with §6.1.40, §6.1.50, §6.1.60, and §6.1.80. 

§5.1.40. SWINGING TAGS 

Every owner shall securely fasten identification tags in a horizontal position to the vehicle for which they are issued at all 

times in order to prevent the tags from swinging. Vehicle tags 

shall be secured in a place and a position so they are clearly 

visible and at a height of not less than twelve inches (12 in.) 

from the ground measuring from the bottom of the tags.

§5.1.50. ILLEGIBLE TAGS

Every owner shall maintain identification tags so they are 

clearly legible and free from foreign materials. Foreign materials include any: 

a. Non-transparent materials placed on or over the tag(s);

b. Expired or unauthorized decals or stickers; or,

c. Markings or attachments of any kind, except as permitted by §5.1.60. 
36

§5.1.60. EMBLEMS 

No sign or emblem measuring more than twenty-four square 

inches (24) in area shall be attached to any license tag bracket. 

No sign or emblem of any size shall be placed in a way that 

obstructs any part of the identification tag from view. 

§5.1.70. VALIDATION STICKERS

Validation stickers issued by the District of Columbia that 

indicate the expiration of a motor vehicle’s registration period 

are required to be displayed as follows:

a. For vehicles registered prior to April 22, 2002, and all 

motorized bicycles, motorcycles, and trailers, the stickers shall be affixed to the tags; the month sticker placed 

at the lower left corner and year sticker placed at the 

lower right corner; and

b. For vehicles not listed in (a), the sticker shall be affixed 

to the inside of the vehicle’s windshield, on the driver’s 

side. 

§5.1.80. TAG COVERINGS 

No person shall operate a vehicle where the identifying numbers or letters on the identification tag are covered with glass, 

plastic, or any other type of material or substance. 

§ 5.2. LICENSING, REGISTRATION AND RECIPROCITY 

REQUIREMENTS

§5.2.10. GENERAL

Any motor vehicle owner or operator on Capitol Grounds 

must comply with all applicable District of Columbia motor 

vehicle licensing and registration laws, regulations and rules.

§ 5.3. FAILURE TO SURRENDER

§5.3.10. IDENTIFICATION TAGS

A registrant who loses or disposes of his or her ownership 

of a vehicle for which valid registration is outstanding shall 

remove, or cause to be removed, the owner’s identification tags 

from the vehicle. 

§5.3.20. SPECIAL LICENSE TAGS OR PARKING PERMIT

Whenever a special license tag or special parking permit 

issued by the District of Columbia is no longer needed by 

the applicant or the applicant is no longer eligible for those 

privileges set forth by the tag or permit, the applicant or the 

applicant’s representative shall, within ten (10) days, notify 

and surrender the tags or permit to the District of Columbia. 
37

§ 5.4. IMPROPER USE OF TAGS

§5.4.10. LENDING TAGS AND REGISTRATION

a. No person shall lend any temporary registration certificate, registration certificate, identification tag, or 

temporary identification tag issued to him or her to any 

to another person if that person would not be entitled 

to their use.

b. No person shall knowingly permit the use of any of 

these items by another person not entitled to them.

c. No person shall display on a vehicle any temporary 

registration certificate, identification tag, or temporary 

identification tag not issued for that vehicle or not otherwise lawfully used on the vehicle.

§5.4.20. DEALER TAGS

Dealer identification tags issued to a registered dealer shall be 

used solely for the purpose of operating vehicles owned by the 

dealer, if directly in furtherance of the business of the dealer, 

and only by the following persons:

a. The dealer, provided they carry proof of dealer registration at the time of operation;

b. The dealer’s salesperson, provided they carry their salesperson’s license at the time of operation; or

c. The dealer’s customer, provided:

1. The customer is accompanied by the dealer or the 

dealer’s salesperson and such person carries proof 

required by (a) or (b) at the time of operation; or

2. The vehicle displays a temporary registration certificate issued to that customer.12

12 See 18 DCMR § 503.8 for temporary registration certificate requirements. 
38

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39

ARTICLE II: MOTOR VEHICLES
40

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41

CHAPTER 6

CRIMINAL DRIVING OFFENSES

§ 6.1. PENALTIES

The provisions in this chapter are generated from the District of Columbia Traffic Act of 1925. Under 2 U.S.C. §1969, the Capitol Police 

Board is authorized to proscribe the penalties set forth in that Act. 

Therefore, the current penalties as set forth by the District of Columbia shall apply to the provisions in this chapter.13

§ 6.2. SPEEDING AND RECKLESS DRIVING

§6.2.10. RECKLESS DRIVING

A person shall be guilty of reckless driving if the person drives 

a vehicle upon a highway carelessly and heedlessly in willful or 

wanton disregard for the rights or safety of others, or without 

due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner 

so as to endanger or be likely to endanger a person or property.

§6.2.20. AGGRAVATED RECKLESS DRIVING

A person shall be guilty of aggravated reckless driving if the 

person violates §6.2.10 and the person does one or more of the 

following:

a. Operates the vehicle at a rate or speed at or greater than 

30 miles per hour over the stated speed limit;

b. Causes bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another; or

c. Causes property damage in excess of $1,000.

§ 6.3. FLEEING FROM A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IN 

A MOTOR VEHICLE

§6.3.10. DEFINITIONS

The following definitions apply to the terms in this section only:

a. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. A law enforcement 

officer means any sworn member of the United States 

Capitol Police or any other police force operating in DC.

b. SIGNAL. A signal is any communication made by 

hand, voice or the use of emergency lights, sirens or 

other visual or aural devices.

§6.3.20. FLEEING

No operator of a motor vehicle shall knowingly fail or refuse to 

bring the motor vehicle to an immediate stop, or flee or attempt 

to elude a law enforcement officer, following a law enforcement 

officer’s signal to bring the motor vehicle to a stop.

13 D.C. Code § 50-2201 et seq.
42

§ 6.4. LEAVING AFTER COLLIDING

Any person who operates or who is in physical control of a vehicle on 

Capitol Grounds who knows or has reason to believe that his or her 

vehicle has been in a collision shall immediately stop and:

a. INJURY TO PERSONS. Where another person is 

injured, call or cause another to call 911 or call or cause 

another to call for an ambulance or other emergency 

assistance if necessary, remain on the scene until law 

enforcement arrives, and provide identifying information to law enforcement and to the injured person;

b. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OR DOMESTIC ANIMAL. 

Where real or personal property belonging to another 

is damaged or a domestic animal is injured, provide 

identifying information to the owner or operator of the 

property or the owner of the domestic animal or, where 

the owner or operator of the property or the owner of the 

domestic animal is not present, provide or cause another 

to provide identifying information and the location of 

the collision, to law enforcement or 911; or

c. RISK POSED TO OTHERS. Where real or personal 

property or a wild or domestic animal, as a result of the 

collision, poses a risk to others, call or cause another 

to call 911 and provide identifying information, the 

location of the collision, and a description of the nature 

of the risk posed to others.

§ 6.5. OBJECT FALLING OR FLYING FROM VEHICLE

Any person who operates or who is in physical control of a vehicle 

within the District who knows or has reason to believe that an object 

likely to cause damage has detached from, fallen, or flown from his or 

her vehicle shall immediately stop and:

a. PERSONAL INJURY. Where another person is injured, 

call or cause another to call 911 or call or cause another 

to call for an ambulance or other emergency assistance 

if necessary, remain on the scene until law enforcement 

arrives, and provide identifying information to law 

enforcement and to the injured person;

b. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OR DOMESTIC ANIMAL. 

Where real or personal property belonging to another 

is damaged or a domestic animal is injured, provide 

identifying information to the owner or operator of the 

property or the owner of the domestic animal or, where 

the owner or operator of the property or the owner of 

the domestic animal is not present, provide or cause 

another to provide identifying information and the 

location of the event, to law enforcement or 911; or
43

c. RISK POSED TO OTHERS. Where real or personal 

property or a wild or domestic animal, as a result of the 

event, poses a risk to others, call or cause another to call 

911 and provide identifying information, the location 

of the collision, and a description of the nature of the 

risk posed to others.

§ 6.6. NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE

§6.6.10. NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE

Any person who, by the operation of any vehicle in a careless, 

reckless, or negligent manner, but not wilfully or wantonly, shall 

cause the death of another, including a pedestrian in a marked 

crosswalk, or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, shall be 

guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for 

not more than the amount set by law.

§6.6.20. NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE INCLUDED IN 

MANSLAUGHTER

The crime of negligent homicide defined in §6.6.10 shall be 

deemed to be included within every crime of manslaughter 

charged to have been committed in the operation of any vehicle, and in any case where a defendant is charged with manslaughter committed in the operation of any vehicle, if the jury 

shall find the defendant not guilty of the crime of manslaughter such jury may, in its discretion, render a verdict of guilty of 

negligent homicide.

§6.6.30. IMMODERATE SPEED NOT DEPENDENT ON LEGAL 

RATE OF SPEED

In any prosecution under §6.6.10 or §6.6.20, whether the defendant was driving at an immoderate rate of speed shall not 

depend upon the rate of speed fixed by law for operating such 

vehicle.

§ 6.7. IMPAIRED OPERATING AND DRIVING

§6.7.10. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR 

A DRUG

No person shall operate or be in physical control of any vehicle in the District:

a. While the person is intoxicated; or

b. While the person is under the influence of alcohol 

or any drug or any combination thereof.

§6.7.20. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR 

A DRUG: COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

No person shall operate or be in physical control of any commercial vehicle in the District:
44

a. While the person is intoxicated; or

b. While the person is under the influence of alcohol 

or any drug or any combination thereof.

§6.7.30. OPERATING A VEHICLE WHILE IMPAIRED

No person shall operate or be in physical control of any vehicle in the District while the person’s ability to operate or be in 

physical control of a vehicle is impaired by the consumption of 

alcohol or any drug or any combination thereof.

§6.7.40. OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL 

OR A DRUG: HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLE

No person shall operate or be in the physical control of any 

horse-drawn vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or 

any drug or any combination thereof.

§6.7.50. ADDITIONAL PENALTIES

a. COMMERCIAL VEHICLES. Any person violating 

§6.7.20 shall be subject to an additional 5 day mandatory minimum-term of incarceration.

b. DRIVING WITH A MINOR. A person convicted of 

any offense under §6.7, who at the time of operation or 

physical control of the vehicle had a minor, other than 

him or herself in the vehicle, shall, in addition to any 

applicable penalty set forth by law, be:

1. Fine. Fined a minimum of $500 and not more than 

$1,000 per minor; and

2. Incarceration. Be incarcerated for a mandatory 

minimum term of incarceration of:

i. If Restrained. 5 days per minor if the minor or 

minors are restrained in or by an age-appropriate 

child passenger-safety restraint; or

ii. If Not Restrained. 10 days per minor if the minor 

or minors are not restrained in, or by, an age-appropriate child passenger-safety restraint.
45

CHAPTER 7

MOVING INFRACTIONS

§ 7.1. GENERAL

§7.1.10. APPLICABILITY

The provisions of this chapter shall apply consistent with the 

provisions of these regulations. The provisions of this chapter 

shall apply at all times unless otherwise indicated by an official 

traffic control device or police officer. 

§7.1.20. OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES 

Every operator of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrians or any person propelling a human 

powered vehicle and shall give an audible signal when necessary, 

and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or 

any obviously confused, incapacitated, or intoxicated person.

a. DUE CARE. Exercise due care to avoid colliding with 

any pedestrian upon any roadway;

b. WARNING SOUND. Give warning by sounding the 

horn when necessary; and

c. CHILDREN AND INCAPACITATED PERSONS. Exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any 

confused or incapacitated person upon the roadway. 

§ 7.2. SPEED RESTRICTIONS

§7.2.10. MAXIMUM LAWFUL SPEED ON STREETS AND 

HIGHWAYS

The maximum lawful speed limit on all streets and highways 

shall be twenty-five (25) miles per hour. No person shall drive 

in excess of the maximum posted speed limit.

§7.2.20. MAXIMUM LAWFUL SPEED IN DRIVEWAYS, GARAGES 

AND UNDER ARCHWAYS

The maximum lawful speed on all roadways leading to, going 

through or leaving from, any archway, driveway or parking 

garage is five (5) miles per hour.

§7.2.30. REASONABLE SPEED FOR CONDITIONS

No person shall drive a vehicle on a street or highway at a speed 

greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions. 

§7.2.40. DUTY OF DUE CARE

Every operator shall control their speed at all times as is 

necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, or other 

conveyance on or entering the street or highway. 
46

§7.2.50. EXCESSIVE SPEEDING 

Any individual convicted for driving a vehicle on a street or 

highway at a speed greater than thirty (30) miles per hour 

over the legal speed limit shall be fined not more than three 

hundred dollars ($300) or be imprisoned for not more than 

ninety (90) days. 

§ 7.3. MINIMUM SPEED RESTRICTIONS

§7.3.10. REDUCED SPEED REQUIRED

The driver of every vehicle shall drive at an appropriate 

reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing; when approaching and going 

around a curve; when approaching a hill crest; when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway; and when special 

hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic, or by 

reason of weather or highway conditions. 

§7.3.20. IMPEDING TRAFFIC 

No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, 

except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or 

to be in compliance with the law. 

§ 7.4. PROPER USE OF THE ROADWAYS

§7.4.10. DRIVE ON RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD

Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven 

upon the right half of the roadway, except:

a. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under this section governing 

such movement;

b. When an obstruction exists making it necessary to 

drive to the left of the center of the roadway; any person 

so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles 

traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the roadway within such distance as to 

constitute an immediate hazard;

c. Upon a roadway designated and signed for one-way 

traffic; or

d. Upon a roadway divided into three (3) marked lanes for 

traffic. 

§7.4.20. SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES STAY TO THE RIGHT

Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the 

normal speed of traffic under the conditions then existing 

shall be driven in the right-hand plane then available for 

traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge 

of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another 

vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing 
47

for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road, driveway or alley. 

§7.4.30. PASSING VEHICLES PROCEEDING IN OPPOSITE 

DIRECTIONS

Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass 

each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for 

not more than one lane of traffic in each direction, each driver 

shall give to the other at least one-half of the main-traveled 

portion of the roadway as nearly as possible. 

§7.4.40. FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE

The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more 

closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for 

the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the roadway. 

§7.4.50. SUFFICIENT SPACE BETWEEN VEHICLES

The driver of any motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when 

traveling upon a roadway which is following another motor 

vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions 

permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle 

may enter and occupy the space in front of the drawing vehicle 

without danger, except that this shall not prevent a truck or 

motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and 

passing any like vehicle or other vehicle. 

§7.4.60. FAILURE TO CLEAR AN INTERSECTION

No driver shall enter an intersection or marked crosswalk, 

unless the movement can be made such that the vehicle can 

completely clear the intersection without obstructing the 

passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any 

official traffic control device indication to proceed. A vehicle 

shall not enter an intersection to turn right or left unless there 

is sufficient space on the roadway being entered to accommodate the vehicle. 

§ 7.5. DESIGNATED ROADWAYS

§7.5.10. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC

No person shall drive a vehicle in a direction other than the 

one indicated upon a roadway designated for one-way traffic.

§7.5.20. MULTIPLE-LANE ROADWAYS

Whenever any roadway has been divided into two (2) or more 

clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules shall apply:

a. STAY IN THE LANE. A vehicle shall be driven as nearly 

as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not 

be moved from that lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
48

b. THREE-LANE ROADWAYS. Upon a roadway which is 

divided into three (3) lanes and which provides for twoway movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in 

the center lane except when:

1. Overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling 

in the same direction when the center lane is clear 

of traffic within a safe distance;

2. In preparation for making or completing a turn; 

or,

3. Where the center lane is at the time allocated 

exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction 

than the vehicle is proceeding and the allocation is 

designated by official traffic control devices.

§7.5.30. DIVIDED ROADWAYS

Every vehicle shall be driven upon the right-hand roadway 

whenever any highway is divided by a physical barrier, intervening space or as otherwise indicated to impede vehicular 

traffic. 

§7.5.40. DRIVING THROUGH MEDIAN PROHIBITED

No vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any dividing 

space, barrier or section, except through an opening in the 

physical barrier or dividing section or space or at a crossover 

or intersection or an unraised, paved dividing section with 

pavement markings only, unless otherwise directed by official 

traffic control devices. 

§ 7.6. OVERTAKING AND PASSING

§7.6.10. APPLICATION

The rules set forth in this section shall govern the overtaking 

and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction. 

§7.6.20. OVERTAKING VEHICLE TO PASS ON LEFT

The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding 

in the same direction shall pass to the left of the vehicle at a 

safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the 

roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. 

§7.6.30. DRIVING ON LEFT SIDE OF ROADWAY

No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the 

roadway under the following conditions:

a. When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve 

in the highway where the driver’s view is obstructed 

within such distance as to create a hazard if another 

vehicle approaches from the opposite direction;

b. When approaching within one hundred feet (100 ft.) of 

or while traversing any intersection or railroad grade 

crossing;
49

c. On the roadway of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel; and

d. On the approach roadway within one hundred feet (100 

ft.) of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel. 

The above-listed restrictions shall not apply to driving on a 

one-way roadway.

§7.6.40. OVERTAKEN VEHICLE TO GIVE WAY

Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, 

the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in 

favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not 

increase the speed of his or her vehicle until completely passed 

by the overtaking vehicle. 

§7.6.50. PASSING ON THE RIGHT

The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right 

of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

a. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make 

a left turn;

b. On a street or highway with unobstructed pavement 

not occupied by parked vehicles and of sufficient width 

for two (2) or more lines of moving vehicles in each 

direction; and

c. On a one-way street or upon any roadway upon which 

traffic is restricted to one direction of movement; where 

the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient 

width for two (2) or more lines of moving vehicles. 

§7.6.60. UNSAFE PASSING ON THE RIGHT

The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle 

on the right only under permitting such movement in safety. 

In no event shall the passing movement be made by driving 

off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway. 

§7.6.70. UNSAFE PASSING ON THE LEFT

No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the 

roadway while overtaking and passing another vehicle unless 

the left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic 

for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the overtaking and 

passing to be completed without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction 

or any vehicle overtaken. 

§7.6.80. RETURN AFTER OVERTAKING

In every event, an overtaking vehicle must return to the right 

hand side of the roadway before coming within one hundred 

feet (100 ft.) of any vehicle approaching from the opposite 

direction. 

§7.6.90. OVERTAKING BICYCLES

a. BICYCLE LANES. On any street where official traffic 
50

control devices have been erected giving notice that 

bicycles are entitled to the use of the full right-hand 

lane then available for moving traffic, the driver of a 

motor vehicle shall not drive within that right hand 

lane while overtaking or passing a bicycle being driven 

in that lane, and after overtaking or passing, shall not 

drive into that right-hand lane until safely clear of the 

overtaken bicycle. 

b. 3 FOOT DISTANCE. A person driving a motor vehicle 

shall exercise due care by leaving a safe distance, but in 

no case less than three (3) feet, when overtaking and 

passing a bicycle. 

§ 7.7. TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS

§7.7.10. APPLICATION

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection 

shall abide by the provisions in this section unless otherwise 

indicated by a button, sign or marker, in which case the driver 

shall turn as indicated. 

§7.7.20. RIGHT TURNS

The driver shall turn as close as practicable to the right-hand 

curb or edge of the roadway when approaching or making a 

right turn.

§7.7.30. LEFT TURN FROM A TWO-WAY STREET ONTO A 

TWO-WAY STREET

When making a left-turn from a two-way street into another 

two-way street, the driver shall approach the turn from the 

right half of the roadway nearest to the center line of that 

roadway. After entering the intersection, the driver shall turn 

into the lane nearest to the right center line of the roadway 

being entered. 

§7.7.40. LEFT TURN FROM A TWO-WAY STREET ONTO A 

ONE-WAY STREET

When making a left turn from a two-way street into a oneway street, the driver shall approach from the right half of the 

roadway nearest the center line of the roadway. The driver 

shall stay to the right of the center line after entering the intersection.

§7.7.50. LEFT TURN FROM A ONE-WAY STREET ONTO A 

ONE-WAY STREET 

When making a left turn from a one-way street into a two-way 

street, the driver shall approach from the portion of the roadway as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the 

roadway. After entering the intersection, the driver shall turn 

into the lane nearest to the right center line of the roadway 

being entered.
51

§7.7.60. LEFT TURN FROM A ONE-WAY STREET ONTO A 

ONE-WAY STREET

Where both streets and roadways are one-way, both the approach for a left turn and a left turn shall be made as close as 

practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway. 

§7.7.70. CUT-OFF ROADWAYS

At intersections where “cut-off ” roadways have been provided 

to facilitate a right turn, all vehicles emerging from such “cutoff ” roadways shall turn to the right. 

§7.7.80. UNBALANCED TRAFFIC LANES

The word “center line” shall mean the line between the two (2) 

directions of flow on streets during the hours designated for 

unbalanced traffic lanes. 

§7.7.90. IMPROPER TURNING

No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the 

vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway, as required in 

this section. 

§ 7.8. TURNING REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS

§7.8.10. TURNING AROUND BEFORE A CURVE OR CREST OF 

GRADE 

No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite 

direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near 

the crest of a grade, where such vehicle cannot be seen by the 

driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction 

within five hundred feet (500 ft.). 

§7.8.20. SAFE TURN REQUIRED

No person shall turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move 

right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement 

can be made with reasonable safety. 

§7.8.30. PROPER TURN SIGNAL

No person shall turn any vehicle to enter a private road or 

driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or 

move right or left upon a roadway without giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided by these regulations if any 

other traffic may be affected by the movement. 

§7.8.40. INTENTION TO TURN 

A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall 

be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet (100 ft.) traveled by the vehicle before turning. 

§7.8.50. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC MARKERS

When authorized markers, buttons, or other indications are 
52

placed within or between intersections indicating the course 

to be traveled by vehicles, no driver of a vehicle shall disobey 

the directions of the indications. 

§7.8.60. OBEDIENCE TO SIGNS 

Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating that “No 

Right Turn” or “No Left Turn” or “No U-Turn” is permitted, no 

driver of a vehicle shall disobey the directions of any such sign. 

§7.8.70. U-TURN AT AN INTERSECTION

No vehicle shall make a U-turn so as to proceed in the opposite 

direction at any intersection controlled by traffic lights or police 

officer, or on a crosswalk adjacent to such an intersection. 

§7.8.80. TURNING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION

The driver of any vehicle shall not turn a vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless such movement can be 

made in safety and without interfering with other traffic. 

§ 7.9. PROPER SIGNALS FOR TURNING AND STOPPING

§7.9.10. PROPER SIGNALS 

Required stop or turn signals shall be given by using the hand 

and arm, by a signal lamp or lamps, or by means of a mechanical signal device, except as otherwise provided in this section.

§7.9.20. SIGNAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED 

Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with 

signal lamp(s) or mechanical signal device when required by 

Chapter 4.14 If any motor vehicle is required to be equipped 

with a signal lamp(s) or mechanical signal devices, the required signal shall be given by means of lamps or devices. 

§7.9.30. SIGNAL FROM THE LEFT OF THE VEHICLE

All signals required by this chapter to be given by hand-andarm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the 

following manner and the signals shall indicate as follows:

a. LEFT TURN: Hand and arm extended horizontally;

b. RIGHT TURN: Hand and arm extended upward; and,

c. STOP OR DECREASE SPEED: Hand and arm extended downward. 

§ 7.10. STARTING, STOPPING AND BACKING

§7.10.10. SAFE STARTING

No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing, 

or parked unless and until the movement can be made with 

reasonable safety. 

14 Chapter 3 (“Equipment”).
53

§7.10.20. SUDDEN STOPS OR DECREASE OF SPEED

A person shall not stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a 

vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal to the driver 

immediately to the rear. The signal shall be given as soon as 

there is an opportunity and in accordance with the provisions 

of this chapter. 

§7.10.30. BACKING UP SAFELY 

The driver of a vehicle shall not back the vehicle unless the 

backing movement can be made with reasonable safety and 

without interfering with other traffic. 

§ 7.11. RIGHT-OF-WAY

§7.11.10. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY TO YIELD

a. EMERGING FROM A PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY. 

The driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, building, 

private road or driveway shall stop the vehicle immediately prior to driving onto the sidewalk or sidewalk 

area. If there is no sidewalk or sidewalk area, the driver 

shall stop at the point nearest to the street where the 

driver has a view of approaching traffic. 

b. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS ON SIDEWALK. The driver of a vehicle crossing a sidewalk or sidewalk area shall 

yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and all other 

traffic using the sidewalk or sidewalk area. 

c. ENTERING OR CROSSING A ROADWAY. The driver 

of a vehicle about to enter or cross a roadway from an 

alley or from any place other than another roadway 

shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching 

on the roadway to be entered or crossed. 

§7.11.20. INTERSECTIONS

a. VEHICLE TURNING LEFT. The driver of a vehicle 

intending to leave a public roadway by turning left between intersections shall yield the right-of-way to any 

vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which 

is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. 

b. SAME-TIME APPROACH. When two (2) vehicles 

approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the 

vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the 

vehicle on the right. 

c. APPROACHING FROM OPPOSITE DIRECTION. 

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left shall 

yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from 

the opposite direction which is so close as to constitute 

an immediate hazard. 
54

§7.11.30. STOP AND YIELD SIGNS

a. APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. Every driver of a 

vehicle approaching a “Stop” sign shall stop at a clearly 

marked stop line before entering the intersecting roadway; if there is no stop line, the driver shall stop before 

entering the nearest crosswalk; if there is no crosswalk, 

the driver shall stop at the point nearest the intersecting 

roadway where the driver has a view of approaching 

traffic on that roadway.

b. WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. After having 

stopped for a stop sign, the driver shall yield the right-ofway to any traffic in the intersection or approaching on 

another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate 

hazard during the time when the driver is moving across 

or within the intersection or junction of roadways. The 

driver shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. 

c. APPROACHING A YIELD SIGN. 

1. The driver of a vehicle approaching a “YIELD” 

sign shall slow down to a speed reasonable for the 

existing conditions. 

2. When required for safety, the driver shall stop at 

a clearly marked stop line; if there is no stop line, 

the driver shall stop before entering the nearest 

crosswalk; if there is no crosswalk, the driver shall 

stop at the point nearest the intersecting roadway 

where the driver has a view of approaching traffic 

on that roadway. 

3. After slowing or stopping for a yield sign, the 

driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to 

any traffic in the intersection or approaching on 

another roadway so closely as to constitute an 

immediate hazard during the time the driver is 

moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways.

4. The driver shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians; if the driver is involved in a collision with 

a vehicle in the intersection or with a pedestrian, 

after driving past a “YIELD” sign without stopping, the collision shall be considered prima facie 

evidence of failure to yield the right-of-way. 

§7.11.40. OTHER AREAS

a. ENTERING A TRAFFIC CIRCLE. The driver of a 

vehicle approaching a traffic circle shall yield the rightof-way to traffic already within the circle unless official 

traffic control devices indicate otherwise. 

b. ENTERING A FREEWAY. The driver of a vehicle 

entering a freeway by way of an access ramp shall yield 

the right-of-way to traffic on the freeway. 
55

§7.11.50. PEDESTRIANS

a. MARKED OR UNMARKED CROSSWALKS. When 

official traffic-control signals are not in place or not in 

operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop and give 

the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway 

within any marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at 

an intersection. 

b. CROSSING ON “WALK” SIGNAL. A driver of any 

vehicle shall stop and give the right-of-way to a pedestrian who has begun crossing on the “Walk” signal 

to continue to the opposite sidewalk or safety island, 

whichever is nearest. 

§7.11.60. SCHOOL BUSES

a. FLASHING WARNING LIGHT. The driver of a vehicle approaching a school bus with the warning light 

flashing shall prepare to stop the vehicle and bring the 

vehicle to a complete stop not less than fifteen (15 ft.) 

from the school bus. This applies to vehicles approaching from any direction with the exception of vehicles 

approaching from the opposite direction on a street 

with a median strip divider. 

b. WAIT TO PROCEED. A driver who has stopped for 

a school bus, in accordance with this section, shall not 

proceed until the visual signals are no longer actuated. 

§ 7.12. EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND FIRE TRUCKS

§7.12.10. MOVE-OVER LAW

Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency 

vehicle making use of audible and visual signals that meets the 

requirements of these regulations or of a police officer properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only; the driver 

of every vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and immediately 

drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the 

right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection. That driver shall stop and remain in that position until 

the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.

§7.12.20. DUTY OF CARE 

This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due 

regard for the safety of all persons using the highway. 

§7.12.30. FOLLOWING FIRE TRUCK

a. No driver of any vehicle shall follow any fire apparatus 

traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than five 

hundred (500) feet. 

c. No driver shall drive into or park such vehicle within 

the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to 

a fire alarm. 
56

§7.12.40. DRIVING OVER FIRE HOSE

No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire 

department when laid down on any street, private driveway, or 

streetcar track without the consent of a police or fire department official. 

§ 7.13. COASTING

§7.13.10. MOTOR VEHICLES

No driver of any motor vehicle shall coast with the gears of the 

vehicle in neutral when traveling upon a down grade.

§ 7.14. OBSTRUCTION AND PASSENGER INTERFERENCE

§7.14.10. LOADED VEHICLE 

No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded that:

a. The front or side view of the driver is obstructed; or, 

b. There is interference with the driver’s control over the 

driving mechanism of the vehicle.

§7.14.20. EXCESS PASSENGER OBSTRUCTION

No person shall drive a vehicle with more than three (3) persons in the front seat if:

a. The front or side view of the driver is obstructed; or, 

b. There is interference with the driver’s control over the 

driving mechanism of the vehicle. 

§7.14.30. PASSENGER INTERFERENCE

No passenger in a vehicle or streetcar shall ride in a position that: 

a. Obstructs the driver or operator’s view ahead or to the 

sides; or, 

b. Interferes with the driver or operator’s control over the 

driving mechanism of the vehicle or streetcar. 

§7.14.40. FULL TIME AND ATTENTION

An operator shall give full time and attention to the operation 

of the vehicle while that vehicle is being operated. 

§7.14.50. RUNNING BOARDS

No person shall ride on the running board of a motor vehicle 

while that vehicle is in motion and no driver of a motor vehicle shall permit such standing.

§7.14.60. DESIGNATED PASSENGER AREAS 

No person shall ride on any portion of any vehicle which is 

not designed or intended for the use of passengers and no 

driver of a vehicle shall permit such riding. This provision 

shall not apply to an employee engaged in the necessary 

discharge of his or her duty or to persons riding within truck 

bodies in space intended for materials. 
57

§7.14.70. SUSPENDED OBJECTS

No person shall operate any vehicle on Capitol Grounds that 

has an object:

a. Attached to or suspended from the rear view mirror or 

rear view mirror bracket; 

b. Attached to or suspended from the windshield, rear 

window or any front side window; or 

c. Attached to or suspended from the frame of the windshield, rear window or any front side window. 

This section shall not be construed to prohibit the hanging of 

clothing or other objects from a hanger attached to either of 

the rear-side windows of a vehicle, nor shall it be construed to 

prohibit the display of a sticker authorized or required to be 

displayed by law.

§ 7.15. OPEN DOORS AND BOARDING 

§7.15.10. BOARDING IN MOTION

No person shall board or alight from a vehicle while the vehicle is in motion nor shall any driver permit such action. 

§7.15.20. SWINGING DOORS 

No motor vehicle shall be operated with the front door(s), side 

door(s), or rear door(s) tied open or swinging. 

§7.15.30. OPEN DOORS

a. No person shall open a vehicle door if it interferes with 

the safety of moving traffic, pedestrians or with the 

safety of any person in the vehicle. 

b. No person shall leave a vehicle door open longer than 

is necessary to receive or discharge the passenger(s) 

entering or leaving the vehicle.

§ 7.16. RIDING ON MOTORCYCLES 

§7.16.10. GENERAL

a. No person shall ride on a seat other than the permanent 

seat attached to the motorcycle. 

b. No person other than the operator shall ride on a motorcycle that is only designed to carry one (1) nor shall 

the operator allow any additional person to ride on a 

motorcycle only designed to carry one (1) person.

§7.16.20. PASSENGERS 

If a motorcycle is equipped to carry more than one (1) person, 

the-passenger may only ride upon:

a. The permanent seat attached to the motorcycle as long 

as that seat is designed for two (2) persons;
58

b. A seat that is firmly attached to the rear or side of the 

motorcycle and provided with foot rests and handgrips; 

or, 

c. In a side car attached to the motorcycle. 

§7.16.30. PROTECTIVE HELMET REQUIRED

No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless 

wearing a protective helmet that meets current safety standards, in a manner for which the helmet was designed. 

§7.16.40. PROTECTIVE GEAR

a. No person shall operate a motorcycle unless they are 

wearing spectacles with safety glass lenses or a pair of 

goggles or a face shield. All protective gear must meet 

current safety standards and worn or used in the manner for which they were designed. 

b. If the operator is not wearing any protective eye wear, 

the motorcycle must be equipped with a wind screen or 

shield in accordance with Chapter 3.15

§ 7.17. RESTRICTED STREETS

§7.17.10. CLOSED STREETS

No person shall operate a vehicle on a street that has been 

closed to vehicular traffic except as specifically permitted by 

an official traffic control device.

§7.17.20. DRIVING OVER BARRIERS

No person shall drive any vehicle across or over any public 

street at which there is any official barrier, sign, or authorized 

person indicating that the street is closed, except as otherwise 

provided. 

§7.17.30. BUS RESTRICTIONS

Whenever authorized signs are erected to restrict buses from 

any street or portion of a street, no person shall operate a bus 

upon such street or portion of the street at anytime unless 

otherwise excepted as stated on an official authorized sign.

§ 7.18. TRUCKS 

§7.18.10. TRUCK INTERDICTION 

Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating a truck restriction, no person shall operate the type of truck prohibited 

on the street, unless specifically authorized by the Board.16 

15 Chapter 3 (“Equipment”). 16 See Appendix E for “United States Capitol Police Board Regulations for the Truck 

Interdiction Program Providing for the Extended Capitol Police Jurisdiction Zone” 

(Nov. 12, 2003). 
59

§ 7.19. SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTES

§7.19.10. EFFECTIVE TIRES 

No person in charge of a motor vehicle operated on any street 

designated as a Snow Emergency Route shall allow the vehicle 

to become stalled on that street due to the fact that the driving 

wheels of the vehicle are not equipped with tire chains or 

effective snow tires. This provision is in effect whenever there 

is snow, sleet or freezing rain falling or covering the street.

§7.19.20. PARKING PROHIBITION

Whenever there is a parking prohibition in effect on street 

designated as a Snow Emergency Route the following provisions shall apply:

a. NO FUEL. No person in charge of a motor vehicle 

operated on any street designated as a Snow Emergency 

Route shall allow the vehicle to become stalled on that 

street due to the fact that the motor fuel supply of the 

vehicle is exhausted.

b. STALLED VEHICLE. The person in charge of a stalled 

motor vehicle shall take action without delay to have 

the vehicle towed or pushed off the roadway. This 

provision does not permit the violation of any other law 

or regulation and applies to any vehicle stalled for any 

reason. 

c. ABANDONED VEHICLE. No person shall abandon or 

leave a motor vehicle in the roadway of a Snow Emergency Route at any time when the parking of motor 

vehicles on that route has been prohibited. A standing 

vehicle is not considered abandoned if (1) the operator 

leaves the vehicle for the purpose of securing assistance for a time necessary to secure such assistance and 

returns to and remains with the stalled vehicle until its 

removal and (2) the operator has placed on the windshield prior to leaving the vehicle stating the location 

where the person is seeking assistance and the approximate time of departure. 

§ 7.20. MISCELLANEOUS MOVING INFRACTIONS

§7.20.10. UNNECESSARY NOISE

No vehicle shall be operated or used in such a manner as to 

cause unnecessary or disturbing noise. 

§7.20.20. PARALLEL PARKING

When the driver of a vehicle desires to park at the curb when 

there is room enough for only one (1) car between two (2) other 

cars, the driver shall drive forward until parallel to the car ahead 

of the space and back cautiously into the parking space. 
60

§7.20.30. DRIVING OVER SIDEWALKS 

The driver of a vehicle shall not drive within or across any 

permanent sidewalk area except at a permanent or temporary 

driveway or as provided by these regulations. 

§7.20.40. FIXED OBJECTS

No vehicle shall be operated so that the vehicle or any load 

on it strikes any part of a building, landscape or architectural 

feature on Capitol Grounds. This provision shall not apply to 

authorized vehicles working within the scope of official duty. 

§7.20.50. OVERTAKING A STOPPED VEHICLE 

Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at 

an unmarked crosswalk at any intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped 

vehicle. 

§7.20.60. LITTERING FROM VEHICLE

No person shall dispose or cause or allow the disposal of litter 

from a vehicle upon any public or private property. Litter shall 

include all rubbish, waste matter, refuse, garbage, trash, debris, 

dead animals, or other discarded materials of every kind and 

description. 

§ 7.21. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN MOTOR VEHICLES 

§7.21.10. OPEN CONTAINER

No person shall operate or ride in a vehicle when any opened 

alcoholic beverage is in or on the vehicle.

§7.21.20. TRUNK CARGO OR STORAGE AREA

An opened alcoholic beverage container may be carried in the 

trunk, cargo area, or storage compartment as long as the area 

is inaccessible from the passenger area.

§7.21.30. CLOSED CONTAINERS

If the vehicle does not have a trunk, cargo area, or storage 

compartment that is inaccessible from the passenger area, an 

opened alcoholic beverage may be carried in the vehicle so long 

as the container has been capped, corked, or otherwise closed 

and the container is completely enclosed in a manner that does 

not allow a person to consume the alcoholic beverage. 

§7.21.40. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this section, the term:

a. OPENED ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTAINER

means an alcoholic beverage in a bottle, can, or other 

container which is open or from which the top, cap, cork, 

seal, or tab seal has at some time been removed; and,
61

b. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE means a liquid or solid, 

patented or not, containing alcohol capable of being 

consumed by a human being. The term “alcoholic beverage” shall not include a liquid or solid containing less 

than one-half of 1% of alcohol by volume.17

17 As defined in § 3 of the District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, approved January 24, 1934 (48 Stat.319; D.C. Code § 25-101).
62

CHAPTER 8

PARKING, STANDING AND STOPPING

INFRACTIONS

§ 8.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

§8.1.10. APPLICABILITY

a. TIME STATED. The provisions of this chapter that 

prohibit the standing or parking of a vehicle shall apply 

at all times, at the times specified in each section or as 

indicated on official signs. 

b. EXCEPTIONS. The provisions of this chapter do not 

apply if it is necessary to stop a vehicle to avoid conflict 

with other traffic or if in compliance with the direction 

of a police officer or official traffic control device. The 

provisions of this chapter do not apply to person issued 

Emergency Parking Permits in accordance with §8.13.18

c. MOST RESTRICTIVE PROVISIONS APPLY. The 

provisions of this chapter that impose a time limit on 

parking shall not relieve any person from the duty to 

observe other and more restrictive provisions that prohibit or limit stopping, standing or parking of vehicles 

in specified places or at specified times. 

§8.1.20. PRESUMPTION IN REFERENCE TO ILLEGAL PARKING

In any prosecution charging a violation of any regulation 

governing the standing or parking of a vehicle, proof that the 

particular vehicle described in the information was parked in 

violation of any such regulation, together with proof that the 

defendant named in the information was at the time of such 

parking the registered owner of such vehicle, shall constitute 

in evidence a prima facie presumption that the registered 

owner of such vehicle was the person who parked or placed 

such vehicle at the point where, and for the time during which 

such violation occurred. 

§ 8.2. PROPER PARKING

§8.2.10. NO PARKING IN VIOLATION OF SIGNS

It shall be unlawful to park any unauthorized vehicle in 

violation of the parking restrictions stated on the sign wherever and whenever signs are erected that indicate parking is 

prohibited or restricted.

§8.2.20. PARK IN THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC

No person shall stand or park a vehicle in a roadway other 

than parallel with the edge of the roadway headed in the direction of lawful traffic movement. 

18 §8.14 (“Emergency Parking Permits”).
63

§8.2.30. PARK WITHIN 12” OF CURB

a. TWO-WAY STREETS. A person shall stand or park a 

vehicle on a two-way street with the right-hand wheels 

of the vehicle within twelve inches (12 in.) of the right 

curb or edge of the roadway. 

b. ONE-WAY STREETS. On a one-way street, a vehicle 

may be parked in the same manner as on a two-way 

street or may park with the left-hand wheels of the 

vehicle adjacent to and within twelve inches (12 in.) of 

the left-hand curb. 

§8.2.40. LEFT-SIDE PARKING PROHIBITED

If a highway includes two (2) or more separate roadways and 

traffic is restricted to one direction upon any such roadway, no 

person shall stand or park a vehicle upon the left-hand side of 

such one-way roadway unless signs are erected to permit such 

standing or parking.

§8.2.50. MOTORCYCLE PARKING

A person may park a motorcycle or motorized bicycle in a 

direction other than parallel with the edge of the roadway, 

including perpendicular with the curb, if the motorcycle or 

motorized bicycle does not obstruct the flow of traffic. 

§ 8.3. GENERAL PARKING

§8.3.10. UNPAVED AREAS

No vehicle shall be parked or left standing on any part of Capitol Grounds that is not prepared for vehicular travel. 

§8.3.20. PARKING FOR PERMIT-HOLDERS ONLY

No vehicle shall park in any space where parking is limited 

to holders of official parking permits issued by the House or 

Senate Sergeant at Arms.

§8.3.30. PARK BETWEEN THE LINES

A vehicle shall be parked between the markers or lines that 

designate the parking space. Persons who park in such a way 

that cause another vehicle to be parked in violation of this 

subsection shall be held liable for violation of this subsection.

§8.3.40. PARKING BETWEEN TWO VEHICLES

When the driver of a vehicle desires to park at the curb when 

there is room enough for only one car between two other cars, 

he shall drive up parallel with the car ahead of the space and 

back cautiously into the parking space.

§8.3.50. RESERVED PARKING SPACES FOR DISABLED 

INDIVIDUALS

Parking for individuals with disabilities is permitted only for 

use of individuals with disabilities utilizing vehicles displaying 
64

special license tags or special permits issued pursuant valid 

federal or state law. 

§ 8.4. NO SIGN REQUIRED: STOPPING, STANDING AND 

PARKING

No person shall stop, stand, or park a motor vehicle or trailer, whether occupied or not, in any of the following places:

a. Within an intersection;

b. On a crosswalk;

c. Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing, or parking would 

obstruct traffic;

d. Upon any bridge, viaduct, or other elevated structure, 

freeway, highway tunnel, or ramps leading to or from 

such structures, or within a highway tunnel;

e. On any median, channelizing island, or safety zone, 

whether made of concrete, grass, or other material and 

with curbs or otherwise delineated by solid yellow or 

white lines;

f. In any driveway, alley entrance, or other way when stopping, standing or parking would obstruct the flow of 

pedestrians or other lawful traffic upon any sidewalk;

g. In a bicycle lane; or,

h. On the sidewalk. 

Parking in the above-listed areas is only permissible when necessary 

to avoid conflict with other traffic, to be in compliance with the law or 

at the direction of a police officer, sign or traffic control device.

§ 8.5. NO SIGN REQUIRED: STANDING OR PARKING ONLY

No person shall stand or park a motor vehicle or trailer, whether 

occupied or not, in any of the following places:

a. In front of or within five feet (5 ft.) of an alley, public 

driveway, or private driveway;

b. Within ten feet (10 ft.) of a fire hydrant;

c. Within forty feet (40 ft.) of the intersection of curb lines 

of intersecting streets or within twenty-five feet (25 

ft.) of the intersection of curb lines on the far (non-approach) side of a one-way street, unless the car has been 

issued a valid residential parking permit;19

d. Within twenty-five feet (25 ft.) of the approach side of 

any “STOP” or “YIELD” sign located at the side of the 

roadway;

e. Within fifty feet (50 ft.) of a railroad crossing;

19 See §8.14 (“Residential Parking Permits”).
65

f. Within twenty feet (20 ft.) of a fire station driveway 

entrance;

g. In or on any street or roadway when such parking will 

reduce the width of the open roadway to less than ten 

feet (10 ft.);

h. In front of any barricade or sign that has been placed 

for the purpose of closing the street; or,

i. In any fire lane located on public or private space. 

Parking in the above-listed areas is only permissible when necessary 

to avoid conflict with other traffic, to be in compliance with the law 

or at the direction of a police officer, sign or traffic control device. A 

vehicle may stop momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger or 

multiple passengers.

§ 8.6. NO SIGN REQUIRED: PARKING ONLY

No person shall park a motor vehicle or trailer, whether occupied or 

not, in any of the following places:

a. On the public parking between the sidewalk space and 

the building line, except parking shall be permitted on 

public parking at those locations designated under this 

title and at locations authorized by permit and upon 

payment of rent; 

b. Between a safety zone or channelizing island and the 

adjacent curb or within ninety feet (90 ft.) of points on 

the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone 

or channelizing island unless otherwise indicated by 

official signs;

c. On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at 

the edge or curb of a street;

d. Within twenty-five feet (25 ft.) of either side of motorists’ courtesy mail boxes;

e. In any public alley (with the exception of a permit or 

where designated by posted sign); or

f. In a manner to obstruct the entrance to any garage, 

parking lot or yard, door, or gate used for service purposes. 

Temporary parking in these areas is only permissible for the purpose 

of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading of passengers.

§ 8.7. OVERSIZED VEHICLES 

Unless engaged in work for which a vehicle is reasonably necessary, 

no person shall park any of the following oversized vehicles on Capitol Grounds:

a. Any passenger vehicle with a seating capacity of more 

than fifteen (15) passengers;
66

b. A boat;

c. A trailer, whether loaded or unloaded;

d. Any vehicle longer than twenty-two feet (22 ft.) or wider than eight feet (8 ft.); or

e. Any vehicle that has been designed or modified to haul 

trash, junk, or debris. 

§ 8.8. LOADING AND UNLOADING: VEHICLES

§8.8.10. DISCHARGING PASSENGERS

If no curb space is available within a reasonable distance, a 

passenger vehicle may stand parallel and as near as practicable to other parked vehicles, only long enough to take on 

passengers who are actually waiting at the curb or to leave off 

passengers. 

§8.8.20. IMPEDING TRAFFIC

Unless prohibited by §8.1120, a vehicle may stop parallel and 

as near as practicable to parked vehicles while loading; provided, that the vehicle while so parked will not unreasonably impede or interfere with orderly two-way traffic, or on a one-way 

street, that at least one lane is kept open for moving traffic. 

§8.8.30. MOMENTARY STOPPING PERMITTED

On any street, highway, or any portion of a street or highway, 

where parking is prohibited but stopping and standing are not 

prohibited, passenger vehicles may stop momentarily to load 

and unload passengers, and any vehicle may stop long enough 

to actually load and unload materials. 

§ 8.9. LOADING AND UNLOADING: SCHOOL BUSES

§8.9.10. DISCHARGING PASSENGERS

When stopping to load and unload school children along the 

roadway, a school bus driver shall pull as far to the right as is 

safe, at a place on the roadway where there is three hundred 

feet (300 ft.) or more of clear sight distance to the front and 

rear, and stop only for such time as is actually necessary to 

take on or discharge passengers. 

§8.9.20. FLASHING WHITE LIGHTS REQUIRED

Before making a stop to load or unload passengers, a school 

bus driver shall actuate the flashing white stroboscopic light 

not less than three hundred feet (300 ft.) distant from the stop, 

and allow the light to remain flashing until the bus resumes 

motion after the stop. 

§8.9.30. FLASHING RED STOP LIGHT REQUIRED

At each stop to pick up or discharge one or more school children, the school bus driver shall actuate the flashing red light 

20 §8.10 (“Loading Zones”).
67

during the time that the bus is stopped to pick up or discharge 

passengers, and shall turn off the light when the bus resumes 

motion. 

§ 8.10. LOADING ZONES

§8.10.10. ESTABLISHMENT OF LOADING ZONES AND 

APPLICABILITY

The Board is authorized to determine the location of freight 

loading zones for use of commercial vehicles at the usual 

shipping and receiving entrances of any building on Capitol 

Grounds. In doing so, the Board shall place and maintain the 

appropriate signage stating the hours that the provisions of 

this paragraph are applicable. The provisions in this section 

shall also apply to those zones established by the District of 

Columbia.

§8.10.20. LOADING RESTRICTED TO MARKED LOADING 

ZONES

The loading of materials shall be restricted to loading zones in 

each block where such zones have been designated by official 

signs except during hours when parking is prohibited in such 

area. 

§8.10.30. REASONABLE TIME LIMIT ON LOADING

Unless otherwise indicated by signage, loading zones shall be 

occupied only so long as is reasonable for loading or unloading, and only commercial vehicles loading materials in such 

zones shall be parked parallel and adjacent to the curb. Where 

signs are posted, designated loading zones may be occupied by 

a particular vehicle for up to a maximum of two (2) hours. 

§8.10.40. METER FARE REQUIRED 

When parking in a multi-space parking meter loading zone, 

the operator of a motor vehicle shall, immediately after parking, pay for the amount of loading or unloading time desired. 

If a receipt is issued by the multi-space parking meter, the 

motor vehicle driver shall place the receipt face up on the passenger side of the dashboard of the vehicle so that it is clearly 

visible through the windshield of the vehicle. The vehicle may 

then occupy the space up to the time limit indicated on the 

receipt, but in no case for longer than two (2) hours. 

§8.10.50. TIME LIMIT

No person shall park a motor vehicle in a multi-space parking 

meter loading zone longer than the time required to load or 

unload the vehicle. 
68

§8.10.60. EXPIRED METER

A vehicle shall be considered illegally parked if:

a. A multi-space parking meter indicates overtime parking 

with respect to the parking metered loading zone in 

which the vehicle is parked;

b. The expiration time indicated on the parking meter 

receipt displayed on the vehicle has lapsed;

c. The vehicle does not display a receipt in the manner 

required by §8.11.50; or

d. The vehicle does not display a receipt. 

The above-listed sections (a) – (d) do not apply during times 

when parking in the metered loading zone is unrestricted.

§8.10.70. PERMISSIBLE PARKING TIMES

Parking metered loading zones may be used without charge 

during times when the time for parking in the metered loading zone is unrestricted. 

§ 8.11. PARKING METERS AND PARKING METER ZONES

§8.11.10. PARKING METER ZONE

A parking meter zone is designated as the space parallel to the 

curb extending from the center of the parking meter standard 

at the head of the space to the center of the parking meter 

standard or other marking at the rear of the space; except that 

if a parking meter zone is served by a multi-space parking 

meter, the parking meter zone may be designated by signs or 

pavement markings. 

§8.11.20. PARKING PROHIBITED

No vehicle shall park in a parking meter zone at any time 

when such parking is otherwise prohibited.

§8.11.30. NO PARKING PAST METER LIMIT

No person shall park or cause, allow, permit, or suffer any 

vehicle registered in his or her name to be parked overtime or 

beyond the lawful period of time indicated on the meter. This 

provision does not apply to spaces established for car-sharing 

programs. 21

§8.11.40. PARK WITHIN MARKED AREA

No person shall park or cause to be parked any vehicle so that 

the vehicle is not within the area between the designated standards or other marking(s) delimiting the parking space. 

§8.11.50. NO PARKING BEYOND ZONE

No person shall stop, stand, or park in a parking meter zone 

any vehicle which exceeds the designated length of the parking meter zone. 

21 See 18 DCMR § 2406.18.
69

§8.11.60. DISPLAY OF RECEIPT

Immediately after parking a motor vehicle, the operator shall 

pay for the amount of parking time desired and, if a receipt 

is issued, place the receipt on the passenger side of the dashboard of the vehicle so that it is clearly visible through the 

windshield of the vehicle. The space may then be used by the 

vehicle during the parking limit indicated on the single-space 

or multi-space parking meter for that space or on the receipt 

issued, as is applicable, or for the amount of time that is confirmed through a pay-by-phone system. 

§8.11.70. PURCHASING BEYOND TIME LIMIT

No person shall purchase more time than allowed for parking 

in a parking meter zone as indicated by the signs in the zone 

and on the parking meter. 

§8.11.80. ILLEGAL PARKING

Except in zones where signs indicate payment is not needed22 and in car-sharing spaces23, a vehicle shall be considered 

illegally parked if:

a. The amount of time paid for at a single-space or multispace parking meter has lapsed;

b. The expiration time indicated on the parking meter 

receipt displayed on the vehicle has lapsed;

c. The vehicle does not display a receipt in the manner 

required by §8.12.60; or;

d. The amount of time paid for using the pay-by-phone 

system has lapsed.

§8.11.90. NO CHARGE REQUIRED

Parking meter zones may be used without charge at times 

when the signs and meters in those zones indicate payment is 

not needed. 

§8.11.100. UNEXPIRED TIME IS TRANSFERRABLE

Except for parking meter zones served by parking meters that 

issue receipts, the unexpired time in a parking meter zone, 

which is unoccupied, may be used by another vehicle without depositing payment. A car displaying a receipt issued by 

a parking meter may park in any unoccupied parking meter 

zone that is served by a parking meter that issues receipts until 

the expiration time shown on the parking meter receipt has 

lapsed. 

§8.11.110. EXCEPTION FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLES

Whenever a vehicle identified by license plates as being 

owned, rented, or leased by the federal or District government, 

22 See 18 DCMR § 2404.9. 23 See 18 DCMR § 2406.18.
70

is being used on official business and is parked in a parking 

meter zone, the operator of the vehicle is not required to deposit payment to park in the parking meter zone. 

§ 8.12. RESTRICTED USE OF VALET PARKING, VALET 

STAGING, BUS, TAXICAB AND SIGHTSEEING ZONES 

AND STANDS

§8.12.10. GENERAL

a. NO PARKING OR STANDING. No person shall stand 

or park a vehicle in a valet parking zone or valet staging 

zone unless authorized to do so; in a bus stand, stop, or 

zone, other than a bus authorized to use the bus stand, 

stop, or zone; in a taxicab stand, other than a taxicab 

authorized to use the taxicab stand; or in a sightseeing 

stand, other than a sightseeing vehicle authorized to use 

the sightseeing stand. 

b. DISCHARGE OF PASSENGERS PERMITTED. A 

driver of a passenger vehicle may stop momentarily in a 

stand, stop, or zone described in (a) for the purpose of 

and while actually picking up or discharging passengers, 

as long as such stopping does not interfere with any vehicle, bus, taxicab, or sightseeing vehicle about to enter the 

stand or zone designated for the use of such vehicle. 

§8.12.20. DRIVER TO REMAIN NEAR VEHICLE

The driver of any vehicle parked in a bus, taxicab, or sightseeing stand in accordance with this section shall remain within 

five feet (5 ft.) of the vehicle at all times.

§8.12.30 BUS ZONE RESTRICTIONS

At locations where a bus stop is posted but bus zone or bus 

stand signs do not exist, there shall be no parking or standing 

by vehicles other than a bus within twenty feet (20 ft.) of the 

approach side of a bus stop sign. However, a vehicle may stop 

momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger or passengers. Loading or unloading of materials is prohibited, and the 

posting of signs to indicate this restriction is not required. 

§8.12.40. PARKING RESTRICTIONS EFFECTIVE AT ALL TIMES 

The prohibition against parking or standing at such stands 

and zones shall be effective at all times, unless the restricted 

periods have been otherwise designated and signs posted 

accordingly. 

§ 8.13. EMERGENCY PARKING PERMITS

§8.13.10. PERMISSIBLE PARKING

Holders of emergency parking permits issued by the Board 

may stand or park their vehicles in available parking space in 

the roadway at the following locations:
71

a. Entrances to office buildings, apartment buildings, 

hotels, nursing homes, and residences;

b. Loading zones;

c. Within spaces set aside for holders of official parking 

permits;

d. Within part or all of the twenty-five foot (25 ft.) space 

on the far or non-approach side of the intersection of a 

one-way street with another street, but not within ten 

feet (10 ft.) of the curb line of the intersecting street or 

within a marked crosswalk; and

e. Taxicab and sightseeing vehicle stands. 

The holder of the permit must be parked in accordance with 

any other applicable section of these regulations.

§8.13.20. PARKING FOR EMERGENCY PURPOSES ONLY

Emergency parking permits shall be used only while the holder is actually responding to an emergency believed to be one 

in which the life or death of any individual is dependent upon 

standing or parking by a physician in the places permitted in 

§8.14.10. 

§8.13.30. PERMIT MUST BE VISIBLE

While a vehicle for which a permit has been issued is parked in 

accordance with this section, the permit shall be displayed so 

that it is clearly visible through the windshield of the vehicle. 

§8.13.40. TRANSFER PROHIBITED

No person other than the permittee named on the permit shall 

use an emergency parking permit or display it on a vehicle 

operated or parked. Any such use or display by a person other 

than the permittee shall constitute a violation of these regulations by the permittee and by the person who so used or 

displayed it. 

§8.13.50. FAILURE TO SURRENDER 

Failure to surrender a revoked emergency parking permit 

upon request shall constitute a violation of these regulations. 

§ 8.14. RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING

§8.14.10. 2 HOUR PARKING LIMIT

Parking a motor vehicle on a residential parking permit street 

within the same zone is limited and restricted beyond a consecutive two (2) hour period. This restriction shall be in effect 

as posted.

§8.14.20. PROPER AFFIXATION

While a vehicle for which a residential parking permit has 

been issued is parked in the residential permit parking zone, 

the permit shall be affixed by its own adhesive to the lower 
72

left (driver’s) side of the windshield so that it is clearly visible 

through the windshield of the vehicle; Provided, that in the 

case of a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, or trailer, the permit 

shall be affixed to a mounting tab which shall be bolted to either corner of the identification tag. Expired permits shall not 

be left visible on a vehicle after affixing a new permit. 

§8.14.30. NO TIME LIMIT

Vehicles displaying a valid residential parking permit may 

park at all times, within a designated residential permit parking zone, twenty-five (25) feet or more from the intersection. 

The Director of the District Department of Transportation 

shall have the discretion to exempt intersections from the 

parking restriction moratorium established by this section 

that the Board determines would be inappropriate and unsafe 

with such parking. 

§8.14.40. VISIBILITY AND DISPLAY

a. VEHICLES. While a vehicle for which a residential 

permit parking sticker has been issued is parked in the 

residential permit parking zone, the residential permit 

parking sticker shall be affixed by its own adhesive to 

the lower left (driver’s) side of the windshield so that it 

is clearly visible through the windshield of the vehicle.

b. MOTORCYCLES. Any motorcycle, motorized bicycle or trailer shall affix the residential permit parking 

sticker to a mounting tab bolted to either corner of the 

identification tab.

c. EXPIRED STICKERS. Expired residential permit parking stickers shall not be left visible. 

§8.14.50. VALIDITY

A residential permit parking sticker shall be valid only when 

displayed in accordance with the standards under §8.15.40. 

§8.14.60. ONE PERMIT PER VEHICLE

Simultaneous display of current residential parking stickers 

for more than one (1) zone shall make all the residential permit parking stickers invalid and shall be prima facie evidence 

of misrepresentation on the residential permit parking sticker 

application. 

§8.14.70. PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITED

A residential permit parking sticker shall not authorize the 

vehicle displaying the sticker to stand or park in any place or 

during any times when the stopping, standing, or parking of 

motor vehicles is prohibited or set aside for specific types of 

vehicles, nor provide an exemption from the observance of 

any traffic regulation other than the residential permit parking two (2) hour parking limit and the exemptions listed in 

§8.15.80. 
73

§8.14.80. PERMISSIBLE PARKING

Between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., vehicles displaying a valid residential parking permit may park, within a 

designated residential permit parking zone, in the following 

manner:

a. In loading zones, except loading zones used by hotels; and

b. In entrances, except hospital entrances. 

§8.14.90. TRANSFER OF STICKERS PROHIBITED

No sticker or permit for residential permit parking shall be 

used or displayed on any vehicle other than the one (1) for 

which it was issued. Any sticker or permit so displayed shall 

be void, and any unauthorized display of stickers or permits 

shall constitute a violation of this section by the sticker holder 

and by the owner or the operator of the vehicle displaying the 

permit. 

§ 8.15. VISITOR OR TEMPORARY PERMITS

§8.15.10. REPLICATION UNLAWFUL

The forgery, counterfeiting or unauthorized use or replication 

of a visitor permit or temporary permit shall be punishable by 

a fine of $300. 

§ 8.16. TEMPORARY AND EMERGENCY PARKING 

RESTRICTIONS

§8.16.10. ASSEMBLIES

Whenever by reason of the scheduled assembly of a large 

number of persons at any public or semi-public building, 

embassy, legation, stadium, or other place of assembly, it is determined that the free flow of traffic upon the street or streets 

leading to or from the building, embassy, legation, stadium or 

other place of assembly, is or will be impeded by reason of the 

parking of vehicles, parking shall be prohibited (or restricted) 

on the street(s) during the hours that the free flow of traffic is 

or will be impeded by parking. 

§8.16.20. CONSTRUCTION

Whenever construction work upon or adjacent to any highway 

causes the width of the roadway to be reduced, parking shall 

be prohibited upon the roadway adjacent to and for a reasonable distance on either side of the construction work. If it is 

determined that the reduced roadway width will impede the 

flow of traffic except where the highway is physically divided 

into separate roadways carrying traffic in opposite directions, 

parking shall also be prohibited on the side of the roadway 

opposite to and for a reasonable distance on either side of the 

construction work. 
74

§8.16.30. PARADES

Parking shall be prohibited on streets for which parade permits have been issued by the Chief of the Metropolitan Police 

Department, including streets necessary for assembling and 

disbanding of parades, for a reasonable time prior to, during, 

and for a reasonable time after such parades.24

§8.16.40. EMERGENCIES

When, as a result of the closing of any street to traffic by 

reason of a parade or emergency conditions, the flow of traffic 

on adjacent streets is or will be increased, or it is found that 

the free flow of traffic upon the adjacent streets is or will be 

impeded due to the parking of vehicles, parking shall be prohibited during such hours that it is found that the free flow of 

traffic is or will be impeded. 

§8.16.50. PROPER DISPLAY OF PARKING PERMIT PLACARDS

a. PLACARD: PROPER DISPLAY

b. Whenever a special events parking permit placard has 

been issued to allow parking in a specified restricted 

area or on a specified restricted street or portion thereof, the placard must be displayed on the left side of the 

dashboard of the vehicle so that it is clearly visible from 

the outside of the vehicle.

c. STICKERS: DISPLAY AND EXPIRATION

d. Whenever a special events parking permit sticker has 

been issued to allow parking in a specified restricted 

area or on a specified restricted street or portion of that 

street, to be valid the permit shall be affixed by its own 

adhesive to the lower left (driver’s) side of the windshield so that it is clearly visible through the windshield 

of the vehicle. Expired permits shall not be left visible 

on a vehicle.

§8.16.60. TAMPERING WITH SIGNS

a. INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL. No person, other 

than the United States Capitol Police, the Architect of 

the Capitol, the House Sergeant at Arms, the Senate 

Sergeant at Arms or any other entity with the authority 

to regulate traffic, shall remove or install a sign on public space that prohibits or reserves parking.

b. VANDALIZING. No person may vandalize or deface a 

sign in public space that prohibits or reserves parking. 

Any person violating this subsection shall be subject to 

a civil fine of $100 for the 1st violation, $200 for the 2nd 

violation, and $400 for the 3rd and subsequent violations.

24 Parades may be permitted on Louisiana Avenue. See 40 U.S.C. § 5106(c) (“Suspension 

of Prohibitions”). See Appendix F.
75

c. NO PARKING IN VIOLATION OF SIGNS. Whenever 

a sign is erected indicating that parking is prohibited or 

reserved under this section, it shall be unlawful to park 

any unauthorized vehicle in violation of the parking 

restrictions stated on the sign.

§8.16.70. ADVANCE NOTICE WAIVER

A sign prohibiting or reserving parking shall be erected at 

least twenty-four (24) hours in advance in a non-residentially 

zoned area. If a sign is erected in a residentially zoned area, 

the sign prohibiting or reserving parking shall be erected 

at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance. The Board for 

extraordinary circumstances shown may waive this required 

advance notice for good cause.

§ 8.17. OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PARKING

§8.17.10. PROPER DISPLAY

Government officials parking in official parking areas shall 

display, in a conspicuous place behind the windshield of their 

vehicle, an “Official Parking Permit” which is issued by the 

Board. 

§ 8.18. STREET CLEANING PARKING PROVISIONS

§8.18.10. NO PARKING

No person shall park any vehicle or permit any vehicle to 

remain parked during the times and days indicated on a Street 

Cleaning Route. 

§ 8.19. SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING REGULATIONS

§8.19.10. SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTES

After the effective time of the prohibition, no person shall 

park any vehicle or permit any vehicle to remain parked on 

a Snow Emergency Route. However, if a fall of snow, sleet or 

freezing rain occurs between 11:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and the 

Director has not announced prior to 11:30 p.m. that parking 

on Snow Emergency Routes is prohibited after a specified 

time, a vehicle parked on a Snow Emergency Route may remain so parked until 7:00 a.m. 

§ 8.20. LITTERING AND DEBRIS

§8.20.10. GLASS AND OTHER DEBRIS

No person shall throw or deposit upon any street, highway, 

sidewalk, or alley, any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, 

cans, or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle upon the street, highway, sidewalk, or alleyway. 
76

§8.20.20. FAILURE TO REMOVE HARMFUL MATERIAL

Any person who drops, or permits to be dropped or thrown, 

upon any street, highway, sidewalk, or alley, any destructive 

or injurious material, shall immediately remove the same or 

cause it to be removed. 

§8.20.30. TOWING AND REMOVAL OF WRECKED VEHICLES

Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a 

street, highway, sidewalk, or alley shall remove any glass or 

other injurious substance dropped upon the street, highway, 

sidewalk, or alley from the vehicle. 

§ 8.21 ADVERTISING

§8.21.10. GENERAL

No person shall drive or park any vehicle on any street or 

highway for the primary purpose of displaying advertising.

§8.21.20. DE MINIMUS DISPLAY

No person shall drive or park on any street or highway within 

the Capitol Grounds any vehicle that by reasons of its special 

shape or design shall be construed as intended primarily for 

advertising purposes without a permit from the Capitol Police 

Board.

§ 8.22. MISCELLANEOUS NON-MOVING VIOLATIONS

§8.22.10. UNATTENDED VEHICLES

No persons driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, 

locking the ignition, removing the key, and effectively setting 

the brake. 

§8.22.20. TURNING WHEELS TO CURB

In addition to the requirements of §8.22.10, whenever a motor 

vehicle is standing on a grade, the driver or person in charge 

of the vehicle shall not permit it to stand unattended without 

first turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. 

§8.22.30. IDLE ENGINE

No person owning, operating, or having control over the 

engine of a gasoline or diesel powered motor vehicle on public 

or private space, including the engine of a public vehicles for 

hire, buses with a seating capacity of twelve (12) or more persons, and school buses or any vehicle transporting students, 

shall allow that engine to idle for more than three (3) minutes 

while the motor vehicle is parked, stopped, or standing, including for the purpose of operating air conditioning equipment in those vehicles, except as follows:
77

a. To operate private passenger vehicles;

b. To operate power takeoff equipment, including dumping, cement mixers, refrigeration systems, content 

delivery, winches, or shredders; or

c. To idle the engine for no more than five (5) minutes 

to operate heating equipment when the ambient air 

temperature is thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (32° F) or 

below. 

§8.22.40. DISPLAY OF SALE AND REPAIR

No person shall park a vehicle upon any roadway for the principal purpose of doing either of the following:

a. Displaying the vehicle for sale; or

b. Greasing or repairing the vehicle, except minor repairs 

necessitated by an emergency. 
78

CHAPTER 9

TAXICABS AND VEHICLES FOR HIRE

§ 9.1. APPLICABILITY

This chapter shall apply to the operation of every public or private vehicle-for-hire that operates on Capitol Grounds or within the extended jurisdiction of the United States Capitol Police.

§9.1.10 DEFINITIONS

a. LIMOUSINE: a public vehicle-for-hire that operates exclusively through advanced registration, charges exclusively 

on the basis of time, and shall not accept street hails.

b. PRIVATE VEHICLE-FOR-HIRE: a class of transportation service by which a network of private vehicle-for-hire 

operators in the District of Columbia provides transportation to passengers to whom the private vehicle-for-hire 

operators are connected by digital dispatch.

c. PRIVATE VEHICLE-FOR-HIRE COMPANY: an organization, including a corporation, partnership, or sole 

proprietorship, operating in the District of Columbia that 

uses digital dispatch to connect passengers to a network of 

private vehicle-for-hire operators.

d. PRIVATE VEHICLE-FOR-HIRE OPERATOR: an individual who operates a personal motor vehicle-for-hire service in contract with a private vehicle-for-hire company.

e. PUBLIC VEHICLE-FOR-HIRE: a class of transportation 

service by motor vehicle for hire in the District of Columbia, including a taxicab or limousine, that provides for-hire 

service exclusively using drivers and vehicles licensed 

pursuant to District of Columbia law.

f. TAXICAB: a class of public vehicle-for-hire that may be 

hired by dispatch, digital dispatch, or hailed on the street, 

and for which the fare charged is calculated by a District 

of Columbia Taxicab Commission-approved meter with 

uniform rates determined by the District of Columbia 

Taxicab Commission.

§ 9.2. FAILURE TO GIVE RECEIPT UPON REQUEST

A taxicab operator, when requested by a passenger or a person 

requesting messenger or parcel delivery service, shall give a receipt 

showing the following:

a. Operator’s name;

b. Identification card number;

c. Vehicle tag number;

d. Time, date;
79

e. The amount of the fare; and

f. Commission’s complaint phone number.

§ 9.3. DISPLAY OF IDENTIFICATION FOR TAXICABS

§9.3.10. FAILURE TO DISPLAY

The vehicle identification card (DCTC license) issued under 

§ 31(d) of the License Act (D.C. Official Code § 47-2829(d) 

(2001)) shall be displayed at all times in the taxicab for which 

it is issued. 

§9.3.20. FAILURE TO MAKE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION

The vehicle identification card shall be carried in the taxicab 

and made available for inspection upon the request of any 

hack inspector or law enforcement personnel. 

§9.3.30. IDENTIFICATION MUST BE VISIBLE TO PASSENGER

The operator identification card (face) issued to the driver 

pursuant to § 31(e) of the License Act (D.C. Official Code 

§ 47-2829(e)(1) (2001)) shall be displayed in a bracket or 

receptacle of a type approved by the Commission and shall be 

firmly attached to the right sun visor so as to be visible to any 

passenger in the vehicle. 

§9.3.40. REMOVAL FROM UNATTENDED VEHICLES 

At all times when the operator is not in the vicinity of the taxicab, the operator shall remove the identification card from the 

vehicle. For the purposes of this section “vicinity” means not 

more than twenty-five feet (25 ft.) from the taxicab. 

§9.3.50. PASSENGER RIGHTS DISPLAY

There shall be displayed in a suitable frame on the right side of 

the back of the front seat of each taxicab, in a position clearly 

visible to passengers, the passenger rights which shall display 

the tag number, the company, association, fleet or owner’s 

name, and the taxicab number. 

§ 9.4. SOLICITING PASSENGERS

§9.4.10. SOLICITING PROHIBITED

No person shall solicit business for public or private vehicles-for-hire anywhere on Capitol Grounds. Private vehicles-for-hire are still prohibited under section 9.12.10 from 

making street hails anywhere in the District of Columbia. 

§9.4.20. LOITERING

No public or private vehicle-for-hire operator shall loiter with 

a public or private vehicle-for-hire around or in front of any 

hotel, theater, public building, or place of public gathering, 

except to take on or discharge a passenger. 
80

§9.4.30. REFUSAL TO HAUL

Public vehicle-for-hire operators shall, at all times when on 

duty and not engaged, furnish service on demand to any person, except as provided for in §9.4.40. 

§9.4.40. EXCEPTIONS

No public or private vehicle-for-hire operator shall refuse to 

transport a person while holding his or her vehicle for hire, 

unless:

a. Previously engaged;

b. Unable or forbidden by the provisions of this title to do 

so;

c. The operator has reason to believe the person is engaged 

in a violation of law; or

d. The operator has cause to fear injury to his or her person, property or vehicle. 

§9.4.50. HELD FOR HIRE

Any taxicab occupying a taxicab stand shall be considered to 

be held for hire. Private vehicles-for-hire are prohibited from 

occupying a taxicab stand.

§9.4.60. AVAILABILITY

Any taxicab being operated on the streets shall be considered 

held for hire when:

a. Not occupied by a passenger; or;

b. Not displaying an “ON CALL,” “OFF DUTY,” or “OUT 

OF SERVICE” sign as authorized by the Commission’s 

rules and regulations. 

§9.4.70. REFUSAL OF SERVICE 

Except in shared riding, the operator shall not ask the destination of the passenger until the passenger is in the public or 

private vehicle-for-hire. A dispatcher shall not ask the destination of a passenger. If the dispatcher learns the destination of 

a passenger, that dispatcher shall not then convey the destination when dispatching an operator to pick up the passenger 

unless requested to do so by the passenger or the passenger 

has an emergency. 

§ 9.5. ON-CALL AND OFF-DUTY SIGNS

§9.5.10. “ON CALL” DISPLAY

Whenever a taxicab is proceeding to take on a passenger in 

answer to a telephone call or previous appointment, or is engaged by the hour for the carriage of passengers or making an 

emergency delivery of a parcel or package, the operator shall 

display a sign reading “On Call.” 
81

§9.5.20. “OFF DUTY” DISPLAY 

Whenever a taxicab operator ceases to be for hire and is 

proceeding to a place without intending to take on passengers, 

the operator shall display a sign reading “Off Duty” or “Out 

of Service,” whichever is appropriate under these regulations, 

and turn off the cruising light. The operator shall enter on 

the manifest “Out of Service” or “Off Duty,” and the time and 

location. The “Off Duty” sign shall not be displayed during 

rush hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. and 

6:30 p.m. 

§9.5.30. PROPER PLACEMENT OF SIGNS

All “On Call,” “Off Duty,” and “Out of Service” signs shall be 

displayed at the bottom of the right half of the windshield so 

as not to obstruct the operator’s vision. These signs shall be 

uniform in size and lettering, three inches by fifteen inches 

(3 in. x 15 in.) with letters two inches (2 in.) in height. The 

signs may be of a manufactured type and lighted from within, 

and may be smaller in dimension than three inches by fifteen 

inches (3 in. x 15 in.), when they have been approved by the 

Commission. 

§9.5.40. SIGNS MUST BE SECURED WHEN NOT IN USE

“On Call,” “Off Duty,” and “Out of Service” signs shall be 

placed and secured in the taxicab vehicle so they are not 

readily accessible to the operator while the taxicab vehicle is 

available for hire when not in use. 

§ 9.6. CRUISING LIGHTS

§9.6.10. CRUISING LIGHT REQUIRED

Each taxicab licensed in the District shall be equipped with a 

permanently affixed cruising light to distinguish it from other 

vehicles. No cruising light shall be affixed by magnetic or other means so as to be easily removed. 

§9.6.20. CRUISING LIGHT MUST BE ILLUMINATED

The cruising light of a taxicab shall be illuminated at all times 

when the taxicab is for hire during the hours when driving 

lights are required, and shall be turned off when the taxicab is 

not for hire. 

§9.6.30. LIGHTS ON “ON CALL”

Whenever a taxicab is responding to a telephone call or 

previous engagement and is displaying the “On Call” sign as 

provided in the Commission’s rules, the cruising light shall be 

turned off. 
82

§9.6.40. LIGHTS OFF “ON DUTY”

Whenever a taxicab operator removes his or her vehicle from 

service and is proceeding to a place of his or her choosing 

without intending to take on passengers and is displaying the 

“Off Duty” sign, as provided in the Commission’s rules, the 

cruising light shall be turned off. 

§9.6.50. PROPER WORKING CONDITION

No taxicab shall be operated in the public service unless its 

cruising light is in proper working condition. 

§ 9.7. TAXICAB STANDS

§9.7.10. AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

No taxicab shall be placed upon or occupy any taxicab stand 

except for the purpose of being held forth for hire. Taxicabs 

shall be placed on stands only from the rear and shall be 

moved forward and to the front of the stand immediately as 

space becomes available by the departure or movement of 

preceding taxicabs. It shall be within the passenger’s discretion 

to determine which taxicab to engage on a taxi stand. 

§9.7.20. LOITERING

When a taxicab stand is occupied to its full capacity, no taxicab shall loiter or wait nearby for the purpose of occupying 

space on the stand. The operator of every taxicab occupying a 

stand shall stay within five feet (5 ft.) of his or her taxicab at all 

times. 

§9.7.30. BLOCKING AT TAXICAB STANDS PROHIBITED

In the event any taxicab on a taxicab stand attempts to leave, 

other taxicabs on the stand shall, if necessary, move so as to 

permit the taxicab to leave. 

§9.7.40. PARKING REGULATIONS APPLY TO STANDS

No taxicab stand shall be occupied by a taxicab in violation of 

regulations prohibiting parking, stopping, or standing on the 

street on which it is located during the hours 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 

a.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or during the existence of any 

snow or other emergency declared. 

§ 9.7.50. PRIVATE VEHICLES-FOR-HIRE AND LIMOUSINES 

PROHIBITED FROM TAXICAB STANDS

Private vehicles-for-hire and limousines are prohibited from 

occupying taxicab stands.

§ 9.8. OPERATION OF TAXICABS

§9.8.10. HACK LICENSE AND PERMIT REQUIRED

No person shall drive or be in physical control of a taxicab 

unless they have in their possession a valid identification card 
83

or valid motor vehicle operator’s permit issued to that individual.25

§9.8.20. SAFE OPERATION AND OBEDIENCE TO LAWS

The operation of taxicabs shall be conducted in accordance 

with the laws of the District and with due regard for the safety, 

comfort and convenience of passengers, for the safe and careful transportation of property, and for the safety of the general 

public. All reasonable efforts shall be made to promote safety 

at all times and under all conditions. 

§9.8.30. NO LOADING IN A CROSSWALK

No taxicab operator shall stop to load or unload passengers on 

the traffic side of the street, while occupying any intersection 

or crosswalk, or in such a manner as to unduly interfere with 

the orderly flow of traffic. All taxicab drivers shall pull as close 

to the curb or edge of the roadway as possible to take on or 

discharge passengers. 

§9.8.40. PULLING TO CURB

No taxicab operator shall stop or park a taxicab adjacent to 

any curb except as follows:

a. While actually taking on or discharging passengers;

b. When occupying a designated public vehicle stand for 

taxicabs;

c. When answering a call or delivering a parcel; or

d. When not holding his or her vehicle for hire, in which 

event the identification card shall be removed from the 

taxicab and the driver shall be away from the taxicab on 

business of his or her own.

§ 9.9. MANIFEST RECORD

§9.9.10. MAINTENANCE

Every operator of a taxicab shall maintain, in ink, a manifest 

of all trips made by the taxicab while under his or her control, 

in a form approved by the Commission.26

§9.9.20. CONTENTS 

The manifest should contain, but not be limited to, the following:

a. The date, operator’s identification card number, taxicab 

company, vehicle number, and license plate number;

25 A valid ID card is any card issued under D.C. Official Code § 47-2829(e) (2001). An 

operator’s permit is either a District of Columbia motor vehicle operator’s permit or, 

for non-District residents or persons exempt from obtaining a District motor vehicle 

operator’s permit, a valid motor vehicle operator’s permit issued by a state that is a party 

to the Driver License Compact Act, D.C. Official Code § 50-1001 et seq. (2001). 26 A manifest is a daily log of trips.
84

b. The interstate mileage at the beginning and ending of 

an interstate trip;

c. The time and place of origin and time and place of destination of each trip;

d. The number of passengers and fare charged for each 

trip; and

e. The time and interstate mileage at the end of the workday.27

§9.9.30. ACCURACY 

A complete and accurate record of all information required on 

the manifest shall be kept, and each trip record shall be logged 

immediately following completion of the trip. 

§9.9.40. ALTERATION 

Manifests are official documents of the Commission and shall 

not be altered. Evidence of alteration may be referred to the 

appropriate authority for enforcement action. 

§ 9.10. VEHICLES FOR HIRE AND SIGHTSEEING VEHICLES

§9.10.10. IDENTIFICATION LICENSE

No person shall drive a public vehicle for hire in the District 

unless he or she has a valid identification license.28

§9.10.20. OPERATOR LICENSE

No owner of a public or private vehicle-for-hire for hire shall 

operate or permit the vehicle to be operated without a valid 

operator license.29

§9.10.30. SIGHTSEEING VEHICLES

No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vehicle 

used for sightseeing purposes unless a certificate permitting 

that use is issued by the Chairperson of the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission. 

§ 9.11. LIMOUSINES 

§9.11.10. LICENSE REQUIRED

Each limousine operator’s license shall have marked on its face 

a statement indicating it is valid only for the type of vehicle 

operation for which it is issued and is nontransferable. 

27 Form can be found in Appendix 8-3 under the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.

28 Identification Licenses are issued under the provisions of Chapter 31 of the District of 

Columbia Code of Municipal Regulations.

29 Operator Licenses are issued under the provisions of Chapter 31 of the District of 

Columbia Code of Municipal Regulations.
85

§9.11.20. IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Each license shall contain a number, photograph of the licensee, and any other information that the Commission considers 

appropriate. 

§ 9.12. PRIVATE VEHICLES FOR HIRE

§9.12.10. STREET HAILS PROHIBITED

Private vehicles-for-hire shall not solicit or accept street hails 

and may only be booked through a private vehicle-for-hire 

company.

§9.12.20. TRADE DRESS

All private vehicle-for-hire operators must display a private 

vehicle-for-hire company trade dress while operating their 

vehicle-for-hire. The trade dress must be distinctive and be 

displayed prominently on the exterior or on a window of the 

vehicle, provided the trade dress does not obstruct the driver’s 

view. The trade dress must be on file and approved by the 

District of Columbia Taxicab Commission. The trade dress 

must be sufficiently large and color contrasted to be visible 

from a distance of 50ft, as well as be reflective, illuminated, or 

otherwise visible in darkness.

§9.12.30. OPERATION OF PRIVATE VEHICLES FOR HIRE

a. No private vehicle-for-hire operator shall stop to load or 

unload passengers on the traffic side of the street, while 

occupying any intersection or crosswalk, or in such a 

manner as to unduly interfere with the orderly flow of 

traffic. All private vehicle-for-hire drivers shall pull as 

close to the curb or edge of the roadway as possible to 

take on or discharge passengers.

b. No private vehicle-for-hire operator shall stop or park 

a private vehicle-for-hire adjacent to any curb except 

as follows: while actually taking on or discharging 

passengers; when occupying a designated passenger 

loading zone; when answering a call or delivering a 

parcel; or when not using his or her private vehicle as a 

private-vehicle-for hire, in which event the trade dress 

shall be removed from the vehicle and the driver shall 

be away from the vehicle on business of his or her own.
86

CHAPTER 10

FUNERALS

§ 10.1. PERMIT REQUIRED

§10.1.10. NO FUNERAL PROCESSIONS THROUGH CAPITOL 

SQUARE

No funeral procession shall be driven over any street or roadway in the area known as Capitol Square unless specifically 

permitted to do so by the Congress. 

§ 10.2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FUNERAL PROCESSION 

MEMBERS

§10.2.10. STAY TO THE RIGHT

Each driver in a funeral or other procession shall drive as near 

to the right-hand edge of the roadway as practicable and shall 

follow the vehicle ahead as close as is practicable and safe. 

§10.2.20. PROCEEDING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION

The leading vehicle in a funeral procession shall stop at any intersection where the traffic control device requires such a stop, 

but after the leading vehicle has entered the intersection, all 

vehicles in the funeral procession shall continue their passage 

except in the instance there is a funeral escort officer preceding the funeral procession. 

§10.2.30. HEADLIGHT DISPLAY

A funeral composed of a procession of vehicles in order to 

be recognized as such, shall display on each vehicle two (2) 

illuminated headlights. 

§10.2.40. DISPLAY OF HEADLIGHTS ON RETURN

The vehicles in a procession returning from a funeral shall not 

display headlights, except during the hours when lights are 

required to be displayed on all motor vehicles. 

§ 10.3. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES

§10.3.10. DRIVING THROUGH A FUNERAL PROCESSION

No driver of a vehicle shall drive between the vehicles comprising a funeral or other authorized procession while they are 

in motion. The provision shall not apply at intersections where 

traffic is controlled by traffic control signals or police officers 

unless provided in this chapter. 
87

ARTICLE III: PEDESTRIANS,

BICYCLES AND OTHER TRAFFIC
This Page Intentionally Blank
89

CHAPTER 11

PEDESTRIAN INFRACTIONS

§ 11.1. GENERAL

§11.1.10. PEDESTRIANS SUBJECT TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Pedestrians shall be subject to traffic control signals as provided Chapter 2.30 At all other places, pedestrians shall be 

accorded the privileges and shall be subject to the restrictions 

stated in this chapter. 

§11.1.20. PEDESTRIAN IDENTIFICATION

a. IDENTIFICATION FOR INFRACTION ONLY. A 

pedestrian who is stopped by a police officer or other 

authorized official after the pedestrian has committed 

an infraction of these regulations shall be required to 

inform the officer or other official of his or her true 

name and address for the purpose of including that 

information on a notice of infraction; provided, that no 

pedestrian shall be required to possess or display any 

documentary proof of his or her name or address in 

order to comply with the requirements of this section. 

b. PENALTY. A pedestrian who refuses to provide his or 

her name and address to a police officer upon request 

after having been stopped for committing an infraction 

of these regulations shall, upon conviction, be fined not 

less than $100 nor more than $250.

§ 11.2. RIGHT-OF-WAY IN CROSSWALKS

§11.2.10. APPLICATION

No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb, safety platform, 

safety zone, loading platform, or other designated place of 

safety and walk or turn into the path of a vehicle which is so 

close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. 

§11.2.20. JAYWALKING

No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally 

unless authorized by official traffic control devices. 

§11.2.30. OBEDIENCE TO SIGNALS

When authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross 

only in accordance with the official traffic control devices 

pertaining to such crossing movements. 

30 Chapter 2 (“Traffic Signs, Signals, Symbols and Devices”).
90

§ 11.3. NON-CROSSWALK CROSSING

§11.3.10. APPLICATION

Between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control 

signal devices or by police officers, pedestrians shall not cross 

the roadway at any place except in a crosswalk. 

§11.3.20. YIELD TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

Each pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than 

within a marked crosswalk, or within an unmarked crosswalk 

at an intersection, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles 

upon the roadway. 

§11.3.30. PROPER CROSSING

No pedestrian shall cross a roadway at any place other than by 

a route at right angles to the curb or by the shortest route to 

the opposite curb, except in a crosswalk. 

§ 11.4. SIDEWALKS AND ROADWAYS

§11.4.10. STAY TO THE RIGHT

Whenever possible, pedestrians shall walk on the right half of 

the crosswalk. 

§11.4.20. MUST USE SIDEWALKS

Where sidewalks are provided, it shall be unlawful for any 

pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. 

§11.4.30. STAY TO LEFT OF ROADWAY

Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking 

along and upon a street or highway shall, when practicable, 

walk only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder-facing 

traffic, which may approach from the opposite direction. 

§11.4.40. HITCHHIKING

No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the driver of any vehicle. 

§11.4.50. MOVE-OVER LAW

Upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle, pedestrians shall yield right-of-way and immediately proceed to 

the nearest point of safety. 
91

CHAPTER 12

DEMONSTRATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

§ 12.1. DEMONSTRATION ACTIVITY 

§12.1.10. DEFINITION

Demonstration activity is defined as any protest, rally, march, 

vigil, gathering, assembly, projecting of images or similar conduct engaged in for the purpose of expressing political, social, 

religious or other similar ideas, views or concerns protected by 

the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. 

§12.1.20. APPLICABILITY

The provisions of this chapter shall be applicable to any one 

(1) person or group of persons engaged in demonstration activity on Capitol Grounds. The provisions of this chapter shall 

apply equally to all demonstrators, regardless of viewpoint.

§12.1.30. SPECIAL EVENTS

Certain events on Capitol Grounds are not considered 

“demonstrations” for the purposes of this chapter. They are 

authorized as follows:

a. JOINT RESOLUTION. Parades, assemblages and display of flags, banners or devices designed to bring into 

public notice a party, organization or movement are not 

permitted on Capitol Grounds unless concurrently authorized by the President of the Senate and the Speaker 

of the House of Representatives. 31

b. BAND CONCERTS. Concerts performed by bands that 

are in the service of the federal government, at times 

which will not interfere with Congress, as authorized by 

the Architect of the Capitol.32

c. LOUISIANA AVENUE. Parades, processions or assemblages on that part of Louisiana Avenue located within 

Capitol Grounds. The Capitol Police Board grants the 

Mayor of the District of Columbia the authority to permit the use of Louisiana Avenue for these events.33

d. TOUR GROUPS. A group organized for the purpose of 

sightseeing and visiting the Capitol.

e. CEREMONIAL EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT. 

Any small-scale event such as a school band, musical 

presentation or military reenlistment ceremony. Any 

31 40 U.S.C. § 5104(f) (“Parades, Assemblages and Display of Flags”); 40 U.S.C. § 5106(a) 

(“Authority to Suspend”) See Appendix F. 32 40 U.S.C. § 5107 (“Concerts on Grounds”). See Appendix F. 33 40 U.S.C. § 5106(c) (“Authority of Mayor to Permit Use of Louisiana Avenue”). See

Appendix F.
92

group wishing to engage in this type of activity must 

apply for and receive prior written approval from the 

Board. These events shall only be conducted in assigned 

areas and must comply with all restrictions, limitations 

and conditions as determined by the Board.

§ 12.2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

§12.2.10. PERMISSIBLE DEMONSTRATION AREAS

Demonstration activity is allowed in designated areas as indicated on the “United States Capitol Grounds Demonstration 

Areas Map,” as amended.34

§12.2.20. PROHIBITED DEMONSTRATION AREAS

No person or group of any size may engage in demonstration 

activity on the steps of the United States Capitol, on the steps 

of any building on Capitol Grounds or in any area otherwise 

closed or restricted for official use. In addition, projecting of images on any building on Capitol Grounds shall not be permitted. 

§ 12.3. GROUPS UNDER TWENTY

§12.3.10. NO PERMIT REQUIRED

No person or group of less than twenty (20) persons shall be 

required to obtain a permit. 

§12.3.20. AVAILABILITY

Space for one (1) person or group of less than twenty (20) 

persons is available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject 

to the provisions of this chapter.

§12.3.30. PERMIT ENCOURAGED

One (1) person or group of less than twenty (20) persons that 

desires to secure a specific demonstration area is encouraged 

to file an application for a permit. A permit holder will be 

given priority over any person or group occupying a demonstration area not in possession of a permit. The Board may 

remove or relocate any person or group of less than twenty 

(20) persons not in possession of a permit to accommodate 

permitted demonstration activity or special event as authorized by §12.1.30. 

§12.3.40. PROHIBITIONS

A person or group of less than twenty (20) persons shall not 

engage in the following:

a. SEGMENTING FROM THE GROUP. A person or 

group of less than twenty (20) persons may engage in 

demonstration activity without a permit provided that 

the demonstration activity is not merely a segment of 

34 See Appendix G. Approved December 5, 2012.
93

the same group whose complement would consist of 

twenty (20) or more persons.

b. INTERFERENCE. No person or group of less than 

twenty (20) persons shall engage in demonstration 

activity that audibly or physically interferes with the 

demonstration activity of another person or group. 

c. DENSITY. No person or group of less than twenty (20) 

persons shall occupy an area in which the density exceeds 4.95 square feet per person, including props and 

equipment.35 In no instance shall the per person density 

of any area exceed that set by the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency. 

d. SEVEN DAY LIMITATION. No person or group of less 

than twenty (20) persons shall engage in demonstration 

activity for a period that exceeds more than seven (7) 

consecutive days.

e. CONTINUOUS DAILY DEMONSTRATION. No 

person or group of less than twenty (20) persons shall 

engage in demonstration activity having a duration of 

more than twenty-four (24) consecutive hours, including clean-up and the set-up and take down of props and 

equipment.36

§12.3.50. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER SECTIONS. 

With the exception of §12.4, any person or group of less than 

twenty (20) persons is required to adhere to the provisions of 

this chapter.

§ 12.4. GROUPS OVER TWENTY

§12.4.10. PERMIT REQUIRED FOR GROUPS OF TWENTY OR 

MORE

No group of twenty (20) persons or more shall engage in 

demonstration activity on Capitol Grounds except pursuant to 

the terms of a permit issued by the Capitol Police Board.

§12.4.20. PERMIT APPLICATIONS

a. ADVANCE NOTICE. All applications for permits shall 

be submitted in writing to the Capitol Police Board.37

An application shall be submitted in writing so as to be 

received by the Capitol Police Board at least ten (10) 

35 “Special Events Contingency Planning,” Federal Emergency Management Agency 

(Mar. 2005).

36 Community for Creative Non-Violence v. Carvino, et al., 660 F. Supp 744 (D.D.C. 1987); 

Community for Creative Non-Violence v. Kerrigan, et.al., 865 F.2d 382 (D.C. App. 1989). 

See Appendix H for all related case law. 37 The Special Events Division of the United States Capitol Police has been designated to 

receive and process applications. Applications can be obtained by calling (202) 224-8891 

or visiting www.uscapitolpolice.gov.
94

business days in advance of the proposed demonstration activity. 

b. CONTENTS. Permit applicants shall provide the 

following:

1. Requested area of Capitol Grounds;

2. Date, time, duration, and nature of the demonstration activity;

3. Estimated number of participants;

4. Sponsoring person or organization;

5. Requested props and equipment; and,

6. Name, address, telephone number and signature of 

applicant.

c. WAIVER. The Board may waive notice or reduce the 

number of days of advance notice if it determines that 

unforeseen or exceptional circumstances exist. 

§12.4.30. PROCESSING APPLICATIONS AND ISSUANCE OF 

PERMITS

a. APPROVAL. The Capitol Police Board shall process 

applications in order of their receipt. Properly completed applications will be given priority over applications 

that are defective.

b. ISSUANCE. The Board shall issue a permit authorizing 

peaceable and orderly demonstration activity upon 

proper and timely application.

c. CONTENTS. Each permit shall clearly identify:

1. The sponsoring person and organization;

2. The area on Capitol Grounds where the permitted 

demonstration activity is to take place;

3. The date, time and duration of the demonstration 

activity; 

4. The nature of the event and detailed description of 

the activity; and,

5. The number of participants. 

d. TACIT APPROVAL. Should the Board fail to act on a 

properly completed and timely filed application within 

forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date of the proposed demonstration activity, such application shall be 

deemed approved by the Board. 

§12.4.40. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

In addition to any additional terms as set forth in the permit, 

no permit shall be issued that authorizes the following:

a. AREA. No permit shall authorize a group to demonstrate in more than one (1) area per event simultaneously. 

b. DENSITY. No permit shall be issued that would 

exceed a density of five (5) square feet per person in 
95

the requested demonstration area, including props and 

equipment.

c. SEVEN DAY LIMITATION. No permit shall be issued 

for a period of more than seven (7) consecutive days.

d. CONTINUOUS DAILY DEMONSTRATION PROHIBITED. No permit shall authorize demonstration 

activity having a duration of more than twenty-four 

(24) consecutive hours, including clean-up and the set 

up and take down of props and equipment.38

§12.4.50. GROUPS TO REMAIN IN ASSIGNED AREAS

All groups are required to remain in their assigned demonstration areas throughout the course of the demonstration 

activity. The same group may not hold a permit to more than 

one demonstration area at the same time.

§12.4.60. REVOCATION FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OR

FOR CAUSE 

In any case in which the terms of the permit are violated, such 

permit may be revoked by the Capitol Police Board. The Board 

is authorized to revoke a permit if it determines that continuation of demonstration activity is likely to result in bodily harm 

or death to an individual, damage to or destruction of any real 

or personal property or that a breach of the peace is imminent 

and good order cannot otherwise be maintained.

§ 12.5. PROPS AND EQUIPMENT

The following provisions apply to all persons or groups of persons bringing props and equipment onto Capitol Grounds. 

§12.5.10. GENERAL

a. DEFINITION. Props and equipment include items such 

as stands, lecterns, sound amplification equipment, 

chairs, tables, portable sanitary facilities, press and news 

facilities or other similar items that are reasonably necessary as an integral part of demonstration activity. 

b. HEIGHT RESTRICTION. No single prop, piece of 

equipment or combination thereof may exceed fifteen 

(15) feet in height. 

c. STAGES, RISERS AND PLATFORMS. No stage, riser 

or platform may exceed two (2) feet in height. 

d. UNATTENDED PROPS AND EQUIPMENT. No prop 

or piece of equipment shall be left unattended while on 

Capitol Grounds.

e. REMOVAL. All props and equipment must be capable 

of immediate removal. 

38 Community for Creative Non-Violence v. Kerrigan, et.al., 660 F. Supp 744 (D.D.C. 1987); 

865 F.2d 382 (D.C. App. 1989). See Appendix H for all related case law.
96

f. TWENTY FOUR HOUR LIMITATION. Props and 

equipment must be removed frm Capitol Grounds at 

least once every consecutive twenty-four (24) hour 

period.39

g. CONCLUSION. Demonstration activity is not considered concluded until all props and equipment are removed from Capitol Grounds within the permitted time.

§12.5.20. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMIT 

APPLICANTS

a. All permit applicants are required to list props and 

equipment in their application. 

b. Permit applicants must provide a description and the 

intended use of each such item in the permit application. 

c. Any stage, riser or platform must be clearly identified in 

the permit application and receive Board authorization 

prior to use. 

d. Permit holders are subject to any additional requirements pertaining to props and equipment as determined by the Board and set forth in the permit. 

§ 12.6. SIGNS, BANNERS AND PLACARDS

Signs, banners and placards are permissible on Capitol Grounds 

provided the supports for these items have dull ends, do not exceed 3⁄4 

of an inch at their widest point and cannot in any way be construed 

as a weapon. No nails, screws or bolt-type fastening devices may be 

protruding from the supports.

§ 12.7. TEMPORARY STRUCTURES 

No temporary structure of any kind may be erected on Capitol 

Grounds. Tents, cabanas, canopies and all other types of covered or 

enclosed structures are expressly prohibited.40 No object shall be tied, 

fastened or suspended to any tree, pole or other landscape or architectural feature on Capitol Grounds.

§ 12.8. AMPLIFICATION AND OTHER NOISE 

DISTURBANCES

§12.8.10. AMPLIFICATION EQUIPMENT

Amplification equipment is not permitted on the Lower West 

Front Terrace or any other location on Capitol Grounds as 

determined by the Board.

39 Id. 

40 See also §16.6 (“Camping”).
97

§12.8.20. SOUND PROJECTION

All sound amplification equipment must be projected away 

from the Capitol and all other Congressional office buildings.

§12.8.30. UNAMPLIFIED DISTURBANCES

No individual may utter loud, threatening or abusive language 

or engage in disorderly or disruptive conduct at any place on 

Capitol Grounds that interferes with any business being conducted in the Capitol or in any of the office building on Capitol Grounds at any time, including during periods of recess. 

§ 12.9. ROAD RACES

§12.9.10. DEFINITION

A road race is any type of sponsored running or cycling event, 

such as a marathon or triathlon. 

§12.9.20. PERMIT REQUIRED FROM NEIGHBORING AGENCY

No road race will be allowed to traverse Capitol Grounds 

when the route includes District of Columbia or National Park 

Service land unless a permit from the Metropolitan Police and 

National Park Service has been issued. 

§12.9.30. SUNDAYS 

Road races are permitted on Sundays only. 

§12.9.40. NO RE-TRACING ON CAPITOL GROUNDS

Road races shall only pass through Capitol Grounds once; 

there will be no re-tracing of the route on Capitol Grounds. 

§12.9.50. CAPITOL SQUARE

A road race may not occupy more than two (2) streets that 

comprise Capitol Square. 

§12.9.60. AUTHORIZED ROUTE

Race coordinators must submit documentation that lays out 

the route of the race. Race participants must remain on the 

authorized route throughout the course of the race. 

§ 12.10. MARCHES

§12.10.10. PRIOR PERMIT REQUIRED

No march will be authorized without an existing permit from 

both the Metropolitan Police Department and the National 

Park Service.

§12.10.20. AUTHORIZED ROUTE

Participants must submit documentation that lays out the 

route and remain on the authorized route throughout the 

march. Unless otherwise authorized by the Board, all marchers are to remain on sidewalks.
98

§ 12.11. DAMAGE TO CAPITOL GROUNDS 

§12.11.10. RESTORATION OF GROUNDS

Any person or group of persons that engages in demonstration 

activity on Capitol Grounds shall restore the grounds to same 

condition that existed prior to that demonstration activity.

§ 12.12. PERSONAL ACTIVITIES

Wedding ceremonies, graduation ceremonies and other events of a 

personal nature are not permitted on Capitol Grounds.

§ 12.13. ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS 

The Board reserves the right to impose additional reasonable time, 

place and manner restrictions on any demonstration activity consistent with this chapter in the interest of safety and in order to minimize the obstruction or impediment of vehicular and pedestrian 

traffic through or within the Capitol Grounds. 
99

CHAPTER 13

BICYCLES

§ 13.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

§13.1.10. APPLICATION

This chapter shall apply to any bicycle that is parked or being 

operated on Capitol Grounds. 

§13.1.20. BICYCLE DEFINED

A bicycle is a device which is propelled solely by human power; which is designed to be ridden by one (1) or more persons; 

which has a saddle or seat for each person that the device is 

designed and equipped to carry; which has a tandem arrangement of two (2) wheels (or is a device generally recognized as 

a bicycle though equipped with two front or rear wheels); and 

which has either one wheel at least twenty inches (20 in.) in 

diameter or is designed to be ridden on a roadway. 

This shall not include any device equipped with a motor or engine capable of propelling such device either exclusively or in 

combination with human power, whether or not such motor 

or engine is in actual operation.

§ 13.2. HIGHWAYS AND SIDEWALKS

§13.2.10. RIDING ON SIDEWALKS 

There shall be no prohibition against any person riding a bicycle 

on a sidewalk so long as that person does not create a hazard.

§13.2.20. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

No person shall operate a bicycle except in obedience to the 

instructions of official traffic control signals, signs, and other 

control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer or other person authorized to control 

and direct traffic. 

§13.2.30. DUTIES OF BICYCLE OPERATORS

Every person who rides a bicycle on a highway shall have the 

same duties as any other vehicle operator under these regulations, except as otherwise expressly provided in this chapter, 

and except for those duties imposed by these regulations 

which, by their nature or wording, can have no reasonable 

application to a bicycle operator. 

§ 13.3. SAFE RIDING

§13.3.10. SAFE OPERATION

A person shall operate a bicycle in a safe and non-hazardous manner so as not to endanger himself or herself or any other person. 
100

§13.3.20. SEAT REQUIRED

No person shall operate or ride a bicycle other than upon or 

astride a regular seat attached to the bicycle. 

§13.3.30. EXTRA RIDERS

No person shall operate or ride a bicycle with more persons 

on it at any one time than the bicycle is equipped to carry. 

§13.3.40. CARRYING ARTICLES

No person shall operate or ride a bicycle while carrying any 

package, bundle, or article which prevents the operator from 

keeping at least one hand on the handle bars. 

§13.3.50. WARNING DEVICE

No person operating a bicycle shall sound any warning device 

at any intersection so as to interfere with the obedience to the 

instructions of official traffic control signals or to the directions of a police officer. 

§13.3.60. NO CLINGING 

No person riding upon a bicycle shall attach himself, herself or 

the device upon which he or she is riding, to another bicycle, 

Segway, play vehicle or any other vehicle.

§13.3.70. RIDING ABREAST

Persons riding upon a roadway shall not ride more than two 

abreast except on paths or part of roadways set aside for the 

exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast shall not 

impeded the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, 

on a lane roadway, shall ride within a single lane. 

§13.3.80. OVERTAKING AND PASSING

a. A person operating a bicycle may overtake and pass 

another vehicle only under conditions which permit the 

movement to be made with safety.

b. A person operating a bicycle may overtake and pass 

other vehicles on the left or right side, staying in the 

same lane as the overtaken vehicle, or changing to a 

different lane, or riding off the roadway, as necessary to 

pass with safety.

c. If a lane is partially occupied by vehicles that are 

stopped, standing, or parked in that lane, a person operating a bicycle may ride in that or in the next adjacent 

lane used by vehicles proceeding in the same direction. 

§13.3.90. RIDING INTO PATH OF VEHICLE 

No bicyclist shall suddenly leave a sidewalk and ride into the 

path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the 

driver to yield. 
101

§ 13.4. RIGHT-OF-WAY

§13.4.10. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS ON SIDEWALK

Any person propelling a bicycle upon a sidewalk shall yield 

the right-of-way to pedestrians and shall travel at a speed no 

greater than the posted speed limit of the adjacent roadway 

provided that such speed is safe for the conditions then existing on the sidewalk. 

§13.4.20. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALK

A person propelling a bicycle while crossing a roadway in a 

crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a 

pedestrian under the same circumstances, except that the bicyclist must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk or crosswalk. 

§13.4.30. EMERGING AND ENTERING

The operator of a bicycle emerging from or entering an alley, 

driveway, or building shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians upon approach to the sidewalk or the sidewalk area 

extending across any alleyway. Upon entering the roadway, the 

bicyclist shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on said roadway to the extent necessary to safely enter the 

flow of traffic. 

§ 13.5. BICYCLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

§13.5.10. BICYCLE BRAKE

Each bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which enables 

the operator to cause the braked wheels to skid on dry, level, 

clean pavement. A fixed gear bicycle is not required to have a 

separate brake, but an operator of a fixed gear bicycle shall be 

able to stop the bicycle using the pedals. 

§13.5.20. FRONT LAMP ON BICYCLE

Each bicycle, when in use at night, shall be equipped with a 

lamp on the front which shall emit a steady or flashing white 

light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500 

ft.) to the front and with a red reflector on the rear which shall 

be visible from all distances from fifty feet (50 ft.) to three 

hundred feet (300 ft.) to the rear when directly in front of 

upper beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. 

§13.5.30. REAR LAMP ON BICYCLE

A lamp emitting a steady or flashing red light visible from a 

distance of five hundred feet (500 ft.) to the rear may be used 

in lieu of the red reflector. 

§13.5.40. BODY LAMP ON BICYCLE OPERATORS

In place of the requirements of §13.5.20, a lamp may be worn 

on the body of an operator; it may be readily seen from the 

distances set forth in that subsection. 
102

§13.5.60. PROHIBITION ON SIRENS

A bicycle shall not be equipped with, nor shall any bicycle 

rider use, a siren of any kind. 

§ 13.6. PARKING AND SECURING BICYCLES

§13.6.10. PERMISSIBLE BICYCLE PARKING 

No person shall park his bicycle on Capitol Grounds in any 

place other than a bicycle rack or other area designated specifically for the parking of bicycles.

§13.6.20. PARKED BICYCLES

Any bicycle parked in a parking garage or secured designated 

staff parking lot must have a valid permit issued by the Senate 

Committee on Rules and Administration or the Committee on 

House Administration. Any bicycle parked in any other public 

parking area, including a bicycle rack, does not need to have a 

permit.

§13.6.30. TWENTY-FOUR HOUR TIME LIMITATION

A person may secure a bicycle in accordance with the provisions of this chapter for a period of not more than twenty-four 

(24) consecutive hours, by means of a lock or similar device, 

in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. Any bicycle secured in excess of twenty-four (24) consecutive hours 

may be seized by the U.S. Capitol Police. 

§13.6.40. SECURED BICYCLE CANNOT IMPEDE TRAFFIC

A person may secure a bicycle in accordance with the provisions of this chapter by means of a lock or similar device as 

long as securing the bicycle does not obstruct or unduly impede traffic or pedestrian movement and as long as securing 

bicycles has not been forbidden by any signage or notice.

§13.6.50. SECURING BICYCLES PROHIBITED IN CERTAIN 

AREAS

No person shall secure a bicycle to any of the following publicly-owned facilities:

a. Fire hydrants;

b. Police and fire call boxes;

c. Electric traffic signal poles;

d. Fences;

e. Stanchion, bollard or any publicly-owned pole or post 

used as support;

f. Tree, shrub or plant;

g. Bench, fountain, fixture or object temporarily or 

permanently attached or appended to any structure or 

building;
103

§13.6.60. BUILDINGS AND IMPROVED AREAS

No person shall park a bicycle:

a. Upon a highway other than the roadway against the 

curb; or

b. Upon a sidewalk, against a building or any other fixture 

or improved area not specifically designated by this 

chapter.

§13.6.70. TAMPERING PROHIBITED

No person shall tamper with any bicycle that has been locked, 

placed in a bicycle rack or otherwise secured. 
104

CHAPTER 14

PEDICABS

§ 14.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

§14.1.10. APPLICATION

This chapter shall apply to any pedicab that is parked, standing 

or being operated on Capitol Grounds. 

§14.1.20. PEDICAB DEFINED

A bicycle with two (2) rear wheels and one (1) front wheel 

that is designed to be ridden by one (1) or more persons, that 

transports, or is capable of transporting, passengers on seats 

attached to the bicycle, and that is used for transporting passengers for hire.

§ 14.2. HIGHWAYS AND SIDEWALKS

§14.2.20. PUBLIC ROADS

Pedicabs shall only be operated only on public streets. 

§14.2.20. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

Unless otherwise directed by a police officer, no person shall 

operate a pedicab except in obedience to the instructions of 

official traffic control signals, signs, and other control devices 

applicable to vehicles. 

§14.2.30. DUTIES OF PEDICAB OPERATORS

Every person who rides a pedicab on a highway shall have the 

same duties as any other vehicle operator under these regulations, except as otherwise expressly provided in this chapter, 

and except for those duties imposed by these regulations 

which, by their nature or wording, can have no reasonable 

application to a pedicab operator.

§ 14.3. SAFE RIDING

§14.3.10. APPLICABILITY OF BICYCLE REGULATIONS

Pedicabs shall be operated in accordance with the general 

safety requirements set forth in §13.3 and §13.4.40.41

§14.3.20. SAFE OPERATION

Each pedicab shall be operated in accordance with the following provisions:

a. PASSENGER LIMIT. The maximum number of passengers a pedicab may transport shall not exceed the 

number of available seats.

b. PASSENGERS MUST BE SEATED. All passengers shall 

be seated while the pedicab is in motion.

41 §13.3: (“Safe Riding”); §13.4.40 (“Emerging and Entering”).
105

c. SEATBELTS. All passengers shall have a seatbelt securely fastened while the pedicab is in motion.

d. 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT. A pedicab shall not be operated on a roadway with a psted speed limit of more than 

thirty miles per hour (30 mph).

e. SIDEWALKS. A pedicab may not be operated or parked 

on a sidewalk.

f. LOADING. Pedicab passengers shall be loaded and 

off-loaded while the pedicab is stopped.

g. LOADING. No pedicab operator shall stop to load or 

unload passengers on the traffic side of the street, while 

occupying any intersection or crosswalk, or in such a 

manner as to unduly interfere with the orderly flow of 

traffic. All pedicab operators shall pull as close to the 

curb or edge of the roadway as possible to take on or 

discharge passengers.

h. PARKING. A pedicab shall not be parked in any restricted zones identified for other vehicles, including, 

but not limited to, parking meter zones, residential 

permit parking zones, valet parking zones, bus zones, 

taxicab zones, and sightseeing zones.

i. SECURING. A pedicab shall not be tied, cabled, or 

otherwise attached to a parking meter, street light pole, 

or other public space asset.

j. HEADLAMPS. At any time from one half (1/2) hour 

after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise, and 

at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles 

on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance 

of five hundred feet (500 ft.) ahead, a pedicab shall 

be operated with a headlamp of sufficient intensity to 

reveal a person or a vehicle three hundred feet (300 ft.).

k. TAIL LAMPS. At any time from one half (1/2) hour 

after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise, and 

at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles 

on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance 

of five hundred feet (500 ft.) ahead, a pedicab shall be 

operated with tail lamps capable of being seen from a 

distance of five hundred feet (500 ft.). 

§14.3.30. DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED

No one shall operate or be in control of a pedicab while the 

person’s alcohol concentration is eight hundredths of a gram 

(0.08 g.) or more either per one hundred milliliters (100 ml.) 

of blood or per two hundred and ten liters (210 L.) of breath 

or is one tenth of a gram (0.10 g.) or more per one hundred 

milliliters (100 ml) of urine, or while under the influence of 
106

intoxicating liquor or any drug or any combination thereof, or 

while the ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by the consumption of intoxicating liquor. 

§ 14.4. SAFETY EQUIPMENT

§14.4.10. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Each pedicab shall meet the following safety requirements:

a. WIDTH. The maximum width of the pedicab shall be 

fifty-five inches (55 in.);

b. LENGTH. The maximum length of the pedicab shall be 

ten feet (10 ft.);

c. EQUIPMENT. The pedicab shall be equipped with:

1. Seatbelts. Passenger seat belts for no more than 

three (3) passengers (either one (1) seat belt for 

each passenger or one (1) seat belt that covers all 

passengers);

2. Brakes. Hydraulic or mechanical disc or drum 

brakes, which shall be unaffected by rain or wet 

conditions;

3. Head Lamps. At least one (1) and no more than 

two (2) battery-operated head lamps capable of 

projecting a beam of white light for a distance of 

three hundred feet (300 ft.) in front of the pedicab, 

under normal atmospheric conditions at the times 

that use of the head lamp is required; 

4. Tail Lamps. Battery-operated tail lamps mounted 

on the rear of the pedicab, which, when operated, shall emit a red beam of light visible from a 

distance of five hundred feet (500 ft.) to the rear, 

under normal atmospheric conditions at the times 

that use of the head lamp is required; 

5. Turning Lights. Turn lights;

6. Audible Signal. A bell or other device capable of 

giving a signal audible for a distance of at least one 

hundred feet (100 ft.); and,

7. Reflectors. Reflectors on the spokes of the wheels 

of the pedicab.

d. REFLEXIVE TAPE. Reflective tape that meets the 

following requirements shall be affixed on the side and 

back of the pedicab:

1. The tape shall be at least two inches (2 in.) wide;

2. The tape shall be at least twelve inches (12 in.) 

long; and 

3. There shall be at least two (2) pieces of tape on 

each side and on the back of the pedicab. 
107

CHAPTER 15

LOW-SPEED VEHICLES 

§ 15.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

§15.1.10. APPLICATION

This chapter shall apply to any low-speed vehicle that is 

parked or being operated on Capitol Grounds. 

§15.1.20. LOW-SPEED VEHICLE DEFINED

Low-speed vehicles consist of, but are not limited to, the 

following:

a. MOTORIZED BICYCLE: Any motor vehicle having 

either a tandem arrangement of two wheels equipped 

with tires which are sixteen inches (16 in.) or more in 

diameter or a tricyclic arrangement of three (3) wheels 

equipped with tires which are sixteen inches (16 in.) 

or more in diameter, having a seat or saddle for the use 

of the operator, having an automatic transmission, and 

having a motor or engine which produces not more 

than one and one-half (1.5) brake horsepower (S.A.E. 

rating), has a piston displacement of not more than fifty 

cubic centimeters (50 cc), and is capable of moving the 

vehicle at a maximum speed of not more than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) on level ground when 

propelled exclusively by such motor or engine.

b. MOPED: A motorcycle or motorized bicycle equipped 

with functional pedals.

c. MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLE: Any motorcycle having a 

motor or engine which produces five (5.0) brake horsepower (S.A.E. rating) or less.

d. PERSONAL MOBILITY DEVICE: A motorized propulsion device, designed to transport only one person 

or a self-balancing, two non-tandem wheeled device, 

designed to transport only one person with an electric 

propulsion system, but excluding a battery-operated 

wheelchair or any “power driven mobility device.”42

e. SEGWAY: A Personal Mobility Device.

f. SIMILAR MOTORIZED DEVICES. Any other vehicle 

similar to those listed above that does not otherwise fall 

within Chapter 13 or Chapter 14.43

§15.1.40. TAMPERING PROHIBITED 

No person shall tamper with any low-speed vehicle that has 

been locked, placed in a bicycle rack or otherwise secured. 

42 As defined by 28 C.F.R. § 35.104 (2011). 43 Chapter 13 (“Bicycles”); Chapter 14 (“Pedicabs”).
108

§ 15.2. GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

§15.2.10. REASONABLE AND PRUDENT SPEED

No rider shall ride a low-speed vehicle at a speed in excess of 

any posted limited or at a speed which is greater than is reasonable and prudent under conditions then existing.

§15.2.20. SAFE OPERATION

A person shall operate a low-speed vehicle in a safe and 

non-hazardous manner so as not to endanger himself or herself or any other person. 

§13.2.30. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES 

No person shall operate a low-speed vehicle except in obedience to the instructions of official traffic control signals, signs, 

and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer or other person authorized to 

control and direct traffic. 

§15.2.40. DUTIES OF LOW-SPEED VEHICLE OPERATORS

Every person who propels a low-speed vehicle on highway 

shall have the same duties as any other vehicle operator under 

these regulations, except as otherwise expressly provided in 

this chapter, and except for those duties imposed by these 

regulations which, by their nature or wording, can have no 

reasonable application to an operator of a low-speed vehicle.

§ 15.3. SEGWAYS

§15.3.10. REGISTRATION

No Segway shall be operated on Capitol Grounds unless it has 

been validly registered in the District or other jurisdiction and 

bears readily visible evidence of being registered.44

§15.3.20. AGE

No person shall operate a Segway if they are under sixteen 

(16) years of age.

§15.3.30. MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT

Notwithstanding the limitations set forth in §15.3.10, no 

person shall operate a Segway at a speed in excess of ten (10) 

miles per hour.

§15.3.40. PACKAGES

No person shall operate a Segway if they are carrying a 

package, bundle or other article that hinders the person from 

keeping both hands on the handlebars.

§15.3.50. HEADPHONES

No person shall operate a Segway on Capitol Grounds while 

44 Operator permits are not required for Segways. See 18 DCMR § 1200.4
109

the person is wearing a headset, headphone or earphone, unless the device is being uses to improve the hearing of a person 

with a hearing impairment or covers or is inserted in one ear 

only.

§15.3.70. RIDING ON SIDEWALKS

There shall be no prohibition against any person riding a 

Segway on a sidewalk, so long as the rider does not create a 

hazard.

§15.3.80. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS ON SIDEWALK

Any person riding a Segway upon a sidewalk shall yield the 

right-of-way to pedestrians and shall travel at a speed no 

greater than the posted speed limit of the adjacent roadway 

provided that such speed is safe for the conditions then existing on the sidewalk.

§15.3.90. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALK

A person operating Segway while crossing a roadway in a 

crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to 

a pedestrian under the same circumstances, except that the 

Segway operator must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk 

or crosswalk. 

§15.3.100. EMERGING AND ENTERING

The operator of a Segway emerging from or entering an alley, 

driveway, or building shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians upon approach to the sidewalk or the sidewalk area 

extending across any alleyway. Upon entering the roadway, 

the Segway operator shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles 

approaching on said roadway to the extent necessary to safely 

enter the flow of traffic. 

§ 15.4. MOTORIZED BICYCLES

§15.4.10. MINIMUM AGE 

No motorized bicycle shall be operated upon any public space 

on Capitol Grounds by any person who is less than sixteen 

(16) years old. 

§15.4.20. SIDEWALKS

No person shall operate a motorized bicycle on any sidewalk, 

path or bicycle route on Capitol Grounds.

§15.4.30. ROADWAY

A motorized bicycle may be operated on any part of a roadway 

designated for the use of bicycles.

§15.4.40. SEAT REQUIRED

No person shall operate or ride a motorized bicycle other 

than upon or astride a regular seat attached to the motorized 

bicycle. 
110

§15.4.50. EXTRA RIDERS

No person shall operate or ride a motorized bicycle with more 

persons on it at any one time than the motorized bicycle is 

equipped to carry. 

§15.4.60. CARRYING ARTICLES

No person shall operate or ride a motorized bicycle while 

carrying any package, bundle, or article which prevents the 

operator from keeping at least one hand on the handle bars. 

§15.4.70. WARNING DEVICE

No person operating a motorized bicycle shall sound any 

warning device at any intersection so as to interfere with the 

obedience to the instructions of official traffic control signals 

or to the directions of a police officer. 

§15.4.80. NO CLINGING 

No person riding upon a motorized bicycle shall attach himself, herself or the device upon which he or she is riding, to 

another bicycle, low-speed vehicle or play vehicle or any other 

vehicle.

§15.4.90. RIDING ABREAST

Persons riding upon a roadway shall not ride more than two 

abreast except on paths or part of roadways set aside for the 

exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast shall not 

impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, 

on a lane roadway, shall ride within a single lane. 

§15.4.100. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALK

A person operating a motorized bicycle while crossing a roadway in a crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, except that 

they must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk or crosswalk. 

§15.4.120. EMERGING AND ENTERING

The operator of a motorized bicycle emerging from or entering an alley, driveway, or building shall yield the right-ofway to all pedestrians upon approach to the sidewalk or the 

sidewalk area extending across any alleyway. Upon entering 

the roadway, the operator shall yield the right-of-way to all 

vehicles approaching on said roadway to the extent necessary 

to safely enter the flow of traffic. 

§15.4.130. OVERTAKING AND PASSING

a. A person operating a motorized bicycle may overtake a/

and pass another vehicle only under conditions which 

permit the movement to be made with safety.

b. A person operating a motorized bicycle may overtake 

and pass other vehicles on the left or right side, staying 

in the same lane as the overtaken vehicle, or changing 
111

to a different lane, or riding off the roadway, as necessary to pass with safety.

c. If a lane is partially occupied by vehicles that are 

stopped, standing, or parked in that lane, a person 

operating a motorized bicycle may ride in that or in the 

next adjacent lane used by vehicles proceeding in the 

same direction. 

§ 15.5. ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES AND DIRTBIKES

§15.5.10. PROHIBITED

No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike on 

Capitol Grounds at any time.

§15.5.20. PENALTIES

Any individual violating this section shall upon conviction be 

fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 30 

days, or both.45 

§ 15.6 PARKING AND SECURING LOW-SPEED VEHICLE 

ON PUBLIC SPACE 

§15.6.10. BUILDINGS AND IMPROVED AREAS

No person shall park a low-speed vehicle:

a. Upon a highway other than the roadway against the 

curb; or

b. Upon a sidewalk, against a building or any other fixture 

or improved area not specifically designated by these 

regulations.

45 This offense is prosecuted in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. 
112

CHAPTER 16

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL 

RESTRICTIONS WITHIN CAPITOL GROUNDS

§ 16.1.LEGAL DEFINITION OF CAPITOL GROUNDS

The boundaries of Capitol Grounds are set forth in 40 USC § 5102.46

§ 16.2.PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION 

§16.2.10. RESTRICTION ON PUBLIC USE

Public travel in and occupancy of Capitol Grounds is restricted to the roads, walks and places specifically prepared for that 

purpose.47

§16.2.20. PROPERTY DAMAGE

No person shall use any portion of the Capitol Grounds as 

a playground or in any manner that may potentially cause 

destruction or injury to persons or property.48 

§16.2.30. CLIMBING AND SWINGING 

Climbing, jumping, hanging or swinging onto or into any 

landscape or architectural feature on Capitol Grounds is prohibited. 49

§16.2.40. STANDING ON SKYLIGHTS AND ENTRY INTO WORK 

AREAS 

Standing on or entrance onto any skylight, air grate, generator, 

light pole, elevator tower or any other such object or area is 

prohibited.50

§16.2.50. SWIMMING AND ENTRY INTO POOLS

No person shall swim, wade or enter into any fountain, pool, 

or other body of water on Capitol Grounds.

46 See Appendix I. 47 See also 40 U.S.C. § 5103. Restrictions on public use of Unites States Capitol Grounds:

“Public travel in, and occupancy of, the Unites States Capitol Grounds is restricted to 

the roads, walks, and places prepared for that purpose.” See Appendix F. 48 See also 2 U.S.C. § 1963:

“It shall be the duty of the Capitol police on and after April 29, 1876, to prevent any portion of the Capitol Grounds and terraces from being used as playgrounds or otherwise, 

so far as may be necessary to protect the public property, turf and grass from destruction or injury.” 

49 See also 2 USC § 5104(d):

“A person may not step in or climb on, remove, or in any way injure any statute, seat, 

wall, fountain, or other erection or architectural feature, or any tree, shrub, plant or turf 

in the Grounds.” See Appendix F. 50 As added by Board Order 08.03 “Concerning the Reopening of the East Front and 

Amendments to the Traffic and Motor Vehicle Regulations for the United States Capitol 

Grounds.” November 21, 2008.
113

§16.2.60. SKATING AND PLAY VEHICLES

No person shall skate-board, roller-skate, roller-blade or iceskate on Capitol Grounds. The use of scooters, kiddie cars, 

tricycles, wagons or any similar device is prohibited on Capitol 

Grounds.

§16.2.70. GAME-PLAYING 

No person shall kick, toss, throw or strike any ball, disc or object of any material, shape or size onto or into any area within 

Capitol Grounds.

§16.2.80. KITE-FLYING

Kite-flying is prohibited on Capitol Grounds.

§16.2.90. MODEL ROCKETS AND BOATS

The use of model rockets, remote or manually-controlled 

model gliders, model airplanes or unmanned aircrafts, model 

boats and model cars is prohibited on Capitol Grounds. 

§ 16.3. CROWD CONTROL

§16.3.10. ESTABLISHING A POLICE LINE

When fires, accidents, wrecks, explosions, parades or other 

occasion causes or may cause persons to collect on any street, 

roadway, pathway on Capitol Grounds, the Board may establish an area or zone necessary for the purpose of affording 

clearing for the following:

a. Operation of fireman or policeman,

b. The passage of a parade,

c. The movement of traffic,

d. The exclusion of the public from the vicinity of a riot, 

disorderly gathering, accident, wreck, explosion or 

other emergency; and

The protection of persons and property.

§16.3.20. OBEY AN ORDER 

Each person present at the scene of an emergency occasion 

shall comply with any necessary order or instruction of any 

police officer. 

§16.3.30. UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY 

No person shall enter the emergency area or zone unless 

duly authorized by the person in command of the emergency 

occasion. 

§16.3.40. BLOCKING AND OBSTRUCTING ROADWAYS

It is forbidden to occupy the roads on Capitol Grounds in a 

manner that obstructs or hinders their proper use.51

51 See also 40 U.S.C. § 5104(b) (“Obstruction of Roads”). See Appendix F.
114

§ 16.4. SLEEPING OR LYING DOWN 

§16.4.10. PAVED OR IMPROVED AREAS

No person shall sleep or lie down on the paved or improved 

portions of Capitol Buildings and Grounds (such as streets, 

roads, sidewalks, walkways, steps, curbs, gutters, doorways, 

alcoves, walls or benches) at any time.

§16.4.20. UNPAVED AND GRASSY AREAS

No person shall sleep or lie down on any unpaved or unimproved grassy portion of the Grounds from one-half (1/2) 

hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise.

§ 16.5. WINTER ACTIVITIES

§16.5.10. SNOWMOBILING

Except in the case of a street closed by the Capitol Police 

Board to motor vehicular traffic due to conditions of ice or 

snow, no person shall drive or ride on a snowmobile on any 

such area within Capitol Grounds.

§16.5.20. SLEDDING

No person shall coast or slide a sled within Capitol Grounds. 

§16.5.30. SKIING

With the exception of the use of cross-country skis or snowshoes as a means for transportation, no person shall ski on any 

area within Capitol Grounds. 

§ 16.6. CAMPING 

§16.6.10. CAMPING DEFINED

Any activity such as sleeping, making preparations to sleep, 

cooking or the making of any fire, digging, earth-breaking or 

any other activity that reasonably appears, in light of all circumstances, that the participants are using the area as a living 

accommodation regardless of the intent of the participants or 

the nature of any other activities in which they may also be 

engaging, including demonstration activity. 52

§16.6.20. CAMPING PROHIBITED

No person shall use or occupy any part of Capitol Grounds for 

camping or for living accommodations. 

§16.6.30. STORAGE OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS

No person shall set up, place or store any type of tent, sleeping 

bag, bedroll, bedding, equipment or shelter of any kind at any 

time for any purpose on Capitol Grounds.

52 Clark v. Community for Creative Non-Violence, 468 U.S. 288 (1984). See Appendix H 

for all related case law.
115

§ 16.7. DRIVING INTO RESTRICTED AREAS

§16.7.10. SIDEWALK AND NON-ROADWAY AREAS

The driver of a vehicle shall not drive within or across any 

sidewalk area, except at a permanent or temporary driveway. 

No vehicle shall be operated on or across any part of the Capitol Grounds not prepared and designated for vehicular traffic. 

§16.7.20. EAST FRONT PLAZA

The center section of the East Front Plaza shall be a non-roadway restricted to emergency or authorized official government 

vehicles.53

§ 16.8. ANIMALS WITHIN CAPITOL GROUNDS

§16.8.10. NON-DOMESTICATED ANIMALS

No person shall drive, lead, herd, ride, release or conduct 

any sheep, swine, cattle, horse, mule, goat, elephant, duck, 

goose, fowl or any other non-domesticated animal on Capitol Grounds. This section does not apply to authorized law 

enforcement or military horses or during an official function 

of the U.S. Congress.

§16.8.20. LEASH LAW

No person shall bring a domesticated animal onto Capitol 

Grounds unless the animal is firmly secured by a leash not 

exceeding four (4) feet in length. 

§ 16.9. METAL DETECTORS

With the exception of equipment officially authorized by the Board, 

no person may use or possess a mineral or metal detector, magnetometer or other metal detecting device on Capitol Grounds.

§ 16.10. OPEN FLAMES, GAS GENERATORS AND OTHER 

INCENDIARY DEVICES

§16.10.10. OPEN FLAMES

Unless exempted by the Board, no person shall use or display 

any open flame; all candles, torches, lanterns, lamps or other 

similar items are prohibited. 

§16.10.20. INCENDIARY DEVICE 

With the exception of household lighters and ordinary matches, no item, substance or material capable of igniting another 

material is permitted on Capitol Grounds.54

53 As added by Board Order 08.05 “Amendments to the Traffic and Motor Vehicle 

Regulations for the East Front Plaza of the United States Capitol Grounds” (December 

5th 2008). 54 See Appendix J for the Police Board Regulations Pertaining to Firearms, Explosives, Incendiary Devices and Other Dangerous Weapons (October 31, 1967); 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e).
116

§16.10.30. GAS GENERATORS 

Gas generators are only permitted in areas as specified by the 

Board; all generators must be fueled and refueled off of Capitol Grounds.

§ 16.11. RESTRICTED VEHICLES

§16.11.10. COMMERCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES

No person shall operate any commercial, recreational, agricultural, construction vehicle or truck on any street, highway, or 

driveway within Capitol Grounds, except while actually transacting business at the Capitol Buildings, provided that the 

vehicle is essential to the transaction. That transaction must 

involve an administrative, housekeeping or support function 

or duty necessary to the maintenance of the Capitol Buildings 

or an official function of the United States Congress. All such 

vehicles must be security screened through the United States 

Capitol Police Off-Site Delivery Center, or such other screening security as determined by the Board.55

§16.11.20. ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLES 

No person shall operate any animal-drawn vehicle on any 

street, highway, or driveway in the area bounded by First 

Street on the west, Constitution Avenue on the north, Independence Avenue on the south, and First Street on the east.

§ 16.12. SALE OF GOODS, COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY AND 

SOLICITATION

§16.12.10. CONVEYANCE OF GOODS AND MERCHANDISE

It is unlawful to use any road on Capitol Grounds to convey 

goods or merchandise except as officially authorized.56

§16.12.20. VENDING

No person shall offer or expose any article for sale unless officially authorized to do so. 57

§16.12.30. COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING 

No person shall display, place or maintain a sign, placard, or other 

form of advertisement unless officially authorized to do so. 58

§16.12.40. SOLICITATION 

No person shall solicit fares, alms, subscriptions, or contributions unless officially authorized to do so.59

55 As added and amended by the Board pursuant to “Amendment to the Traffic and 

Motor Vehicle Regulations for United States Capitol Grounds” (February 8, 2002).

56 See also 40 U.S.C. § 5104(b) (Obstruction of Roads ). See Appendix F. 57 See also 40 U.S.C. § 5104(c) (“Sale of Articles, Display of Signs and Solicitations”). 

See Appendix F. 58 Id. 59 Id.
117

§ 16.13. TRIPODS AND PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

The use of tripods or other film or photography enhancement equipment is limited to grassy areas where pedestrian or vehicular traffic 

will not be impeded. Tripods may not be used for commercial photography unless officially authorized by the Board.60 Any tripod that 

does not conform to this regulation is subject to removal or relocation 

to another area on Capitol Grounds.

§ 16.14. TEMPORARY CLOSING OR CORDONING OFF OF CAPITOL 

GROUNDS

The Board is authorized to issue an order temporarily closing or 

cordoning off any area or any part of Capitol Grounds at any time 

if a determination is made that doing so is necessary for the safety, 

convenience or protection of pedestrian, vehicular or any other type 

of traffic on Capitol Grounds.

§ 16.15. CLOSED OR CORDONED OFF AREAS ON CAPITOL 

GROUNDS

No unauthorized person shall enter any closed or cordoned off areas 

on Capitol Grounds.

§ 16.16. PROHIBITED ITEMS ON CAPITOL GROUNDS. 

§16.16.10

Pursuant to 40 U.S.C. Section 5104(e)(1), firearms, dangerous 

weapons, explosives, or incendiary devices are prohibited on 

Capitol Grounds. 

§16.16.20

At the direction of the Chief of Police, the United States Capitol Police may search packages, backpacks, and other containers in the immediate possession of individuals who enter and 

are within the United States Capitol Grounds for the purpose 

of detecting prohibited items.

60 Currently the Board issues permits on a case-by-case basis for commercial filming on 

Union Square. Legislation is pending at the time of printing.
118

CHAPTER 17

UNION SQUARE

§ 17.1 GENERAL PROHIBITION OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY

All activity on Capitol Grounds is regulated by and subject to all 

Capitol Police Board regulations. However, certain commercial activity described below is allowed at the parcel of land known as Union 

Square to the extent that it was allowable on or before December 23, 

2011. (P.L. 113-76.) 

All other commercial activity that is generally prohibited on Capitol Grounds, and not specifically allowed pursuant to this Chapter, 

remains prohibited within Union Square.

§ 17.2 UNION SQUARE

Union Square is described as the property which is bounded on the 

north by Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, on the east by First Street 

Northwest and First Street Southwest, on the south by Maryland Avenue Southwest, and on the west by Third Street Southwest and Third 

Street Northwest. This comprises the area transferred to the Architect 

of the Capitol under Section 1202 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2012.

§ 17.3 AUTHORITY OF THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE 

BOARD

Pursuant to Public Law 113-76, the Capitol Police Board may promulgate regulations (in consultation with the Committee on House 

Administration and the Committee on Rules and Administration of 

the Senate) regarding the use of Union Square pursuant to the Capitol 

Police Board’s authority under Section 14 of the Act of July 31, 1946 

(2 U.S.C. § 1969).

§ 17.4 COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY

§17.4.1

DEFINITION – The only commercial Activities permitted on 

Union Square are the taking of photographs, filming, and sales 

of articles and printed material (only books, newspapers, leaflets, pamphlets, buttons and bumper stickers) associated with 

the permitted activity. The sale of food, food items, or other 

perishable items shall not be permitted.

§17.4.2

DEFINITION – “Person”, as used in these regulations, 

includes any individual, company, or other entity, whether 

public or private, for profit or not for profit.
119

§ 17.5 PERMITS

Prior to engaging in commercial activity within Union Square a 

person shall obtain a permit from the United States Capitol Police. In 

order to request a permit, an application shall be filed with the United 

States Capitol Police Special Events Section, and may be subject to a 

security assessment by the Chief of the United States Capitol Police 

(“Chief ”) or designee. 

All applications for commercial activity permits must be submitted 

in writing to the United States Capitol Police Special Events Section 

at least ten (10) business days in advance of the proposed commercial 

activity.

Should the Chief fail to act on a properly completed and timely filed 

application within forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date of the proposed commercial activity, such application shall be deemed denied. 

No permit, other than still photography permits, shall be issued for 

more than 7 consecutive days nor may permits be issued for consecutive 7 day periods to the same applicant.

No permitted activity shall be for more than 23 consecutive hours 

unless good cause is shown on the permit application and a waiver is 

granted by the Capitol Police Board.

§ 17.6 PROHIBITED ITEMS AND ACTIVITIES

The following items/activities are prohibited within Union Square:

a. Firearms

b. Replica firearms

c. Knives

d. Mace or pepper spray

e. Ammunition

f. Explosives and fireworks

g. Open flame

h. Alcohol

i. Commercial Advertisement not associated with permitted activity

j. Sale of food and beverages

k. Climbing, jumping, hanging, or swinging onto or into 

any landscaping or architectural feature

l. Swimming, wading, or entering the Reflecting Pool

m. The use of model rockets, remote or manually-controlled model gliders, model airplanes or unmanned 

aircrafts, model boats, and model cars
120

§ 17.7 SECURITY ASSESSMENTS

§17.7.1 SECURITY ASSESSMENT

The Chief or designee may require a security assessment of 

any activity or items included in a permit application. 

§17.7.2 INSPECTIONS

All items and vehicles transporting items to be used at Union 

Square shall be subject to inspection at a time and place determined by the United States Capitol Police.

§ 17.8 PERMIT FEES

§17.8.1 PERMIT FEES

The terms and conditions of a permit issued by the Chief will 

require the person to whom the permit is issued to pay a fee 

to cover any costs incurred by the Architect of the Capitol as a 

result of the issuance of the permit. The United States Capitol 

Police shall collect the fee on behalf of the Architect of the 

Capitol upon the issuance of a permit in such a manner as 

determined by the United States Capitol Police in consultation 

with the Architect of the Capitol.

§17.8.2 APPROVAL OF THE FEE STRUCTURE

The Capitol Police Board shall approve the fee structure for 

permits.

§17.8.3 REVIEW OF THE FEE STRUCTURE

The Capitol Police Board shall review the permit fee structure 

annually. Any proposed changes to the fee structure shall be 

approved in writing by the Capitol Police Board.

§17.8.4 CAPITOL TRUST ACCOUNT

Any permit fee that is collected by the United States Capitol Police on behalf of the Architect of the Capitol shall be 

transferred to the “Capitol Trust Account” established in the 

Treasury of the United States.

§17.8.5 USE OF FUNDS

Amounts in the Capitol Trust Account shall be available without fiscal year limitation for such maintenance, improvements, 

and projects with respect to Union Square as the Architect of 

the Capitol considers appropriate, subject to the approval of 

the Committees on Appropriations of the United States House 

of Representatives and Senate.

§17.8.6 PUBLICATION OF FEES

The Chief, upon the approval of the Capitol Police Board, 

may amend the fees on 30 days published notice. Any permit 

issued prior to such notice shall not be subject to the amended 

fees.
121

§ 17.9 FEE SCHEDULE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

§17.9.1 STILL PHOTOGRAPHY FEES

The following shall be the per day fee for an application to 

photograph at Union Square and the Grant Statue consistent 

with the fees that had previously been collected by the National Park Service:

1-10 people photographed: $50 per day

1-30 people photographed: $150 per day

Over 30 people photographed: $250 per day

Still photography permits shall only be valid for 30 days from 

the date of issuance. No bond shall be required when the activity relates solely to still photography at the Grant Statute.

§17.9.1.1 STILL PHOTOGRAPHY FEES: SCHOOL

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPANIES

The following shall be the annual fee for a permit to take still 

photographs at Union Square and the Grant Memorial for 

companies whose principal commercial work is to photograph 

school groups: $10,000 annual fee which permits 200 days 

per calendar year of photography. Each company shall pay a 

pro rata share of the fee monthly and submit at that time the 

days on which they wish to take photographs.  Any company 

that exceeds 200 days photographing at Union Square and/

or the Grant Memorial shall be charged the current daily fees 

set forth in § 17.9.1 above. No bond shall be required when 

the activity relates to still photography by companies whose 

principal commercial work is to photograph school groups at 

Union Square and the Grant Memorial.

§17.9.2 FILMING FEES

The following shall be the per day fee for an application to film 

at Union Square and the Grant Statue consistent with the fees 

that had previously been collected by the National Park Service: 

1-10 people on set: $150 per day

11-30 people on set: $250 per day

31-49 people on set: $500 per day

Over 50 people on set: $750 per day

§17.9.3 BOND

At the discretion of the Chief, in consultation with the Architect of the Capitol, a bond may be required as a condition of a 

permit issued for commercial use of Union Square except as 

stated herein. Such bond shall be based on the cost estimate 

by the Architect of the Capitol. Such estimate shall be based 

on current estimates of labor and overtime rates plus materials 

needed to support the permitted activity and to restore the 

property to its condition prior to the permitted activity.
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§17.9.4 INSURANCE

The Chief of the United States Capitol Police in consultation 

with the Architect of the Capitol may require proof of liability 

insurance (naming the United States as an additional insured) 

as a condition of a permit being issued for the commercial use 

of Union Square.

§ 17.10 DENIAL OF PERMIT APPLICATION

§17.10.1 DENIAL OF PERMIT APPLICATION

A permit application may be denied after a security assessment if it is determined that the commercial activity or any 

items associated with the activity pose a risk to the safety and 

security of the United States Capitol complex, Members of 

Congress, staff, or visitors; or if it is determined that the requested activity would create an unreasonable risk of damage 

to Capitol Grounds which could not be repaired or adequately 

covered by a bond; or if Union Square is otherwise unavailable 

on the date(s)/time(s) requested. A permit may also be denied 

if the permit application does not contain sufficient information for a determination to be made as to whether a permit 

should be issued or if the required fees are not submitted in 

full with the permit application. 

The Chief or designee shall notify the permit applicant, in 

writing (where time allows), of the reason for the denial of the 

permit application. (Email communication may also be used.) 

§17.10.2 RESUBMISSION

A permit applicant may resubmit a commercial activity application that has been denied if the application has been cured 

of all identified deficiencies and all security/safety or architectural concerns have been resolved.

§17.10.3 APPEAL

A permit applicant may submit a written appeal of the denial 

of a permit (including permits denied through inaction under 

§14.5) to the Capitol Police Board within 10 days of receipt of 

the denial of the permit application or within 10 days of the 

denial of a permit by inaction. The appeal must include a copy 

of the written denial (if there is one), state the reasons why the 

permit should be issued, and include any additional factors 

that the applicant would like the Capitol Police Board to consider. The Capitol Police Board shall issue a written decision 

(email may also be used) on the appeal within 10 business 

days after the appeal is received. All decisions of the Capitol 

Police Board are final. However, an applicant whose appeal 

has been denied may resubmit a permit application curing all 

deficiencies contained in the original application or curing all 

issues/concerns identified in the security assessment.
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APPENDIX A–DEFINITIONS
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This Page Intentionally Blank
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The terms and phrases used in these regulations shall have the meanings set 

forth below, unless the text or context of the particular chapter, section, subsection, or paragraph provides otherwise.

APPENDIX A-DEFINITIONS

ALLEY Any public or private court, thoroughfare, or 

passage which is less than thirty feet (30 ft.) wide at 

any point or which is more than thirty feet (30 ft.) 

in width but does not open with a width of at least 

thirty feet (30 ft.) directly upon a public street.

ANIMAL-DRAWN 

VEHICLE

Any carriage, sleigh, sled, wagon or other vehicle or 

appliance which is pushed, puled or powered by any 

type of animal.

AUTHORIZED 

EMERGENCY 

VEHICLE

A vehicle of any fire or police department such as 

an ambulance or other vehicle designated as an 

emergency vehicle through a grant of authority by 

Congress, a federal law enforcement agency or by 

the Director of the District of Columbia.

BICYCLE A device which is propelled solely by human power; 

which is designed to be ridden by one (1) or more 

persons; which has a saddle or seat for each person 

that the device is designed and equipped to carry; 

which has a tandem arrangement of two (2) wheels 

(or is a device generally recognized as a bicycle 

though equipped with two front or rear wheels); and 

which has either one wheel at least twenty inches 

(20 in.) in diameter or is designed to be ridden on a 

roadway. This shall not include any device equipped 

with a motor or engine capable of propelling such 

device either exclusively or in combination with 

human power, whether or not such motor or engine 

is in actual operation.

BOLLARD A post or marker designed to divert motor vehicles 

from a road or grassy area.

BUS Any vehicle having a seating capacity of (8) or more 

passengers, exclusive of the driver, and used for the 

transportation of passengers; and every motor vehicle, other than a taxicab, designed and used for the 

transportation of persons for compensation.

CAMPING See §16.6.
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CAPITOL 

GROUNDS

The United States Capitol Grounds comprises all 

squares, reservations, streets, roadways, walks, 

and other areas as defined on a map entitled “Map 

showing areas comprising United States Capitol 

Grounds”, dated June 25, 1946, approved by the 

Architect of the Capitol, and recorded in the Office 

of the Surveyor of the District of Columbia in book 

127, page 8, including all additions added by law 

after June 25, 1946. (40 USC §5102(a)).

CAPITOL POLICE 

BOARD

The Board created by the Act of July 31, 1946, which 

consists of the Sergeant at Arms of the United States 

Senate, the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives, and the Architect of the Capitol and the 

Chief of the Capitol Police who serves in an ex- officio capacity, or an authorized agent.

COMMERCIAL 

VEHICLE

Every motor vehicle exceeding one and one quarter 

(11⁄4) ton capacity or any motor vehicle with more 

than 2 axels.

CROSSWALK That part of a roadway at an intersection included 

within the connections of the lateral lines of the 

sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs, or in the absence of curbs, 

from the edges of the traversable roadway; or any 

portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere 

distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines 

or other markings on the surface.

DEALER Any person engaged in the business of buying, 

selling, distributing, exchanging, or dealing in motor 

vehicles or trailers. The term shall include, but not 

be limited to, “new car dealer” and “used car dealer.”

DIRECTOR The Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles 

or the Director of the Department of Public Works, 

as applicable, either acting directly or through a 

duly authorized agent. This definition is included for 

reference purposes only and in no way grants any 

additional authority to any Director or agent in the 

District of Columbia over activities that take place 

on Capitol Grounds.

DISTRICT District of Columbia.

DOMESTICATED 

ANIMAL

Any animal that has been tamed and made fit for a 

human environment.
A|5

DRIVER A person who drives or is in actual physical control 

of a vehicle, bicycle or any other vehicle or apparatus 

mentioned in these regulations.

DRIVEWAY Vehicular entrance to buildings, garages, parking 

lots or other special entrances.

FIRE LANE Any private roadway designated by the Fire Chief on 

which parking is prohibited.

HIGHWAY The entire width between the boundary lines of every publicly maintained way, when any part thereof 

is open to the use of the public for purpose of vehicular or pedestrian travel.

HISTORIC MOTOR 

VEHICLE

Any motor vehicle whose manufacturer’s model year 

is at least twenty-five (25) years old or motor vehicle 

which is at least fifteen

(15) years old and 

is a make of motor 

vehicle no longer 

manufactured

 Provided, that the motor vehicle has been or is 

being restored, preserved, or maintained as an exhibition or collector’s item because of its special historical value or significance, has not been substantially 

altered or modified from the manufacturer’s original 

specifications, and is used on the public highways 

for the transportation of passengers or property in 

conjunction with exhibitions, expositions, parades, 

tours, club activities, or similar activities or events, 

including transportation directly to and from such 

activities or events, but in no event used for general 

transportation. Motor vehicles which are less than 

twenty-five (25) years old but which are fifteen (15) 

or more years old and which qualify as historic 

motor vehicles shall include but not be limited to the 

following makes which are no longer manufactured: 

Kaiser, Hudson, DeSoto, Nash, Edsel, Studebaker, 

and Packard.

INSPECTION 

STATION

A safety inspection station owned and operated by 

the District of Columbia for the mechanical inspection and testing of vehicles and the equipment and 

accessories affixed to vehicles.
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INTERSECTION The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines or, if none, then of 

the lateral boundary lines of two (2) or more roadways which join one another at an angle, whether or 

not one such roadway crosses the other; Provided 

that, where a highway includes two (2) roadways 

thirty feet (30 ft.) or more apart, every crossing 

of each roadway of such divided highway by an 

intersecting highway shall be regarded as a separate 

intersection. In the event such intersecting highway 

also includes two (2) roadways thirty feet (30 ft.) 

or more apart, then every crossing of two roadways 

of such highways shall be regarded as a separate 

intersection.

LOADING The expeditious unloading and delivery of materials to, or the pickup and loading of materials from 

a curb-side elevator or chute, or a store, shipping 

room, loading dock, or similar place of pickup and 

delivery. “Loading” shall not include waiting for 

such pick-up or delivery.

LOADING 

PLATFORM

See Safety Zone.

LOADING ZONE A space adjacent to a curb for exclusive use of commercial vehicles during the loading or unloading of 

materials

MATERIALS Goods, wares, or merchandise of any description.

METAL TIRE Every tire, the surface of which in contact with the 

highway is wholly or partly of metal or other hard, 

non-resilient material.

MOPED A motorcycle or motorized bicycle equipped with 

functional pedals.

MOTORCYCLE Any motor vehicle other than a motorized bicycle 

having either a tandem arrangement of two (2) 

wheels or a tricyclic arrangement of three (3) wheels 

and having a seat or saddle for the use of the operator, but not including a tractor.

MOTOR-DRIVEN 

CYCLE

Any motorcycle having a motor or engine which 

produces five (5.0) brake horsepower (S.A.E. rating) 

or less.
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MOTORIZED 

BICYCLE

Any motor vehicle having either a tandem arrangement of two wheels equipped with tires which are 

sixteen inches (16 in.) or more in diameter or a 

tricyclic arrangement of three (3) wheels equipped 

with tires which are sixteen inches (16 in.) or more 

in diameter, having a seat or saddle for the use of 

the operator, having an automatic transmission, 

and having a motor or engine which produces not 

more than one and one-half (1.5) brake horsepower 

(S.A.E. rating), has a piston displacement of not 

more than fifty cubic centimeters (50 cc), and is 

capable of moving the vehicle at a maximum speed 

of not more than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) 

on level ground when propelled exclusively by such 

motor or engine.

MOTOR VEHICLE Any vehicle propelled by internal-combustion 

engine, electricity, or steam, including any non-operational vehicle that is being restored or repaired. 

The term “motor vehicle” shall not include road 

rollers, farm tractors, vehicles propelled only upon 

stationary rails or tracks, electric personal assistive 

mobility devices, and battery-operated wheelchairs 

when operated by a handicapped person at speeds 

not exceeding 10 miles per hour.

OFFICIAL TRAFFIC 

CONTROL DEVICE

Any sign, signal, marking, or device not inconsistent 

with this title placed or erected by authority of the 

Capitol Police Board, the Council of the District of 

Columbia or the Director for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.

PARK OR PARKING The standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, 

other than temporarily for the purpose of, and while 

actually engaged in, loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.

PARKING METER A mechanical or electronic device located upon a 

sidewalk or public parking adjacent to one or more 

places regularly designated as a parking meter zone, 

which measures and displays the amount of time 

remaining for lawful parking or which issues a 

receipt indicating the time at which lawful parking 

will expire.
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PARKING METER 

ZONE

A certain designated and marked-off section of a 

public roadway within the marked boundaries of 

which a vehicle may be temporarily parked and 

allowed to remain for such period of time as indicated on a parking meter or on a receipt issued by a 

parking meter serving that zone.

PARKING SPACE A twenty foot (20. ft.) long area of street, alongside 

the curb, where motor vehicles may lawfully park.

PASSENGER 

VEHICLE

Any vehicle other than a commercial vehicle, with 

more than three (3) wheels, designed, used, or 

maintained for passenger, recreational, or other 

non-commercial purposes, except such vehicles 

used for livery, rental, sightseeing, or taxi purposes.

PATHWAY An area that is used primarily by pedestrians.

PEDESTRIAN Any person afoot or who is using a wheelchair or 

motorized wheelchair.

PEDICAB A bicycle with two (2) rear wheels and one (1) front 

wheel that is designed to be ridden by one (1) or 

more persons, that transports, or is capable of transporting, passengers on seats attached to the bicycle, 

and that is used for transporting passengers for hire

PERSONAL 

MOBILITY DEVICE 

(“PMD”)

A motorized propulsion device, designed to 

transport only one person or a self-balancing, two 

non-tandem wheeled device, designed to transport 

only one person with an electric propulsion system, 

but excluding a battery-operated wheelchair or any 

“power driven mobility device” as defined by 28 

C.F.R. § 35.104 (2011).

PNEUMATIC TIRE A tire in which compressed air is designed to support the load.

POLE TRAILER A vehicle without motive power designed to be 

drawn by another vehicle and attached to the 

towing vehicle by means of a reach, or pole, or by 

being boomed or otherwise secured to the towing 

vehicle, and ordinarily used for transporting long 

or irregularly shaped loads such as poles, pipes, or 

structural members capable, generally, of sustaining themselves as beams between the supporting 

connections.
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POLICE OFFICER Any officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or 

to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations.

PRIVATE ROAD A way or place in private ownership and used for vehicular travel by the owner and those having express 

or implied permission from the owner, but not by 

other persons.

PUBLIC VEHICLE 

FOR HIRE

A taxicab, limousine, ambulance, funeral car, sightseeing vehicle, or other vehicle whose owners or operators extend the use of such vehicles with a driver 

to the public for hire. The term does not include 

vehicles confined to rails or tracks, or vehicles which 

travel over a defined route or routes on regular 

schedules and are not used exclusively for sightseeing purposes, or vehicles rented without drivers and 

used exclusively for the personal and private use of 

the lessee, or vehicles used exclusively for purposes 

other than transporting passengers.

RAILROAD A carrier of persons or property upon cars operated 

upon stationary rails.

REGISTRANT An owner of a vehicle for which valid registration 

exists.

REGISTRATION The acts of the Director in registering a vehicle, issuing and delivering a registration card and owner’s 

identification tags or special bus identification to a 

registrant, dealer, or owner of a prorated interstate 

bus.

REGISTRATION 

CERTIFICATE

A certificate or its duplicate issued by the Director 

to a registrant, containing any or all of the information that appeared on his or her application for 

registration, the number of the owner’s identification 

tags issued to the registrant for use on the vehicle 

described on such card and such other information 

as the Director may determine, or a registration 

certificate or its duplicate, issued by the Director to 

a new car dealer, or used car dealer, containing any 

or all of the information that appeared on his or her 

application for dealer’s identification tags, the number of the dealer’s identification tags issued to the 

new car dealer or used car dealer for use as provided 

by this chapter and any other information as the 

Director may require.
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REPAIR SHOP A place of business located within the District of 

Columbia, engaged in performing one or more types 

of work on motor vehicles, including general or 

specialized mechanical work, body and fender work, 

upholstering, glazing, or painting.

RESIDENTIAL 

PERMIT PARKING 

STICKER

The certificate of permission, under the provisions 

of 18 DCMR§2411 through §2416, for a resident of 

a residential permit parking zone in the District to 

park a motor vehicle in that zone beyond the limits 

generally imposed upon motor vehicles parked in 

the zone.

REVOCATION The termination of a person’s license or privilege to 

operate a motor vehicle in the District which shall 

not be subject to renewal or restoration except that 

an application for a new license may be made after 

the expiration of the period of time of such revocation.

RIGHT-OF-WAY The right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in 

a lawful manner in preference to another vehicle or 

pedestrian approaching under such circumstances of 

direction, speed and proximity as to give rise to danger of collision unless one vehicle grants precedence 

to the other.

ROADWAY That portion of a highway which is improved, 

designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel. In 

the even a highway includes two or more separate 

roadways, the term “roadway” as used herein shall 

refer to any such roadway separately, but not to all 

such roadways collectively.

SAFETY ZONE The area or space officially set apart within a roadway for exclusive use of pedestrians and which is 

protected or is so marked or indicated by adequate 

signs as to be plainly visible at all times while set 

apart as a safety zone.

SCHOOL BUS A bus which is regularly used by or on behalf of a 

school to transport children to or in connection 

with school activities; provided, that this definition 

shall not include buses operated by common carriers 

which are not used primarily for the transportation 

of school children, or vehicles owned by the United 

States government.

SEGWAY® A Personal Mobility Device (“PMD”).
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SEMI-TRAILER Every vehicle with or without motive power, other 

than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or 

property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle 

and so constructed that some of its weight and that 

of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle.

SIDEWALK That portion of a street between the curb lines or the 

lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property 

lines intended for the use of pedestrians.

SIDEWALK AREA Pedestrian zone that must remain clear.

SPECIAL BUS 

IDENTIFICATION

A serially numbered identification sticker issued by 

the Director for use on prorated interstate buses.

SPECIAL MOBILE 

EQUIPMENT

A vehicle not designed or used primarily for the 

transportation of persons or property and only 

incidentally operated or moved over a highway, 

including but not limited to ditch digging apparatus, 

well boring apparatus and road construction and 

maintenance machinery such as asphalt spreaders, 

bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, tractors other 

than truck tractors, ditchers, levelling graders, finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers, earth moving carry- alls and scrapers, power 

shovels and drag lines, and self-propelled cranes and 

earth moving equipment. The term does not include 

house trailers, dump trucks, truck mounted transit 

mixers, cranes or shovels, or other vehicles designed 

for the transportation of persons or property to 

which machinery has been attached.

STANCHION Any publicly-owned pole or post used as support.

STANDING Halting a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except 

when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic 

or in compliance with other traffic or in compliance 

with the directions of a police officer or a traffic control sign or signal; provided, that a vehicle may stop 

momentarily to pick up a passenger or passengers 

actually waiting at the curb, or discharge a passenger 

or passengers, but not for loading materials.

STOP When required means complete cessation of movement.

STOPPING When prohibited, means halting a vehicle except 

to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance 

with the directions of a police officer or a traffic 

control sign or signal.

STREET A block of a street, avenue, road, or highway.
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TAXICAB Any public vehicle for hire having a seating capacity 

of less than eight (8) passengers, exclusive of the 

driver, except ambulances, funeral cars, vehicles 

used exclusively for sightseeing purposes, or vehicles 

for which the rate is fixed solely by the hour.

TEMPORARY 

PERMIT

A certificate of permission which, under the provisions of §§ 2411 through 2416, temporarily provides 

the permit holder the same parking rights as those 

provided by the authority of a residential permit 

parking sticker.

TRAFFIC Motor vehicles and all other vehicles, pedestrians, 

and animals of every description.

TRAFFIC 

CONTROL SIGNAL

Any device, whether manually, electrically, or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately 

directed to stop and to proceed.

TRAILER A vehicle with or without motor power intended to 

be used for carrying property or persons and drawn 

or intended to be drawn by a motor vehicle, whether 

such vehicle without motor power carries the weight 

of the property or persons wholly on its own structure or whether a part of such weight rests upon or 

is carried by a motor vehicle.

TRUCK See Commercial Vehicle.

VEHICLE A motor vehicle or trailer.

UNITED STATES 

CAPITOL POLICE

Members of the Capitol Police or members of the 

Metropolitan Police Force acting with the consent or 

upon the request of the Capitol Police Board.

YIELD Yield right-of-way.
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APPENDIX B-2 USC 1969

AUTHORITY TO REGULATE TRAFFIC

UNITED STATES CODE SERVICE

Copyright © 2011 Matthew Bender & Company,Inc. 

a member of the LexisNexis Group (TM) 

All rights reserved.

*** CURRENT THROUGH PL 111-382, 

WITH A GAP OF PL 111-350, APPROVED 1/4/2011 *** 

TITLE 2. THE CONGRESS 

CHAPTER 29. CAPITOL POLICE 

POWERS AND DUTIES

Go to the United States Code Service Archive Directory

2 USCS § 1969

§ 1969. Regulation of traffic by Capitol Police Board

(a) Exclusive charge and control of all vehicular and other traffic. The Capitol 

Police Board, consisting of the Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate, 

the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives, and the Architect of 

the Capitol, shall have exclusive charge and control of the regulation and 

movement of all vehicular and other traffic, in- cluding the parking and 

impounding of vehicles and limiting the speed thereof, within the United 

States Capitol Grounds; and said Board is hereby authorized and empowered to make and enforce all necessary regulations therefor and to prescribe 

penalties for violation of such regulations, such penalties not to exceed a fine 

of $ 300 or imprisonment for not more than ninety days. Notwithstanding 

the foregoing provisions of this section those provisions of the District of 

Columbia Traffic Act of 1925, as amended, for the violation of which specific 

penalties are provided in said Act, as amended, shall be applicable to the 

United States Capitol Grounds. Prosecutions for violation of such regulations 

shall be in The Municipal Court for the District of Columbia [Superior Court 

of the District of Columbia], upon information by the Corporation Counsel 

of the District of Columbia or any of his assistants.

(b) Promulgation of regulations. Regulations authorized to be promulgated under this section shall be promulgated by the Capitol Police Board and such 

regulations may be amended from time to time by the Capitol Police Board 

whenever it shall deem it necessary: Provided, That until such regulations are 

LEXSTAT 2 USC 1969
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promulgated and become effective, the traffic regu- lations of the District of 

Columbia shall be applicable to the United States Capitol Grounds.

(c) Printing of regulations and effective dates. All regulations promulgated under 

the authority of this section shall, when adopted by the Capitol Police Board, 

be printed in one or more of the daily newspapers published in the District 

of Columbia, and shall not become effective until the expiration of ten days 

after the date of such publication, except that whenever the Capitol Police 

Board deems it advisable to make effective immediately any regulation relating to parking, diverting of vehicular traffic, or the closing of streets to such 

traffic, the regulation shall be effective immediately upon placing at the point 

where it is to be in force conspicuous signs containing a notice of the regulation. Any expenses incurred under this subsection shall be payable from the 

appropriation “Uniforms and Equipment, Capitol Police”.

(d) Cooperation with Mayor of District of Columbia. It shall be the duty of 

the Commissioners [Mayor] of the District of Columbia, or any officer or 

employee of the government of the District of Columbia designated by said 

Commis- sioners [Mayor], upon request of the Capitol Police Board, to cooperate with the Board in the preparation of the regula- tions authorized to 

be promulgated under this section, and any future amendments thereof.

HISTORY:

(July 31, 1946, ch 707, § 14, 60 Stat. 720; July 11, 1947, ch 221, §§ 1, 2, 61 Stat. 

308; Dec. 24, 1973, P.L. 93-198, 

Title VII, Part D, § 739(g)(6), 87 Stat. 829.)

HISTORY; ANCILLARY LAWS AND DIRECTIVES

References in text: 

The “District of Columbia Traffic Act of 1925”, referred to in subsec. (a), is Act 

March 3, 1925, ch 443, 43 Stat. 1119, which appears as District of Columbia 

Code, §§ 40-301 et seq. and 40-701 et seq.

Explanatory notes: 

The bracketed words “Superior Court of the District of Columbia” were 

inserted in subsec. (a) on the authority of Act July 29, 1970, P.L. 91-358, Title 

I, § 155(a), 84 Stat. 570, which changed the name of the “District of Columbia 

Court of General Sessions” to “Superior Court of the District of Columbia”, effective the first day of the seventh calendar month which began after 

July 29, 1970. Act July 8, 1963, P.L. 88-60, §§ 1, 7, 84 Stat. 570, provided that 

whenever a reference is made in any Act of Congress to the “Municipal Court 

for the District of Columbia”, such reference shall be deemed a reference to 

the “District of Columbia Court of General Sessions”. 

The bracketed word “Mayor” has been inserted in subsec. (d) on the authority 

of Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1967 and Act Dec. 24, 1973. See transfer of 

functions note to this section. 

This section formerly appeared as 40 USCS § 212b.
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This section also appears as District of Columbia Code, § 9-127.

Amendments:

1947. Act July 11, 1947 in subsec. (b), substituted “and such regulations may be 

amended from time to time by the Cap- itol Police Board whenever it shall deem 

it necessary” for “within six months after approval of this Act”; in subsec. (c), 

added the second sentence and all that follows “date of such publication” in the 

first sentence.

1973. Act Dec. 24, 1973 (effective as provided by § 771 of such Act, which appears as a note to this section), in subsec. (a), deleted “, except on those streets 

and roadways shown on the map referred to in section 1 of this Act as being 

under the jurisdiction and control of the Commissioner of the District of Columbia”, following “United States Capitol Grounds”.

Transfer of functions:

The functions of the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia, 

were transferred to the District of Colum- bia Council, pursuant to § 402 of 

Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1967, 32 Fed. Reg. 11669, which appears as 5 

USCS § 903 note, subject to the right of the Commissioner as provided by § 

406 of the Plan. For provisions establishing the Dis- trict of Columbia Council, see Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1967, § 201. The District of Columbia Council 

and the Office of Commissioner of the District of Columbia, as established by 

Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1967, were abolished as of noon Jan. 2, 1975, by Act Dec. 

24, 1973, P.L. 93-198, Title VII, § 711, 87 Stat. 818, which was classified to § 

1-211 of the Dis- trict of Columbia Code. The District of Columbia Council 

and the Office of Commissioner of the District of Columbia were replaced by 

the Council of the District of Columbia and the office of Mayor of the District 

of Columbia, as pro- vided by §§ 401 and 421 of such Act, which are classified 

to §§ 1-221 and 1-241 of the District of Columbia Code, re- spectively.

Other provisions:

Effective date of Dec. 24, 1973 amendment. Act Dec. 24, 1973, § 771, provided that the amendment of this section by such Act was to become effective 

on Jan. 2, 1975, if a majority of the registered, qualified electors in the District 

of Columbia voting on the charter issue in the charter referendum accepted 

the charter set out in Title IV of Act Dec. 24, 1973, P.L. 93-198, 87 Stat. 785. 

The charter was approved by the voters on May 7, 1974.

NOTES:

Related Statutes & Rules:

This section is referred to in 2 USCS §§ 1961, 2021; 40 USCS §§ 5105, 5109, 

8501.

Interpretive Notes and Decisions:

United States Capitol grounds regulation that no permit shall be issued 

for period of more than 7 consecutive days and no permit shall authorize 

demonstration activity having duration of more than 24 consecutive hours 

is reasonably related to Police Board’s statutory authority to regulate traffic 

under former 40 USCS § 212b. Community for Creative Non-Violence v 

Kerrigan (1989, App DC) 275 US App DC 163, 865 F2d 382.
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APPENDIX C-1

D.C CODE 10-503.25

Formerly cited as DC ST 1981 § 9-127

Effective:[See Text Amendments]

West’s District of Columbia Code Annotated 2001 Edition Currentness

Division I. Government of District.

Title 10. Parks, Public Buildings, Grounds, and Space. (Refs & Annos)

Subtitle II. Public Buildings and Grounds.

Chapter 5. Regulatory Provisions.

Subchapter II. Capitol Grounds.

Part B. General.

§ 10-503.25. Suspension of prohibitions against use–Traffic 

regulations by Capitol Police Board.

(a) The Capitol Police Board, consisting of the Sergeant at Arms of the United 

States Senate, the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives, and the 

Architect of the Capitol, shall have exclusive charge and control of the regulation and movement of all vehicular and other traffic, including the parking 

and impounding of vehicles and limiting the speed thereof, within the United States Capitol Grounds; and said Board is hereby authorized and empowered to make and enforce all necessary regulations therefor and to prescribe 

penalties for violation of such regulations, such penalties not to exceed a fine 

of $300 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days. Notwithstanding the 

foregoing provisions of this section those provisions of Chapters 14 and 22 

of Title 50, for the violation of which specific pen- alties are provided in said 

Chapters, shall be applicable to the United States Capitol Grounds. Except 

as provided in Chapter 23 of Title 50, prosecutions for violation of such 

regulations shall be in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, upon 

information by the Corporation Counsel of the District of Columbia or any 

of his assistants.

(b) Regulations authorized to be promulgated under this section shall be promulgated by the Capitol Police Board and such regulations may be amended 

from time to time by the Capitol Police Board whenever it shall deem it 

necessary; provided, that until such regulations are promulgated and become 

effective, the traffic regulations of the District of Columbia shall be applicable 

to the United States Capitol Grounds.

(c) All regulations promulgated under the authority of this section shall, when 

adopted by the Capitol Police Board, be printed in 1 or more of the daily 

newspapers published in the District of Columbia, and shall not become 
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effective until the expiration of 10 days after the date of such publication, 

except that whenever the Capitol Police Board deems it advisable to make effective immediately any regulation relating to parking, diverting of vehicular 

traffic, or the closing of streets to such traffic, the regulation shall be effective 

immediately upon placing at the point where it is to be in force conspicuous 

signs containing a notice of the regulation. Any expenses incurred under this 

subsection shall be payable from the appropriation “Uniforms and Equipment, Capitol Police.”

(d) It shall be the duty of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, or any officer or 

employee of the government of the District of Columbia designated by said 

Mayor, upon request of the Capitol Police Board, to cooperate with the Board 

in the preparation of the regulations authorized to be promulgated under this 

section, and any future amendments thereof.

CREDIT(S)

(July 31, 1946, 60 Stat. 720, ch. 707, § 14; July 11, 1947, 61 Stat. 308, ch. 221, §§ 

1, 2; July 8, 1963, 77 Stat. 77, Pub. L. 88-60, § 1; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 570, Pub. 

L. 91-358, title I, § 155(a); Dec. 24, 1973, 87 Stat. 829, Pub. L. 93-198, title VII, § 

739(g)(6); May 15, 1993, D.C. Law 9-272, § 201, 40 DCR 796.)

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 9-127.

1973 Ed., § 9-131.

Change in Government

This section originated at a time when local government powers were delegated 

to a Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia (see Acts Relating to 

the Establishment of the District of Columbia and its Various Forms of Governmental Organization in Volume 1). Section 401 of Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 

1967 (see Reorganization Plans in Volume 1) transferred all of the functions of 

the Board of Commissioners under this section to a single Commissioner. The 

District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act, 

87 Stat. 818, § 711 (D.C. Code, § 1-207.11), abolished the District of Columbia 

Council and the Office of Commissioner of the District of Columbia. These 

branches of government were replaced by the Council of the District of Columbia and the Office of Mayor of the District of Columbia, respectively. Accordingly, and also pursuant to § 714(a) of such Act (D.C. Code, § 1-207.14(a)), appropriate changes in terminology were made in this section.
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CROSS REFERENCES

Operation of vehicle in the District, application of law, see §§ 50-2302.01, 50-2303.01.

Section References 

This section is referred to in §§ 1-207.39 and 10-503.19.

LIBRARY REFERENCES

Key Numbers

Formerly cited at DC ST 1981 § 9-27

Automobiles 5(5).

Westlaw Topic No. 48A.

Encyclopedias

C.J.S. Motor Vehicles §§ 42 to 44, 47 to 50.

NOTES OF DECISIONS

In general 1

1. In general

Capitol Police had jurisdiction to act upon traffic tie-up on boundary street of 

the Capitol Grounds in which they had jurisdiction and, therefore, had right 

to arrest defendant if he committed a misdemeanor in their presence while 

they were so acting. D.C.Code 1951, §§ 9-118, 9-126, 9-131. Andersen v. U.S. 

(Cr.App. 1957) 132 A.2d 155, affirmed 253 F.2d 335, 102 U.S.App.D.C. 313, 

certiorari denied 78 S.Ct. 1375, 357 U.S. 930, 2 L.Ed.2d 1372. 

Automobiles 349(12)

DC CODE § 10-503.25

Current through July 29, 2013

Copyright © 2012 By the District of Columbia. Content previously published 

in the District of Columbia Official Code, 2001 Edition is used with permission. Copyright © 2013 Thomson Reuters
A|20

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A|21

DC ST § 50-2301.01

Formerly cited as DC ST 1981 § 40-601

Effective:[See Text Amendments]

West’s District of Columbia Code Annotated 2001 Edition Currentness

Division VIII. General Laws.

Title 50. Motor and Non-Motor Vehicles and Traffic. (Refs & Annos) 

Subtitle VII. Traffic.

Chapter 23. Traffic Adjudication.

Subchapter I. Purposes; Definitions; Establishment; Hearing Examiners; Sanctions; Time Computations; Regulations. (Refs & Annos)

§ 50-2301.01. Purposes.

It is the intent of the Council of the District of Columbia (hereinafter referred to 

as the “Council”) in the adoption of this chapter to decriminalize and to provide for the administrative adjudication of certain violations of Title 32 of the 

District of Columbia Rules and Regulations (Motor Vehicle Regulations for the 

District of Columbia), and certain offenses codified in Title 50 of the District of 

Columbia Official Code, in the Highways and Traffic Regulations of the District 

of Columbia, and in Chapter III of Title 14 of the District of Columbia Rules and 

Regulations (relating to the operation of taxicabs), and to provide for the civilian 

enforcement of parking infractions, and thereby to establish a uniform and more 

expeditious system and continue to assure an equitable system for the disposition 

of traffic offenses.

CREDIT(S)

(Sept. 12, 1978, D.C. Law 2-104, § 101, 25 DCR 1275.) HISTORICAL AND 

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 40-601.

1973 Ed., § 40-1101.

Legislative History of Laws

Law 2-104 was introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 2-195, which was 

referred to the Committee on the Ju- diciary. The Bill was adopted on first and 

second readings on June 13, 1978 and June 27, 1978, respectively. Signed by the 

Mayor on July 1, 1978, it was assigned Act No. 2-215 and transmitted to both 

Houses of Congress for its review. Editor’s Notes

APPENDIX C-2

D.C CODE 50-2301.01
A|22

Title 18 of the DCMR (Vehicles and Traffic) (June, 1987) has replaced Title 32 of 

the District of Columbia Rules and Regulations (Motor Vehicle Regulations for 

the District of Columbia).

Title 18A of the DCMR (Taxicabs and Vehicles for Hire) (October, 1987) has 

replaced Title 14 of the District of Columbia Rules and Regulations (relating to 

operation of taxicabs).

NOTES OF DECISIONS

Construction and application 1/2 Construction with other laws 1

Double jeopardy 2

Due process 3

Review 5

Search and seizure 4

1/2. Construction and application

Speeding violations detected by District of Columbia’s Automated Traffic 

Enforcement System (ATE System) are civil in nature, such that the Fifth and 

Sixth Amendment protections available to defendants in criminal prosecutions 

are not available in administrative adjudications of such violations; such violations are not sanctioned by incarceration or an affirmative disability but by a 

modest fine, speeding is not a crime, Traffic Adjudication Act (TAA) establishing 

ATE system is rationally connected to the non-punitive purpose of promoting 

public safety on the roadways, and that statute does not excessively penalize 

offenders in light of legislative goals. DeVita v. District of Columbia, 2013, 2013 

WL 4746785. Action 18; Automobiles 11

1. Construction with other laws

District of Columbia Council has authority to, and intended to create an exception to contested case review by the Court of Appeals under the District of 

Columbia Administrative Procedure Act for certain cases adjudicated under the 

Traffic Adjudication Act; therefore, even though the adjudicative nature of such 

proceedings was functionally con- sistent with the general definition of a contested case, there was no conflict between the Traffic Adjudication Act and the 

District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act. D.C.Code 1973, § 40-603(i); 

D.C.Code 1978 Supp. §§ 1-121 et seq., 1-147(a)(1), 1-1501 et seq.; D.C.Code 

1980 Supp. § 4-1101 et seq. District of Columbia v. Sullivan, 1981, 436 A.2d 364. 

District Of Columbia 5

2. Double jeopardy

Even if motorist was charged with failing to yield to pedestrian as criminal 

offense, jeopardy did not attach when defendant mailed fine to Bureau of Traffic 

Adjudication because Bureau had no jurisdiction to entertain criminal charge of 

failure to yield to pedestrian and, thus, double jeopardy did not bar prosecution 

of defendant for negligent homicide based on same automobile collision. 
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U.S.C.A. Const.Amend. 5; D.C.Code 1981, § 40-726. Purcell v. U.S., 1991, 594 

A.2d 527. Double Jeopardy 25

3. Due process

Administrative agencies’ errors, in relying on inaccurately maintained driver’s 

record in revoking driver’s license and suspending cab driver’s permit, did not 

violate due process as long as state provided adequate state remedy to redress and 

compensate driver for improper maintenance of his record. U.S.C.A. Const.

Amend. 5. Gilles v. Touchstone, 1987, 676 F.Supp. 341. 

Constitutional Law 4356

4. Search and seizure

Absent support for conclusion that defendant had refused to disclose his name 

and address to officer, it was not rea- sonable, within restrictions of Fourth 

Amendment, for officer to effect full custody arrest accompanied by body search, 

upon stopping defendant for “walking as to create a hazard.” U.S.C.A. Const.

Amend. 4; D.C.Code 1981, §§ 40-601 et seq., 40-605. Barnett v. U.S., 1987, 525 

A.2d 197. Arrest 58; Searches And Seizures 52

Arrest of defendant for violating pedestrian walking regulation, which is civil 

infraction for which only monetary sanction may be imposed, was invalid, and 

contemporaneous search and seizure violated defendant’s Fourth Amendment 

rights. U.S.C.A. Const.Amend. 4; D.C.Code 1981, §§ 40-601 et seq., 40-605. 

Barnett v. U.S., 1987, 525 A.2d 197. Arrest 58; Searches And Seizures 

52

5. Review

Bureau of Motor Vehicle Services did not act outside scope of its authority when 

revoking motorist’s driving privi- leges on findings that she had operated motor 

vehicle while under influence of intoxicating liquor, and that she had refused to 

submit to two chemical tests for alcohol after having been warned of consequences of refusal. D.C.Code 1981, §§ 40-302(a), 40-505, 40-601. Stowell v. 

District of Columbia Dept. of Transp., Bureau of Motor Vehicle Services, 1986, 

514 A.2d 438. Automobiles 144.1(1.20)

DC CODE § 50-2301.01

Current through July 29, 2013

Copyright© 2012 By the District of Columbia. Content previously published in 

the District of Columbia Official Code, 2001 Edition is used with permission. 

Copyright © 2013 Thomson Reuters
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DC ST § 50-2302.01

Formerly cited as DC ST 1981 § 40-611

Effective:[See Text Amendments]

West’s District of Columbia Code Annotated 2001 Edition Currentness

Division VIII. General Laws.

Title 50. Motor and Non-Motor Vehicles and Traffic. (Refs & Annos)

Subtitle VII. Traffic.

Chapter 23. Traffic Adjudication.

Subchapter II. Moving Infractions.

 § 50-2302.01. Applicability.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all violations of statutes, regulations, 

executive orders or rules relating to the operation of any vehicle in the District, 

including rules issued pursuant to Chapter 14 of Title 8, except those violations 

covered by subchapter III of this chapter or those violations excepted by §§ 

50-2302.02 and 50-2302.03, shall be processed and adjudicated pursuant to the 

provisions of this subchapter. All violations of regulations issued by the Capitol 

Police Board, pursuant to § 10-503.25(a), that if committed outside the United 

States Capitol grounds would be covered by this section shall be processed and 

adjudicated pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter.

CREDIT(S)

(Sept. 12, 1978, D.C. Law 2-104, § 201, 25 DCR 1275; Oct. 1, 1992, D.C. Law 

9-173, § 2, 39 DCR 5834; May 15, 1993, D.C. Law 9-272, § 203(a), 40 DCR 796.)

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 40-611.

1973 Ed., § 40-1109.

Legislative History of Laws

For legislative history of D.C. Law 2-104, see Historical and Statutory Notes 

following § 50-2301.01.

Law 9-173, the “Traffic Adjudication and Motor Carrier Safety Amendment Act 

of 1992,” was introduced in Council

APPENDIX C-3

D.C CODE 50-2302.01
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and assigned Bill No. 9-501, which was referred to the Committee on Public 

Works. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings on June 23, 1992, and 

July 7, 1992, respectively. Signed by the Mayor on July 23, 1992, it was as- signed 

Act No. 9-271 and transmitted to both Houses of Congress for its review. D.C. 

Law 9-172 became effective on October 1, 1992.

Law 9-272, the “Criminal and Juvenile Justice Reform Amendment Act of 1992,” 

was introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 9-374, which was referred to the 

Committee on the Judiciary. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings 

on December 1, 1992, and December 15, 1992, respectively. Signed by the Mayor 

on January 14, 1993, it was assigned Act No. 9-401 and transmitted to both 

Houses of Congress for its review. D.C. Law 9-272 became effective on May 15, 

1993.

LIBRARY REFERENCES

Key Numbers

Automobiles 335.

Westlaw Topic No. 48A.

Encyclopedias

C.J.S. Motor Vehicles §§ 1541, 1543, 1548, 1551 to 1552.

NOTES OF DECISIONS

Automated traffic control systems 2 

Taxis 1

1.Taxis

Taxicab Commission had jurisdiction over issuance of hacker’s license and penalization of those operating taxicab without such license, rather than Bureau of 

Traffic Adjudication. D.C.Code 1981, §§ 40-611, 40-1701 et seq., 40-

1719(a). Onabiyi v. District of Columbia Taxicab Com’n, 1989, 557 A.2d 

1317. Automobiles 82; Automobiles 107(2)

2. Automated traffic control systems

Administrative hearings adjudicating civil speeding violations based on evidence 

provided by Automated Traffic Enforcement System (ATE System) provide 

constitutionally sufficient due process; private interest at stake is minimal and 

involves only a modest fine, risk of erroneous finding of liability is low because 

ATE System accurately captures and records traffic violations, because of procedures afforded to individuals contesting a notice of infraction, and
A|27

because of “clear and convincing” burden of proof imposed on government, and 

data used in ATE System proceedings is only accepted as valid evidence if photo 

radar unit was properly calibrated and certified to be in working or- der. DeVita 

v. District of Columbia, 2013, 2013 WL 4746785. 

Constitutional Law 4105(1)

DC CODE § 50-2302.01

Current through July 29, 2013

Copyright © 2012 By the District of Columbia. Content previously published in 

the District of Columbia Official Code, 2001 Edition is used with permission. 

Copyright © 2013 Thomson Reuters
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APPENDIX C-4

D.C CODE 50-2303.01

Effective:[See Text Amendments] 

West’s District of Columbia Code Annotated 2001 Edition Currentness 

 Division VIII. General Laws. 

 Title 50. Motor and Non-Motor Vehicles and Traffic. (Refs & Annos) 

 Subtitle VII. Traffic. 

 Chapter 23. Traffic Adjudication. 

 Subchapter III. Parking, Standing, Stopping and Pedestrian 

Infractions. (Refs & Annos) 

 § 50-2303.01. Applicability. 

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all violations of statutes, regulations, 

executive orders or rules relating to parking, standing, stopping or pedestrian offenses within the District shall be processed and adjudicated pursuant to 

the provisions of this subchapter, except as provided in §§ 50-2302.02(19) and 

50-2303.02. All violations of regula-tions issued by the Capitol Police Board, 

pursuant to § 10-503.25(a), that if committed outside the United States Capitol 

grounds would be covered by this section shall be processed and adjudicated 

pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter. 

CREDIT(S) 

(Sept. 12, 1978, D.C. Law 2-104, § 301, 25 DCR 1275; May 15, 1993, D.C. Law 

9-272, § 203(b), 40 DCR 796; May 24, 1996, D.C. Law 11-130, § 4, 43 DCR 1570.) 

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES 

Prior Codifications 

1981 Ed., § 40-621. 

1973 Ed., § 40-1115. 

Legislative History of Laws 

For legislative history of D.C. Law 2-104, see Historical and Statutory Notes 

following § 50-2301.01. 

For legislative history of D.C. Law 9-272, see Historical and Statutory Notes 

following § 50-2302.03. 
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Law 11-130, the “Safe Streets Anti-Prostitution Amendment Act of 1996,” was 

introduced in Council and Assigned Bill No. 11-439, which was referred to the 

Committee on the Judiciary. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings 

on February 6, 1996, and March 5, 1996, respectively. Signed by the mayor on 

March 15, 1996, it was as-signed Act No. 11-237 and transmitted to both Houses 

of Congress for its review. D.C. Law 11-130 became effective on May 24, 1996. 

LIBRARY REFERENCES 

Key Numbers 

Automobiles 12. 

Westlaw Topic No. 48A. 

Encyclopedias 

C.J.S. Motor Vehicles §§ 10, 51 to 52, 54 to 58, 60 to 62. 

DC CODE § 50-2303.01 

Current through July 29, 2013 

Copyright © 2012 By the District of Columbia. Content previously published in 

the District of Columbia Official Code, 2001 Edition is used with permission. 

Copyright © 2013 Thomson Reuters 
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APPENDIX C-5-18

DCMR 3003.01

West’s District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Currentness 

 Title 18. Vehicles and Traffic 

 Chapter 30. Adjudication and Enforcement 

 3003. ISSUANCE OF MOVING AND NON-MOVING VIOLATIONS 

3003.1 The following are empowered to issue Notices of Infraction for all moving 

and parking infractions within their respective jurisdictions: 

(a) District of Columbia Metropolitan Police; 

(b) Metro Transit Police; 

(c) National Zoological Park Police; 

(d) United States Capitol Police; 

(e) United States Park Police; 

(f) United States Secret Service, Uniformed Division; 

(g) Walter Reed Army Medical Center; 

(h) Bolling Air Force Base Security Police; 

(i) United States Federal Protective Service; 

(j) Commandant, Naval District Washington; 

(k) District of Columbia Housing Authority Police Force; 

(l) Library of Congress; 

(m) United States Mint Police; and 

(n) District Department of Transportation. 

3003.2 REPEALED 

3003.3 When information is entered on the ticket manually, the provisions of § 

3002.3 through 3002.5 and 3002.9 shall apply. 

3003.4 When a hand-held electronic devise is used, the provisions of §§ 3002.6 

through 3002.7 and 3002.10 shall apply. 
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3003.5 When a violation is detected by an automated traffic enforcement device, 

any resulting ticket shall be mailed to the owner and the relevant information 

transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles within twenty-five (25) days 

after the date the violation is detected. 

3003.6 REPEALED 

3003.7 REPEALED 

SOURCE: Adopted at 46 DCR 4907 June 4, 1999; Amended at 49 DCR 5817 

Aug. 21, 2002; Amended at 53 DCR 850 Feb. 10, 2006; Amended at 54 DCR 1577 

Feb. 16, 2007; Amended at 56 DCR 5017 June 26, 2009. Amended June 18, 2010; 

May 20, 2011; May 27, 2011. 

 18 DCMR § 3003, 18 DC ADC § 3003 

Current through District of Columbia Register, Volume 60, Number 48, dated 

November 8, 2013. 

© 2013 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.
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APPENDIX D-1

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS BY BOARD

DC ST § 10-503.25

Formerly cited as DC ST 198 l § 9-127 

Effective:[See Text Amendments]

West’s District ofColumbia Code Annotated 2001 Edition Currentness

 Division I. Government ofDistrict. 

 Title 1O. Parks, Public Buildings, Grounds, and Space. (Refs & Annos)

 Subtitle II. Public Buildings and Grounds.

 Chapter 5. Regulatory Provisions.

 Subchapter 11. Capitol Grounds. 

 Part B. General. 

§ 10-503.25. Suspension of prohibitions against 

use-Traffic regulations by Capitol Police Board.

(a) The Capitol Police Board, consisting of the Sergeant at Annos of the United 

States Senate, the Sergeant at Annos of the House of Representatives, and 

the Architect of the Capitol, shall have exclusive charge and control of the 

regulation and movement of all vehicular and other traffic, including the 

parking and impounding of vehicles and limiting the speed thereof, within 

the United States Capitol Grounds; and said Board is hereby authorized and 

empowered to make and enforce all necessary regulations therefor and to 

prescribe penalties for violation of such regulations, such penalties not to 

exceed a fine of $300 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section those provisions of Chapters 

14 and 22 ofTitle 50, for the violation of which specific penalties are provided 

in said Chapters, shall be applicable to the United States Capitol Grounds. 

Except as provided in Chapter 23 ofTitle 50, prosecutions for violation of 

such regulations shall be in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, 

upon information by the Corporation Counsel of the District ofColumbia or 

any of his assistants. 

(b) Regulations authorized to be promulgated under this section shall be promulgated by the Capitol Police Board and such regulations may be amended 

from time to time by the Capitol Police Board whenever it shall deem it 

necessary; provided, that until such regulations are promulgated and become 

effective, the traffic regulations of the District of Columbia shall be applicable 

to the United States Capitol Grounds. 
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(c) All regulations promulgated under the authority of this section shall, when 

adopted by the Capitol Police Board, be printed in I or more of the daily 

newspapers published in the District ofColumbia, and shall not become 

effective until the expiration of 10 days after the date of such publication, 

except that whenever the Capitol Police Board deems it advisable to make effective immediately any regulation relating to parking, diverting of vehicular 

traffic, or the closing of streets to such traffic, the regulation shall be effective 

immediately upon placing at the point where it is to be in force conspicuous 

signs containing a notice of the regulation. Any expenses incurred under this 

subsection shall be payable from the appropriation “Uniforms and Equipment, Capitol Police.” 

(d) It shall be the duty of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, or any officer or 

employee of the government of the District ofColumbia designated by said 

Mayor, upon request of the Capitol Police Board, to cooperate with the Board 

in the preparation of the regulations authorized to be promulgated under this 

section, and any future amendments thereof.

CREDIT(S)

(July 31, 1946, 60 Stat. 720, ch. 707, § 14; July 11, 1947, 61 Stat. 308, ch. 221, §§ 

1, 2; July 8, 1963, 77 Stat. 77, Pub. L. 88-60, § I; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 570, Pub. 

L. 91-358, title I, § 155(a); Dec. 24, 1973, 87 Stat 829, Pub. L. 93-198, title VII, § 

739(g)(6); May 15. 1993. D.C. Law 9-272, § 20 I. 40 DCR 796.)

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Codifications

1981Ed.,§9-127.

1973 Ed., § 9-131.

Change in Government

This section originated at a time when local government powers were delegated 

to a Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia (see Acts Relating to 

the Establishment of the District of Columbia and its Various Forms of Governmental Organization in Volume I). Section 401 of Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 

1967 (see Reorganization Plans in Volume I) transferred all of the functions of 

the Board of Commissioners under this section to a single Commissioner. The 

District ofColumbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act, 

87 Stat. 818, § 7 I I (D.C. Code.§ 1-207.11 ), abolished the District ofColumbia Council and the Office ofCommissioner of the District of Columbia. These 

branches of government were replaced by the Council of the District ofColumbia 

and the Office of Mayor of the District ofColumbia, respectively. Accordingly, 

and also pursuant to§ 714(a) of such Act (D.C. Code,§ 1-207. l 4(a)), appropriate 

changes in terminology were made in this section.
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CROSS REFERENCES

Operation of vehicle in the District, application of law, see§§ 50-2302.01, 50-

2303.01. Section References

This section is referred to in§§ 1-207.39 and 10-503.19.

LIBRARY REFERENCES

Key Numbers 

 Automobiles 5(5)

 Westlaw Topic No. 48A. 

Encyclopedias

 C.J.S. Motor Vehicles§§ 42 to 44, 47 to 50.

NOTES OF DECISIONS

In general 1 

1-In general

Capitol Police had jurisdiction to act upon traffic tie-up on boundary street of 

the Capitol Grounds in which they had jurisdiction and, therefore, had right to 

arrest defendant ifhe committed a misdemeanor in their presence while they 

were so acting. D.C.Code 1951, §§ 9-118, 9-126, 9-131. Andersen v. U.S. (Cr.App. 

1957) 132 A.2d 155, affirmed 253 F.2d 335. 102 U.S.App.D.C. 313, certiorari 

denied 78 S.Ct. 1375. 357 U.S. 930, 2 L.Ed.2d 1372. Automobiles 349(12)

DC CODE§ 10-503.25

Current through July 29, 2013

Copyright © 2012 By the District of Columbia. Content previously published in 

the District of Columbia Official Code, 200 I Edition is used with permission. 

Copyright © 20 13 Thomson Reuters 
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APPENDIX D-2

CONDUCT OF PROSECUTIONS
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APPENDIX E

TRUCK INTERDICTION REGULATIONS
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APPENDIX F

40 USC 5104

40 U S C A § 5104

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193c; 40 USCA § 193d; 40 USCA § 193e; 40 

USCA § 193f; 40 USCA § 193g; 40 USCA § 193m

Page 1

© 2013 Thomson Reuters No Claim to Orig US Gov Works

Effective:[See Notes] 

United States Code Annotated Currentness

Title 40 Public Buildings, Property, and Works (Refs & Annos)

Subtitle II Public Buildings and Works

Part B United States Capitol

Chapter 51 United States Capitol Buildings and Grounds

§ 5104. Unlawful activities

(a) Definitions.--In this section--

(1) Act of physical violence.--The term “act of physical violence” means any act involving--

(A) an assault or other infliction or threat of infliction of death or bodily harm on an individual; or

(B) damage to, or destruction of, real or personal property

(2) Dangerous weapon.--The term “dangerous weapon” includes--

(A) all articles enumerated in section 14(a) of the Act of July 8, 1932 ( ch 465, 47 Stat 654); and

(B) a device designed to expel or hurl a projectile capable of causing injury to individuals or property, a dagger, a dirk, a 

stiletto, and a knife having a blade over three inches in length

(3) Explosives.--The term “explosives” has the meaning given that term in section 841(d) of title 18

(4) Firearm.--The term “firearm” has the meaning given that term in section 921(3) of title 18

(b) Obstruction of roads.--A person may not occupy the roads in the United States Capitol Grounds in a manner that obstructs 

or hinders their proper use, or use the roads in the area of the Grounds, south of Constitution Avenue and B Street and north of 

Independence Avenue and B Street, to convey goods or merchandise, except to or from the United States Capitol on Federal 

Government service

(c) Sale of articles, display of signs, and solicitations.--A person may not carry out any of the following activities in the 
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40 U S C A § 5104

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193c; 40 USCA § 193d; 40 USCA § 193e; 40 

USCA § 193f; 40 USCA § 193g; 40 USCA § 193m

Page 2

© 2013 Thomson Reuters No Claim to Orig US Gov Works

Grounds:

(1) offer or expose any article for sale

(2) display a sign, placard, or other form of advertisement

(3) solicit fares, alms, subscriptions, or contributions

(d) Injuries to property.--A person may not step or climb on, remove, or in any way injure any statue, seat, wall, fountain, or 

other erection or architectural feature, or any tree, shrub, plant, or turf, in the Grounds

(e) Capitol Grounds and Buildings security.--

(1) Firearms, dangerous weapons, explosives, or incendiary devices.--An individual or group of individuals--

(A) except as authorized by regulations prescribed by the Capitol Police Board--

(i) may not carry on or have readily accessible to any individual on the Grounds or in any of the Capitol Buildings a 

firearm, a dangerous weapon, explosives, or an incendiary device;

(ii) may not discharge a firearm or explosives, use a dangerous weapon, or ignite an incendiary device, on the Grounds or 

in any of the Capitol Buildings; or

(iii) may not transport on the Grounds or in any of the Capitol Buildings explosives or an incendiary device; or

(B) may not knowingly, with force and violence, enter or remain on the floor of either House of Congress

(2) Violent entry and disorderly conduct.--An individual or group of individuals may not willfully and knowingly--

(A) enter or remain on the floor of either House of Congress or in any cloakroom or lobby adjacent to that floor, in the 

Rayburn Room of the House of Representatives, or in the Marble Room of the Senate, unless authorized to do so pursuant 

to rules adopted, or an authorization given, by that House;

(B) enter or remain in the gallery of either House of Congress in violation of rules governing admission to the gallery 

adopted by that House or pursuant to an authorization given by that House;

(C) with the intent to disrupt the orderly conduct of official business, enter or remain in a room in any of the Capitol 

Buildings set aside or designated for the use of--

(i) either House of Congress or a Member, committee, officer, or employee of Congress, or either House of Congress; or
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40 U S C A § 5104

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193c; 40 USCA § 193d; 40 USCA § 193e; 40 

USCA § 193f; 40 USCA § 193g; 40 USCA § 193m

Page 3

© 2013 Thomson Reuters No Claim to Orig US Gov Works

(ii) the Library of Congress;

(D) utter loud, threatening, or abusive language, or engage in disorderly or disruptive conduct, at any place in the Grounds 

or in any of the Capitol Buildings with the intent to impede, disrupt, or disturb the orderly conduct of a session of Congress

or either House of Congress, or the orderly conduct in that building of a hearing before, or any deliberations of, a committee of Congress or either House of Congress;

(E) obstruct, or impede passage through or within, the Grounds or any of the Capitol Buildings;

(F) engage in an act of physical violence in the Grounds or any of the Capitol Buildings; or

(G) parade, demonstrate, or picket in any of the Capitol Buildings

(3) Exemption of government officials.--This subsection does not prohibit any act performed in the lawful discharge of 

official duties by--

(A) a Member of Congress;

(B) an employee of a Member of Congress;

(C) an officer or employee of Congress or a committee of Congress; or

(D) an officer or employee of either House of Congress or a committee of that House

(f) Parades, assemblages, and display of flags.--Except as provided in section 5106 of this title, a person may not--

(1) parade, stand, or move in processions or assemblages in the Grounds; or

(2) display in the Grounds a flag, banner, or device designed or adapted to bring into public notice a party, organization, or 

movement

CREDIT(S)

(Pub L 107-217, § 1, Aug 21, 2002, 116 Stat 1176; Pub L 110-161, Div H, Title I, § 1004(d)(2)(A)(iii), Dec 26, 2007, 121 

Stat 2234; Pub L 110-178, § 4(b)(1)(C), Jan 7, 2008, 121 Stat 2552; Pub L 111-145, § 6(d)(1), Mar 4, 2010, 124 Stat 54 )

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

Revision Notes and Legislative Reports
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40 U S C A § 5104

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193c; 40 USCA § 193d; 40 USCA § 193e; 40 

USCA § 193f; 40 USCA § 193g; 40 USCA § 193m

Page 5

© 2013 Thomson Reuters No Claim to Orig US Gov Works

Section 14(a) of the Act of July 8, 1932, referred to in subsec (a)(2)(A), is the District of Columbia Dangerous Weapons Act,

July 8, 1932, c 465, § 14(a), 47 Stat 654, which is classified to D C Code § 22-4514

Amendments

2010 Amendments Subsec (d) Pub L 111-145, § 6(d)(1), repealed Pub L 110-161, Div H, § 1004(d)(2)(A)(iii), which 

amended this section See 2007 Amendments note set out under this section

2008 Amendments Subsec (e)(2)(C) Pub L 110-178, § 4(b)(1)(C), rewrote subpar (C) Prior to amendment, former subpar 

(C) read: “(C) with the intent to disrupt the orderly conduct of official business, enter or remain in a room in any of the Capitol 

Buildings set aside or designated for the use of either House of Congress or a Member, committee, officer, or employee of 

Congress or either House of Congress;” Pub L 110-161, Div H, Title I, § 1004(d)(2)(A)(iii), which made an identical 

amendment, was subsequently repealed by Pub L 111-145, § 6(d)(1)

2007 Amendments Subsec (d) Pub L 110-161, Div H, § 1004(d)(2)(A)(iii), which rewrote subpar (C), was subsequently 

repealed by Pub L 111-145, § 6(d)(1)

Effective and Applicability Provisions

2008 Acts Amendments by Pub L 110-178, § 4, effective Oct 1, 2009, see Pub L 110-178, § 4(d), set out as an Effective and 

Applicability Provisions note under 2 U S C A § 167

2007 Acts Amendments by Pub L 110-161, Div H, § 1004, effective Oct 1, 2009, see Pub L 110-161, Div H, Title I, § 

1004(d)(4), set out as an Effective and Applicability Provisions note under 2 U S C A § 167 Subsequently, Pub L 111-145, § 

6(d)(1), repealed Pub L 110-161, § 1004

Clarification of Applicability of U S Capitol Police and Library of Congress Police Merger Implementation Act of 2007

Effective as if included in enactment of Div H of Pub L 110-161, section 1004 of Pub L 110-161 is repealed, and any provision of law amended or repealed by such section is restored or revived to read as if such section had not been enacted into law; 

nothing may be construed to prevent the enactment or implementation of any provision of Pub L 110-178, including any 

provision of such Act that amends or repeals a provision of law which is restored or revived pursuant to this paragraph, see 

Pub L 111-145, § 6(d), set out as a note under 2 U S C A § 1901

LIBRARY REFERENCES

American Digest System

United States 57

Weapons 9

Key Number System Topic Nos 393, 406
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40 U S C A § 5104

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193c; 40 USCA § 193d; 40 USCA § 193e; 40 

USCA § 193f; 40 USCA § 193g; 40 USCA § 193m

Page 6

© 2013 Thomson Reuters No Claim to Orig US Gov Works

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Encyclopedias

Am Jur 2d Weapons and Firearms § 29, Federal Controls

NOTES OF DECISIONS

Assemblages 3

Constitutionality 1

Construction with other laws 1/2

Demonstrations 4

Power of Congress 2

1/2 Construction with other laws

Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) discretionary function exemption barred false arrest and imprisonment claim arising out of 

plaintiff's detention and arrest by United States Capitol Police Olaniyi v District of Columbia, D D C 2011, 763 F Supp 2d 

70 United States 78(12)

1 Constitutionality

Statute prohibiting parades, demonstrations, or picketing in Capitol buildings was viewpoint neutral and reasonable regulation 

of both conduct and expressive activity, thereby satisfying free speech requirements for nonpublic fora Bynum v U S Capitol 

Police Bd , D D C 2000, 93 F Supp 2d 50, amended , reconsideration denied 96 F Supp 2d 4 Constitutional Law

1769 Constitutional Law 1846 Constitutional Law 1851 United States 57

Police regulation defining demonstration, for purposes of statute prohibiting demonstrations in Capitol buildings, as 

speechmaking or “other expressive conduct that conveys a message supporting or opposing a point of view or has the intent, 

effect or propensity to attract a crowd of onlookers” was not reasonable in light of statute's purpose of preventing disruptive 

conduct in Capitol and, thus, amounted to unconstitutional restriction on speech in nonpublic forum Bynum v U S Capitol 

Police Bd , D D C 2000, 93 F Supp 2d 50, amended , reconsideration denied 96 F Supp 2d 4 Constitutional Law

1846 United States 57

Governmental interest in maintenance of a “park-like setting” on capitol grounds was not sufficient to sustain this section 

prohibiting parades or assemblages on the capitol grounds and this section was void on its face on both U S C A Const 

Amends 1 and 5 grounds Jeannette Rankin Brigade v Chief of Capitol Police, D C D C 1972, 342 F Supp 575, affirmed 93 

S Ct 311, 409 U S 972, 34 L Ed 2d 236 Constitutional Law 1431; United States 57

Former section 193h [now this section] and former sections 193j and 193k of this title [now 40 U S C A § 5106] forbidding 
A|54

40 U S C A § 5104

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193c; 40 USCA § 193d; 40 USCA § 193e; 40 

USCA § 193f; 40 USCA § 193g; 40 USCA § 193m

Page 7

© 2013 Thomson Reuters No Claim to Orig US Gov Works

parading, assemblages and named displays in United States capitol grounds except through special arrangement were not 

subject to constitutional challenge on U S C A Const Amends 1 and 5 grounds or as giving unconstitutional discretion to 

officials of the legislative branch Jeannette Rankin Brigade v Chief of Capitol Police, D C D C 1968, 278 F Supp 

233 Constitutional Law 1431 District Of Columbia 4

2 Power of Congress

Matter of rewriting this section forbidding parades or assemblages on the capitol grounds, no matter how peaceful their purpose 

or orderly their conduct, was function more appropriately to be performed by Congress than by the three-judge court Jeannette 

Rankin Brigade v Chief of Capitol Police, D C D C 1972, 342 F Supp 575, affirmed 93 S Ct 311, 409 U S 972, 34 L Ed 2d 

236 Constitutional Law 2500

3 Assemblages

Conduct of defendants charged with unlawful entry in refusing to quit steps of United States capitol after being ordered to do so 

by chief of capitol police and in reading names of Vietnam war dead in ordinary speaking voice did not come within prohibition

of this section as interpreted U S v Nicholson, D C App 1970, 263 A 2d 56 District Of Columbia 20

4 Demonstrations

Federal law enforcement officers were entitled to qualified immunity from Bivens liability for making warrantless arrest of 

artist at United States Capitol Building, even though officers did not have probable cause to arrest artist for making false bomb 

threat or assault, where there was probable cause to believe that artist had violated federal statute barring demonstrations within 

Capitol Building Olaniyi v District of Columbia, D D C 2006, 416 F Supp 2d 43 United States 50 10(3)

40 U S C A § 5104, 40 USCA § 5104

Current through P L 113-47 approved 10-31-13

Westlaw (C) 2013 Thomson Reuters No Claim to Orig U S Govt Works 

END OF DOCUMENT

A|56
A|57

SUMMARY OF CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES TO THE CAPITOL P

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Case Name Violation Facts Location Holding Rat

Abney II,

451 A.2d 78 

(D.C. App. 1982)

CTR §47(b)(2) (Sleeping or laying on Capitol Grounds)1

Individual lying face-down in a stall on Senate steps protesting VA denial of benefits. 

Carriage Entrance

Facially valid but unconstitutional as applied.

Individual was not potentially threateof traffic on the groconstituted a greatAmendment freedonecessary to furthelegitimate interest traffic.

Lederman v. 

United States, 

291 F.3d 36 

(2002)

CTR §158(Demonstrating in a “no demonstration” zone,” an area that 

bars all demonstration activity) 

Individual distributing leaflets. 

East Front Sidewalk at foot of Senate steps.

(1) Sidewalk is a 

traditional public forum

(2) Unconstitutional as 

applied because §158(a) is not narrowly tailored to further gov t interest of promoting access or security.

(1) Public forum b

does not differ grounds in a “wuniquely nonpentryway to th“sufficiently spdistinguishing the remainder (iii) it s an opewhere tourists photograph th

(2) “Access” is ins

interest becaudifferent than “security” becaposes no greatthan other ped

and go anonymgroups of any number of bag

linger as long a

1 Traffic Regulations for the United States Capitol Grounds, Art. 10, §47(b)(2) makes unlawful: 

“any sleeping or lying down on the paved or improved portions of the Buildings and Grounds (such as streets, ro

curbs, gutters, doorways, alcoves, walls) at any time...”

2 Heffron v. Int’l Soc’y for Krishna Consciousness, Inc., 452 U.S. 640 (1981).
A|58

SUMMARY OF CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES TO THE CAPITOL P

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Case Name Violation Facts Location Holding Ratio

CCNV v. Kerrigan,

865 F.2d 382

(D.C. App. 1989)

CTR §156(a)(2) (24 hour limit on duration of permitted demonstration activity)3

7 day, 24 hour vigil, Board wants 500 lb statute removed for a few minutes every 24 hours

Few feet from outside perimeter of Capitol Grounds. 

24 hour duration for props and equipment is constitutional. 

24 hour duration foequipment narrowly the legitimate gover(1) promoting the frkeeping the forum o(3) preserving day-to

the Capitol Grounds

3 CTR §156 (a)(2) states:

“No permit shall be issued for a period of more than 7 consecutive days, and no permit shall authorize demonstramore than 24 consecutive hours...”
A|59

SUMMARY OF CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES TO THE CAPI

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Case Name Violation Facts Location Holding 

Bynum v. Capitol 

Police Board, 

95 F.Supp.2d 

(2000)

40 USC §5104(e)(2)(G) (prohibiting parading, demonstrating and picketing inside Capitol Buildings)4

Read along with....CTR §158 definition of “demonstration activity.”5

Peaceful prayer tour of the Capitol; members of the group bowed their heads and folded their hands.

Various historic sites inside of the Capitol building, including the Washington cornerstone and Statutory Hall. 

(1) Inside of the 

Capitol is a nonpublic forum.

(2) 40 USC 

§5104(e)(2)(G) is constitutional. 

(3) §158 definition 

of “demonstration activity” is facially invalid and as applied to an individual praying inside of the Capitol.

(4) §158 is also a 

due process violation because it is vague and overbroad.

(1) Non-pub

eliminatrequiremor desig

(2) 40 USC §

demonstrestrictioCongreslawmakiallowing impede processe

(3) CTR §15

regulatioviewpoinover speas “speeconduct

(4) CTR §15

it is (1) odiscretioexpressiascertainprovidin

4 40 USC §5104(e)(2)(G) states:

“an individual cannot willfully and knowingly...parade, picket or demonstrate inside Capitol Buildings.”

5 CTR §158 at the time defined “demonstration activity” as:

“parading, picketing, speechmaking, holding vigils, sit-ins, or other expressive conduct that conveys view or has the intent, effect or propensity to attract a crowd or onlookers, but does not include mesimilar articles of apparel that convey a message.”
A|60

SUMMARY OF CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES TO THE CAPITO

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Case Name Violation Facts Location Holding 

Jeannette Rankin 

Brigade v. Chief of 

Capitol Police 

342 F. Supp. 575 

(D.D.C. 1972)

40 USC 5104(f):“A person may not parade, stand or move in processions or assemblages in the Grounds; or display in the Grounds a flag, banner, or device designed or adapted to bring into public notice a party, organization or movement.”

Women against war on Grounds for a Mayday March; were told they could not march and assemble onto Capitol Grounds as one large group. 

Union Station to East Front Plaza of Capitol Grounds

Unconstitutional on its face on both 1A (right to assemble) and 5A grounds (due process).

Capitol Grounds open to the publAn absolute ban whether or not tgovernment inteGov t interests oand maintenance not valid to justifdemonstrations.Distinguished the areas such as librCapitol was desigpurpose of legislincompatible witprocessions.Difficult to enforenforcement.
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APPENDIX I

40 USC 5102

40 U S C A § 5102

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193a

Page 1

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Effective:[See Notes] 

United States Code Annotated Currentness

Title 40 Public Buildings, Property, and Works (Refs & Annos)

Subtitle II Public Buildings and Works

Part B United States Capitol

Chapter 51 United States Capitol Buildings and Grounds

§ 5102. Legal description and jurisdiction of United States Capitol Grounds

(a) Legal description.--The United States Capitol Grounds comprises all squares, reservations, streets, roadways, walks, and 

other areas as defined on a map entitled “Map showing areas comprising United States Capitol Grounds”, dated June 25, 1946, 

approved by the Architect of the Capitol, and recorded in the Office of the Surveyor of the District of Columbia in book 127,

page 8, including all additions added by law after June 25, 1946

(b) Jurisdiction.--

(1) Architect of the Capitol.--The jurisdiction and control over the Grounds, vested prior to July 31, 1946, by law in the 

Architect, is extended to the entire area of the Grounds Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Architect is responsible for 

the maintenance and improvement of the Grounds, including those streets and roadways in the Grounds as shown on the map 

referred to in subsection (a) as being under the jurisdiction and control of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia

(2) Mayor of the District of Columbia.--

(A) In general.--The Mayor of the District of Columbia is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of those 

portions of the following streets which are situated between the curblines of those streets: Constitution Avenue from 

Second Street Northeast to Third Street Northwest, First Street from D Street Northeast to D Street Southeast, D Street 

from First Street Southeast to Washington Avenue Southwest, and First Street from the north side of Louisiana Avenue to 

the intersection of C Street and Washington Avenue Southwest, Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest from First Street 

Northwest to Third Street Northwest, Maryland Avenue Southwest from First Street Southwest to Third Street Southwest, 

Second Street Northeast from F Street Northeast to C Street Southeast; C Street Southeast from Second Street Southeast to 

First Street Southeast; that portion of Maryland Avenue Northeast from Second Street Northeast to First Street Northeast; 

that portion of New Jersey Avenue Northwest from D Street Northwest to Louisiana Avenue; that portion of Second Street 

Southwest from the north curb of D Street to the south curb of Virginia Avenue Southwest; that portion of Virginia Avenue 

Southwest from the east curb of Second Street Southwest to the west curb of Third Street Southwest; that portion of Third 

Street Southwest from the south curb of Virginia Avenue Southwest to the north curb of D Street Southwest; that portion of 

D Street Southwest from the west curb of Third Street Southwest to the east curb of Second Street Southwest; that portion
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40 U S C A § 5102

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193a

Page 2

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of Washington Avenue Southwest, including sidewalks and traffic islands, from the south curb of Independence Avenue 

Southwest to the west curb of South Capitol Street

(B) Repair and maintenance of utility services.--The Mayor may enter any part of the Grounds to repair or maintain or, 

subject to the approval of the Architect, construct or alter, any utility service of the District of Columbia Government

(c) National Garden of the United States Botanic Garden.--

(1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), the United States Capitol Grounds shall include--

(A) the National Garden of the United States Botanic Garden;

(B) all grounds contiguous to the Administrative Building of the United States Botanic Garden, including Bartholdi Park; 

and

(C) all grounds bounded by the curblines of First Street, Southwest on the east; Washington Avenue, Southwest to its 

intersection with Independence Avenue, and Independence Avenue from such intersection to its intersection with Third 

Street, Southwest on the south; Third Street, Southwest on the west; and Maryland Avenue, Southwest on the north

(2) Maintenance and improvements.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), jurisdiction and control over the buildings 

on the grounds described in paragraph (1) shall be retained by the Joint Committee on the Library, and the Joint Committee 

on the Library shall continue to be solely responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the grounds described in such 

paragraph

(3) Authority not limited.--Nothing in this subsection shall limit the authority of the Architect of the Capitol under section 

307E of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1989 (40 U S C 216c)

(d) Library of Congress buildings and grounds.--

(1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), the United States Capitol Grounds shall include the Library of 

Congress grounds described under section 11 of the Act entitled “An Act relating to the policing of the buildings [FN1] of the 

Library of Congress”, approved August 4, 1950 (2 U S C 167j)

(2) Authority of Librarian of Congress.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), the Librarian of Congress shall retain 

authority over the Library of Congress buildings and grounds in accordance with section 1 of the Act of June 29, 1922 (2

U S C 141; 42 Stat 715)

CREDIT(S)

(Pub L 107-217, § 1, Aug 21, 2002, 116 Stat 1175; Pub L 108-7, Div H, Title I, § 1016(b), Feb 20, 2003, 117 Stat 

364; Pub L 110-161, Div H, Title I, § 1004(d)(2)(A)(ii), Dec 26, 2007, 121 Stat 2233; Pub L 110-178, § 4(b)(1)(B), Jan 7, 
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40 U S C A § 5102

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193a

Page 3

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2008, 121 Stat 2551; Pub L 111-145, § 6(d)(1), Mar 4, 2010, 124 Stat 54 )

[FN1] So in original Probably should be followed by “and grounds”

DEFINITION OF UNITED STATES CAPITOL GROUNDS 

<For provisions directing amendment of this section (or section 1 of the Act of July 31, 1946, as amended (former 40 

U S C A § 193a), which was repealed and reenacted by Pub L 107-217, §§ 1, 6(b), Aug 21, 2002, 116 Stat 1062, 

1304, as this section) to include within or exclude from the definition of the United States Capitol Grounds certain 

parcels or areas, see notes set out under this section and under 40 U S C A § 6101 >

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

Revision Notes and Legislative Reports

2002 Acts

Revised Section Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

5102 40:193a July 31, 1946, ch 707, § 1, 60 Stat 718; Pub L 90-108, § 

1(a), Oct 20, 1967, 81 Stat 275; Pub L 93-198, § 

739(g)(7), Dec 24, 1973, 87 Stat 829; Pub L 96-432, § 2, 

Oct 10, 1980, 94 Stat 1852

In subsection (b)(2), the words “Mayor of the District of Columbia” are substituted for “Commissioners of the District of 

Columbia” [meaning the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia] [subsequently changed to “Commissioner of the 

District of Columbia” because of section 401 of Reorganization Plan No 3 of 1967 (eff Aug 11, 1967, 81 Stat 951)] because 

of section 421 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act (Public Law 93-198, 87 Stat 789) In subparagraph (A), the words 

“Washington Avenue Southwest” are substituted for “Canal Street S W ” and “Canal Street Southwest” because of section 2 of 

D C Law 8-39 See section 7-451 note of the District of Columbia Code

House Report No 107-479, see 2002 U S Code Cong and Adm News, p 827

2003 Acts House Conference Report No 108-10 and Statement by President, see 2003 U S Code Cong and Adm News, p 4

2007 Acts House Report No 110-197, see 2007 U S Code Cong and Adm News, p 661

Statement by President, see 2007 U S Code Cong and Adm News, p S34

2008 Acts House Report No 110-470(Part I), see 2007 U S Code Cong and Adm News, p 839

References in Text
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40 U S C A § 5102

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193a

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Section 11 of the Act entitled “An Act relating to the policing of the buildings of the Library of Congress”, approved August 4, 

1950, referred to in subsec (d)(1), probably means An Act relating to the policing of the buildings and grounds of the Library of 

Congress, Act Aug 4, 1950, c 561, § 11, 64 Stat 412, as amended, which is 2 U S C A § 167j

Section 307E of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1989 (40 U S C 216c), referred to in subsec (c)(3), is Pub L 

100-458, Title III, § 307E, Oct 1, 1988, as amended, which is classified to 2 U S C A § 2146, was classified to former 40 

U S C A § 216c prior to the general revision and enactment into positive law of Title 40 by Pub L 107-217, Aug 21, 2002, 116 

Stat 1062, but was not repealed, omitted, or restated by Pub L 107-217

Codifications

Section is also set out in D C Code § 10-503 11

Amendments

2010 Amendments Subsec (d) Pub L 111-145, § 6(d)(1), repealed Pub L 110-161, Div H, § 1004(d)(2)(A)(ii), which 

amended this section See 2007 Amendments note set out under this section

2008 Amendments Subsec (d) Pub L 110-178, § 4(b)(1)(B), added subsec (d) Pub L 110-161, Div H, Title I, § 

1004(d)(2)(A)(ii), which made an identical amendment, was subsequently repealed by Pub L 111-145, § 6(d)(1)

2007 Amendments Subsec (d) Pub L 110-161, Div H, § 1004(d)(2)(A)(ii), which added subsec (d), was subsequently 

repealed by Pub L 111-145, § 6(d)(1)

2003 Amendments Subsec (c) Pub L 108-7, Div H, § 1016(b), added subsec (c)

Effective and Applicability Provisions

2008 Acts Amendments by Pub L 110-178, § 4, effective Oct 1, 2009, see Pub L 110-178, § 4(d), set out as an Effective and 

Applicability Provisions note under 2 U S C A § 167

2007 Acts Amendments by Pub L 110-161, Div H, § 1004, effective Oct 1, 2009, see Pub L 110-161, Div H, Title I, §

1004(d)(4), set out as an Effective and Applicability Provisions note under 2 U S C A § 167 Subsequently, Pub L 111-145, § 

6(d)(1), repealed Pub L 110-161, § 1004

2003 Acts Amendments made by section 1016 of Division H of Pub L 108-7 shall apply to fiscal year 2003 and each fiscal 

year thereafter, see Pub L 108-7, Div H, § 1016(d), set out as a note under 2 U S C A § 1961

Clarification of Applicability of U S Capitol Police and Library of Congress Police Merger Implementation Act of 2007
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40 U S C A § 5102

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193a

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Effective as if included in enactment of Div H of Pub L 110-161, section 1004 of Pub L 110-161 is repealed, and any provision of law amended or repealed by such section is restored or revived to read as if such section had not been enacted into law; 

nothing may be construed to prevent the enactment or implementation of any provision of Pub L 110-178, including any 

provision of such Act that amends or repeals a provision of law which is restored or revived pursuant to this paragraph, see 

Pub L 111-145, § 6(d), set out as a note under 2 U S C A § 1901

Definition of United States Capitol Grounds

Provisions directing the amendment of this section or its predecessor provision, 40 U S C A § 193a, to include or exclude 

certain parcels or areas from the U S Capitol Grounds are provided in notes under this section and 40 U S C A § 6101

Transfer of Administrative Jurisdiction Over Certain Properties, Conveyance to Architect of the Capitol, and Other General 

Provisions

Pub L 109-396, Title II, §§ 201, 204, Title IV, §§ 401 to 407, Dec 15, 2006, 120 Stat 2713, 2715, 2718, provided that:

“Sec. 201. Transfer of administrative jurisdiction over certain properties.

“(a) Transfer of administrative jurisdiction from District of Columbia to United States.--

“(1) In general.--Administrative jurisdiction over each of the following properties (owned by the United States and as depicted on the Map) is hereby transferred, subject to the terms in this subsection, from the District of Columbia to the Secretary 

of the Interior for administration by the Director:

“(A) An unimproved portion of Audubon Terrace Northwest, located east of Linnean Avenue Northwest, that is within 

U S Reservation 402 (National Park Service property)

“(B) An unimproved portion of Barnaby Street Northwest, north of Aberfoyle Place Northwest, that abuts U S Reservation 545 (National Park Service property)

“(C) A portion of Canal Street Southwest, and a portion of V Street Southwest, each of which abuts U S Reservation 467 

(National Park Service property)

“(D) Unimproved streets and alleys at Fort Circle Park located within the boundaries of U S Reservation 497 (National 

Park Service property)

“(E) An unimproved portion of Western Avenue Northwest, north of Oregon Avenue Northwest, that abuts U S Reservation 339 (National Park Service property)
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40 U S C A § 5102

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193a

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“(F) An unimproved portion of 17th Street Northwest, south of Shepherd Street Northwest, that abuts U S Reservation 

339 (National Park Service property)

“(G) An unimproved portion of 30th Street Northwest, north of Broad Branch Road Northwest, that is within the boundaries of U S Reservation 515 (National Park Service property)

“(H) Subject to paragraph (2), lands over I-395 bounded by Washington Avenue Southwest, 2nd Street Southwest, and the 

C Street Southwest ramps to I-295

“(I) A portion of U S Reservation 357 at Whitehaven Parkway Northwest, previously transferred to the District of Columbia in conjunction with the former proposal for a residence for the Mayor of the District of Columbia

“(2) Use of certain property for memorial.--In the case of the property for which administrative jurisdiction is transferred 

under paragraph (1)(H), the property shall be used as the site for the establishment of a memorial to honor disabled veterans

of the United States Armed Forces authorized to be established by the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation by 

Public Law 106-348 (114 Stat 1358; 40 U S C 8903 note), except that--

“(A) the District of Columbia shall retain administrative jurisdiction over the subsurface area beneath the site for the 

tunnel, walls, footings, and related facilities;

“(B) C Street Southwest shall not be connected between 2nd Street Southwest and Washington Avenue Southwest without 

the approval of the Architect of the Capitol; and

“(C) a walkway shall be included across the site of the memorial between 2nd Street Southwest and Washington Avenue 

Southwest

“(3) Additional transfer.--

“(A) In general.--Administrative jurisdiction over the parcel bounded by 2nd Street Southwest, the C Street Southwest 

ramp to I-295, the D Street Southwest ramp to I-395, and I-295 is hereby transferred, subject to the terms in this paragraph, 

from the District of Columbia as follows:

“(i) The northernmost 249 acres is transferred to the Secretary for administration by the Director, who (subject to the 

approval of the Architect of the Capitol) shall landscape the parcel or use the parcel for special needs parking for the 

memorial referred to in paragraph (2)

“(ii) The remaining portion is transferred to the Architect of the Capitol

“(B) Retention of jurisdiction over subsurface area.--The District of Columbia shall retain administrative jurisdiction 

over the subsurface area beneath the parcel referred to in subparagraph (A) for the tunnel, walls, footings, and related facilities
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40 U S C A § 5102

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193a

Page 7

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“(b) Transfer of administrative jurisdiction from United States to District of Columbia.--Administrative jurisdiction over 

the following property owned by the United States and depicted on the Map is hereby transferred from the Secretary to the 

District of Columbia for administration by the District of Columbia:

“(1) A portion of U S Reservation 451

“(2) A portion of U S Reservation 404

“(3) U S Reservations 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49

“(4) U S Reservation 251

“(5) U S Reservation 8

“(6) U S Reservations 277A and 277C

“(7) Portions of U S Reservation 470

“(c) Effective date.--The transfers of administrative jurisdiction under this section [§ 201 of the Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2006, Pub L 109-396, Title II, § 201, Dec 15, 2006, 120 Stat 2713, which enacted 

section 201 of this note and provisions set out as a table entry in a note under 40 U S C A § 8903] shall take effect on the date 

of the enactment of this Act [Dec 15, 2006]

“Sec. 204. Conveyance to architect of the capitol.

“(a) In general.--Prior to conveyance of title to U S Reservation 13 to the District of Columbia under this Act [the Federal and 

District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2006, Pub L 109-396, Dec 15, 2006, 120 Stat 2711, which enacted 

this note, provisions set out as a note under 40 U S C A § 524, and provisions set out as a table entry in a note under 40 

U S C A § 8903], the District of Columbia shall convey, with the approval of the Architect of the Capitol and subject to subsections (b) and (c), not more than 12 acres of real property to the Architect of the Capitol

“(b) Title held by Secretary.--If title to the real property identified for conveyance under subsection (a) is held by the Secretary, not later than 30 days after being notified by the Architect of the Capitol that property has been so identified, the Secretary shall agree or disagree to conveying the interest in such property to the Architect of the Capitol

“(c) Review.--If the Secretary agrees to the conveyance under subsection (b), or if title to the property is held by the District of 

Columbia, the real property shall be conveyed after a 30-day review period beginning on the date on which notice of the 

conveyance is received by the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Rules of the 

Senate and the Committee on Government Reform and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 

Representatives
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40 U S C A § 5102

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193a

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“(d) Study.--The Architect of the Capitol shall not construct a mail screening facility on any real property conveyed under this 

section unless each of the following conditions is satisfied:

“(1) A study is completed that analyzes.--

“(A) whether one or more other underutilized, surplus, or excess Federal facilities exist in which such a mail screening 

facility could be more economically located; and

“(B) whether it would be more efficient and economical for the House of Representatives and Senate to share one mail 

screening facility

“(2) The study is submitted to the relevant committees of Congress

“(3) No fewer than 30 days have lapsed since the date of the submission under paragraph (2)

“Sec. 401. Definitions.

“In this Act [the Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2006, Pub L 109-396, Dec 15, 2006, 120 

Stat 2711, which enacted this note, provisions set out as a note under 40 U S C A § 524, and provisions set out as a table entry 

in a note under 40 U S C A § 8903], the following definitions apply:

“(1) The term ‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of General Services

“(2) The term ‘Director’ means the Director of the National Park Service

“(3) The term ‘Map’ means the map entitled ‘Transfer and Conveyance of Properties in the District of Columbia”, numbered 

869/80460, and dated July 2005, which shall be kept on file in the appropriate office of the National Park Service

“(4) The term ‘park purposes’ includes landscaped areas, pedestrian walkways, bicycle trails, seating, opensided shelters, 

natural areas, recreational use areas, and memorial sites reserved for public use

“(5) The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the Interior

“Sec. 402. Limitation on costs.

“The United States shall not be responsible for paying any costs and expenses, other than costs and expenses related to or 

associated with environmental liabilities or cleanup actions provided under law, which are incurred by the District of Columbia 

or any other parties at any time in connection with effecting the provisions of this Act or any amendment made by this Act [the 

Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2006, Pub L 109-396, Dec 15, 2006, 120 Stat 2711, 
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40 U S C A § 5102

Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193a

Page 9

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which enacted this note, provisions set out as a note under 40 U S C A § 524, and provisions set out as a table entry in a note 

under 40 U S C A § 8903]

“Sec. 403. Authorization of parties to enter into contracts.

“An officer or employee of the United States or the District of Columbia may contract for payment of costs or expenses related

to any properties which are conveyed or for which administrative jurisdiction is transferred under this Act or any amendment 

made by this Act [the Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2006, Pub L 109-396, Dec 15, 2006, 

120 Stat 2711, which enacted this note, provisions set out as a note under 40 U S C A § 524, and provisions set out as a table 

entry in a note under 40 U S C A § 8903]

“Sec. 404. No effect on compliance with environmental law.

“Nothing in this Act or any amendment made by this Act [the Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act 

of 2006, Pub L 109-396, Dec 15, 2006, 120 Stat 2711, which enacted this note, provisions set out as a note under 40 U S C A 

§ 524, and provisions set out as a table entry in a note under 40 U S C A § 8903] may be construed to affect or limit the application of or obligation to comply with any environmental law, including section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U S C 9620(h)) [Pub L 96-510, Title I, § 120(h), as added 

Pub L 99-499, Title I, § 120(a), Oct 17, 1986, 100 Stat 1666]

“Sec. 405. Congressional reports.

“(a) District of columbia.--Not later than January 31 of each year, the Mayor of the District of Columbia shall report to the 

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government Reform, the 

Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Committee on Resources, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 

the House of Representatives on the use and development during the previous year of land for which title is conveyed to the 

District of Columbia and land for which administrative jurisdiction is transferred to the District of Columbia pursuant to this 

Act [the Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2006, Pub L 109-396, Dec 15, 2006, 120 Stat 

2711, which enacted this note, provisions set out as a note under 40 U S C A § 524, and provisions set out as a table entry in a 

note under 40 U S C A § 8903]

“(b) Comptroller general.--The Comptroller General shall report periodically to the Committee on Homeland Security and 

Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government Reform, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the 

Committee on Resources, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on--

“(1) the use and development during the previous 2 years of land for which title is conveyed and land for which administrative jurisdiction is transferred pursuant to this Act; and

“(2) if applicable, how such use and development complies with the Anacostia Waterfront Framework Plan referred to in 

section 103 of the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation Act of 2004 (sec 2-1223 03, D C Official Code)
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Formerly cited as 40 USCA § 193a

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“(c) Sunset.--This section shall expire 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec 15, 2006]

“Sec. 406. Treatment as properties transferred to architect of the capitol as part of capitol buildings and grounds.

“Upon transfer to the Architect of the Capitol of title to, or administrative jurisdiction over, any property pursuant to this Act 

[the Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2006, Pub L 109-396, Dec 15, 2006, 120 Stat 2711, 

which enacted this note, provisions set out as a note under 40 U S C A § 524, and provisions set out as a table entry in a note 

under 40 U S C A § 8903], the property shall be a part of the United States Capitol Grounds and shall be subject to sections 9, 

9A, 9B, 9C, 14, and 16(b) of the Act entitled ‘An Act to define the area of the United States Capitol Grounds, to regulate the use 

thereof, and for other purposes’ [Act July 31, 1946, c 707, 60 Stat 718, as amended; sections 9, 9A, 9B, 9C, and 14 of the Act 

are classified, respectively, to 2 U S C A §§ 1961, 1966, 1967, 1922, and 1969, and section 16(b) of the Act is set out as a note 

under 2 U S C A § 1961] (relating to the policing of the United States Capitol Grounds) and sections 5101 to 5107 and 5109 of 

title 40, United States Code (relating to prohibited acts within the United States Capitol Grounds)

“Sec. 407. Deadline for provision of deeds and related documents.

“With respect to each property conveyed under this Act or any amendment made by this Act [the Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2006, Pub L 109-396, Dec 15, 2006, 120 Stat 2711, which enacted this note, provisions set out as a note under 40 U S C A § 524, and provisions set out as a table entry in a note under 40 U S C A § 8903], the 

Mayor of the District of Columbia, the Administrator, or the Secretary (as the case may be) shall execute and deliver a quitclaim 

deed or prepare and record a transfer plat, as appropriate, not later than 6 months after the property is conveyed ”

Transfer of Jurisdiction Over Real Property Near Japanese American Patriotism Memorial

Pub L 108-447, Div G, Title II, § 213, Dec 8, 2004, 118 Stat 3196, provided that:

“(a) Transfer of jurisdiction

“(1) In general.--Jurisdiction over the parcels of Federal real property described under paragraph (2) (over which jurisdiction was transferred under section 514(b)(2)(C) of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (40 U S C 

5102 note; Public Law 104-333)) is transferred to the Architect of the Capitol, without consideration

“(2) Parcels.--The parcels of Federal real property referred to under paragraph (1) are the following:

“(A) That portion of New Jersey Avenue, N W , between the northernmost point of the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, 

N W , and D Street, N W , and the northernmost point of the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, N W , and Louisiana 

Avenue, N W , between squares 631 and W632, which remains Federal property, and whose maintenance and repair shall 

be the responsibility of the District of Columbia

“(B) That portion of D Street, N W , between its intersection with New Jersey Avenue, N W , and its intersection with 

Louisiana Avenue, N W , between squares 630 and W632, which remains Federal property
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“(b) Miscellaneous.--

“(1) Compliance with other laws.--Compliance with this section [this note] shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of 

all laws otherwise applicable to transfers of jurisdiction over parcels of Federal real property

“(2) United States capitol grounds.--

“(A) Definition.--Section 5102 of title 40, United States Code, is amended to include within the definition of the United 

States Capitol Grounds the parcels of Federal real property described in subsection (a)(2) [of this note]

“(B) Jurisdiction of capitol police.--The United States Capitol Police shall have jurisdiction over the parcels of Federal 

real property described in subsection (a)(2) [of this note] in accordance with section 9 of the Act entitled ‘An Act to define

the United States Capitol Grounds, to regulate the use thereof, and for other purposes’, approved July 31, 1946 (2 U S C 

1961)

“(3) Effect of transfer.--A person relinquishing jurisdiction over any parcel of Federal real property transferred by subsection (a) [of this note] shall not retain any interest in the parcel except as specifically provided in this section [this note]

“(c) Effective date.--This Act [sic; probably means ‘this section’ which enacted this note] shall apply to fiscal year 2005 and 

each fiscal year thereafter ”

Application of Certain Sections Added by Act July 31, 1946, Chapter 707 to Other Laws

Act July 31, 1946, c 707, § 16(b), 60 Stat 721, provided that nothing in former 40 U S C A §§ 193a to 193m, 212a, 212a-2, or 

212b [now 2 U S C A §§ 1961, 1966, 1969; 40 U S C A §§ 5101 to 5107, 5109] shall be construed to repeal, amend, alter or 

supersede the following: (1) former 40 U S C A §§ 185a, 193 and 214 [now 2 U S C A §§ 2025, 2183, and 1963], and (2) 

former 40 U S C A § 101 [now 40 U S C A § 8103], except as provided in former 40 U S C A § 212a [now 2 U S C A §

1961]

Acquisition of Property to Extend Additional Senate Office Building

Pub L 85-429, May 29, 1958, 72 Stat 148 and Pub L 85-591, Aug 6, 1958, 72 Stat 495, authorized the Architect of the 

Capitol to acquire certain real property for purposes of extension of Additional Senate Office Building Site or for Additions to 

United States Capitol Grounds

Extension of United States Capitol Grounds

Pub L 97-379, Dec 22, 1982, 96 Stat 1935, provided: “That section 1 of the Act of July 31, 1946, as amended (40 U S C 

193a) [now this section], is amended to include within the definition of the United States Capitol Grounds the following additional areas which are situated as follows:
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“(1) All sidewalks and contiguous areas presently under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia located on the south side of 

Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest, between the west curb of First Street, Northwest and the east curb of Third Street, Northwest

“(2) All sidewalks and contiguous areas presently under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia located on the north side of 

Maryland Avenue, Southwest, between the west curb of First Street, Southwest and the East curb of Third Street, Southwest

“(3) All sidewalks and contiguous areas presently under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia located on the west side of 

First Street between the south curb of Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest and the north curb of Maryland Avenue, Southwest

“(4) All sidewalks and contiguous areas presently under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia located on the east side of 

Third Street between the south curb of Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest and the north curb of Maryland Avenue, Southwest ”

Section 1 of Pub L 96-432 provided: “That section 1 of the Act of July 31, 1946, as amended (40 U S C 193a) [now this 

section], is amended to include within the definition of the United States Capitol Grounds the following additional areas and

portions of streets which are situated as follows:

“(1) that portion of D Street Northeast from the east curb of Second Street Northeast to the east curb of First Street Northeast;

“(2) that portion of Second Street Northeast and Southeast from the south curb of F Street Northeast to the south curb of C 

Street Southeast;

“(3) that portion of Constitution Avenue Northeast from the east curb of Second Street Northeast to the east curb of First Street 

Northeast;

“(4) that portion of Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest from the west curb of First Street Northwest to the east curb of Third Street 

Northwest;

“(5) that portion of Maryland Avenue Southwest from the west curb of First Street Southwest to the east curb of Third Street 

Southwest;

“(6) that portion of Constitution Avenue Northwest from the east curb of Second Street Northwest to the east curb of Third 

Street Northwest;

“(7) that portion of Independence Avenue Southwest from the west curb of First Street Southwest to the east curb of Third 

Street Southwest;

“(8) that portion of Maryland Avenue Northeast from the east curb of Second Street Northeast to the east curb of First Street 

Northeast;
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“(9) that portion of East Capitol Street from the east curb of Second Street Southeast to the east curb of First Street Southeast;

“(10) that portion of Independence Avenue Southeast from the east curb of Second Street Southeast to the east curb of First 

Street Southeast;

“(11) that portion of C Street Southeast from the east curb of Second Street Southeast to the east curb of First Street Southeast;

“(12) that portion of North Capitol Street from the south curb of Massachusetts Avenue to the north curb of Louisiana Avenue;

“(13) that portion of New Jersey Avenue Northwest from the north curb of D Street Northwest to the north curb of Louisiana 

Avenue;

“(14) that portion of Second Street Southwest from the north curb of D Street to the south curb of Virginia Avenue Southwest;

“(15) that portion of Virginia Avenue Southwest from the east curb of Second Street Southwest to the west curb of Third Street 

Southwest;

“(16) that portion of Third Street Southwest from the south curb of Virginia Avenue Southwest to the north curb of D Street 

Southwest;

“(17) that portion of D Street Southwest from the west curb of Third Street Southwest to the east curb of Second Street 

Southwest;

“(18) that portion of Canal Street Southwest, including sidewalks and traffic islands, from the south curb of Independence 

Avenue Southwest to the west curb of South Capitol Street; and

“(19) all that area contiguous to, and surrounding, square numbered 724 from the property line thereof to the contiguous curb;

“(20) those areas contiguous to, and surrounding, the areas comprising the grounds of the United States Botanic Garden from 

the property line of such grounds to the contiguous curb;

“(21) all that area contiguous to, and surrounding, the structures comprising the United States Capitol Power Plant, from the 

building lines of such structures to the contiguous curbs; and

“(22) all that area contiguous to, and surrounding, square numbered 581 from the property line thereof to the contiguous curb ”

Pub L 93-198, Title VII, § 739(g)(3), Dec 24, 1973, 87 Stat 828, effective Jan 2, 1975 [Title IV of Pub L 93-198 having been 

accepted by a majority of the registered qualified electors in the District of Columbia voting on the charter issue in the charter 

referendum conducted May 8, 1974], provided in part that the definition of United States Capitol Grounds should include the 

following streets: Independence Avenue from the west curb of First Street S E to the east curb of First Street S W , New Jersey 
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Avenue S E from the south curb of Independence Avenue to the north curb of D Street S E , South Capitol Street from the 

south curb of Independence Avenue to the north curb of D Street; Delaware Avenue S W from the south curb of C Street S W 

to the north curb of D Street S W , C Street from the west curb of First Street S E to the intersection of First and Canal Streets, 

S W , D Street from the west curb of First Street S E to the intersection of Canal Street and Delaware Avenue S W , that part of 

First Street lying west of the outer face of the curb of the sidewalk on the east side thereof from D Street N E to D Street S E , 

that part of First Street within the east and west curblines thereof extending from the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue N W

to the intersection of C Street and Canal Street S W , including the two circles within such area but that nothing in the inclusion 

of such streets should be construed as repealing, or otherwise altering, modifying, affecting, or superseding those provisions of 

law in effect prior to the vesting of authority in the United States Supreme Court police and Library of Congress police by Title 

IV of Pub L 93-198 to make arrests in adjacent streets, including First Street N E and First Street S E

Section 4 of Pub L 96-432 provided that: “The foregoing provisions of this Act [amending this section and enacting provisions 

set out as notes under this section] shall take effect upon the expiration of the thirty-day period following the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct 10, 1980] ”

Changes in United State Capitol Grounds

Pub L 104-333, Div I, Title V, § 514, Nov 12, 1996, 110 Stat 4165, provided that:

“(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section--

“(1) to assist in the effort to timely establish within the District of Columbia a national memorial to Japanese American 

patriotism in World War II; and

“(2) to improve management of certain parcels of Federal real property located within the District of Columbia,

by the transferring jurisdiction over such parcels to the Architect of the Capitol, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Government of the District of Columbia

“(b) Transfers of jurisdiction.--

“(1) In general.--Effective on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov 12, 1996] and notwithstanding any other provision 

of law, jurisdiction over the parcels of Federal real property described in paragraph (2) is transferred without additional 

consideration as provided by paragraph (2)

“(2) Specific transfers.--

“(A) Transfers to Secretary of the Interior.--

“(i) In general.--Jurisdiction over the following parcels is transferred to the Secretary of the Interior:
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“(I) That triangle of Federal land, including any contiguous sidewalks and tree space, that is part of the United States 

Capitol Grounds under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol bound by D Street, N W , New Jersey Avenue, N W , 

and Louisiana Avenue, N W , in square W632 in the District of Columbia, as shown on the Map Showing Properties Under 

Jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol, dated November 8, 1994

“(II) That triangle of Federal land, including any contiguous sidewalks and tree space, that is part of the United States 

Capitol Grounds under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol bound by C Street, N W , First Street, N W , and 

Louisiana Avenue, N W , in the District of Columbia, as shown on the Map Showing Properties Under Jurisdiction of the 

Architect of the Capitol, dated November 8, 1994

“(ii) Limitation.--The parcels transferred by clause (i) shall not include those contiguous sidewalks abutting Louisiana 

Avenue, N W , which shall remain part of the United States Capitol Grounds under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the 

Capitol

“(iii) Consideration as memorial site.--The parcels transferred by subclause (I) of clause (i) may be considered as a site 

for a national memorial to Japanese American patriotism in World War II

“(B) Transfers to Architect of the Capitol.--Jurisdiction over the following parcels is transferred to the Architect of the 

Capitol:

“(i) That portion of the triangle of Federal land in Reservation No 204 in the District of Columbia under the jurisdiction of 

the Secretary of the Interior, including any contiguous sidewalks, bound by Constitution Avenue, N E , on the north, the 

branch of Maryland Avenue, N E , running in a northeast direction on the west, the major portion of Maryland Avenue, 

N E , on the south, and 2nd Street, N E , on the east, including the contiguous sidewalks

“(ii) That irregular area of Federal land in Reservation No 204 in the District of Columbia under the jurisdiction of the 

Secretary of the Interior, including any contiguous sidewalks, northeast of the real property described in clause (i) bound 

by Constitution Avenue, N E , on the north, the branch of Maryland Avenue, N E , running to the northeast on the south, 

and the private property on the west known as lot 7, in square 726

“(iii) The two irregularly shaped medians lying north and east of the property described in clause (i), located between the 

north and south curbs of Constitution Avenue, N E , west of its intersection with Second Street, N E , all as shown in Land 

Record No 268, dated November 22, 1957, in the Office of the Surveyor, District of Columbia, in Book 138, Page 58

“(iv) All sidewalks under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia abutting on and contiguous to the land described in 

clauses (i), (ii), and (iii)

“(C) Transfers to District of Columbia.--Jurisdiction over the following parcels is transferred to the Government of the 

District of Columbia:

“(i) That portion of New Jersey Avenue, N W , between the northernmost point of the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, 
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N W , and D Street, N W , and the northernmost point of the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, N W , and Louisiana 

Avenue, N W , between squares 631 and W632, which remains Federal property

“(ii) That portion of D Street, N W , between its intersection with New Jersey Avenue, N W , and its intersection with 

Louisiana Avenue, N W , between squares 630 and W632, which remains Federal property

“(c) Miscellaneous.--

“(1) Compliance with other laws.--Compliance with this section shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of all laws 

otherwise applicable to transfers of jurisdiction over parcels of Federal real property

“(2) Law enforcement responsibility.--Law enforcement responsibility for the parcels of Federal real property for which 

jurisdiction is transferred by subsection (b) shall be assumed by the person acquiring such jurisdiction

“(3) United States Capitol Grounds.--

“(A) [Omitted. Amended this section and provisions set out as a note under section 1003 of this title]

“(B) Jurisdiction of Capitol Police.--The United States Capitol Police shall have jurisdiction over the parcels of Federal 

real property described in subsection (b)(2)(B) in accordance with section 9 of such Act of July 31, 1946 (40 U S C 212a)

[now 2 U S C A § 1961]

“(4) Effect of transfers.--A person relinquishing jurisdiction over a parcel of Federal real property transferred by subsection 

(b) shall not retain any interest in the parcel except as specifically provided by this section ”

Jurisdiction of the Capitol Police Board and the Architect of the Capitol

Pub L 96-432, § 3, Oct 10, 1980, 94 Stat 1852, provided that: “On and after the effective date of this section [upon the expiration of the thirty-day period following Oct 10, 1980, as provided in Pub L 96-432, § 4], that portion of C Street Northeast 

from the west curb of Second Street Northeast to the east curb of First Street Northeast shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction 

and control of the Capitol Police Board and the Architect of the Capitol in the same manner and to the same extent as such 

Board or the Architect of the Capitol has over other streets comprising the United States Capitol Grounds, and the Architect of 

the Capitol shall be responsible for the maintenance and improvement thereof ”

United States Supreme Court and Library of Congress; Jurisdictional Boundaries

Pub L 96-432 § 6(a), (b), Oct 10, 1980, 94 Stat 1853, provided that:

“(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act [enacting section 212a-1 of this title, amending this section and enacting 

provisions set out as notes under this section and section 193d of this title], with respect to those squares occupied by the United 

States Supreme Court and the Library of Congress, those streets or portions thereof referred to in the first section of this Act [set 
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out as a note hereunder] which surround such squares shall be considered a part of the Capitol Grounds only to the face of the

curbs contiguous to such squares

“(b) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as repealing, or otherwise altering, modifying, affecting, or superseding those 

provisions of law in effect on the date immediately preceding the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct 10, 1980] vesting 

authority in the United States Supreme Court Police and the Library of Congress Police to make arrests in adjacent streets ”

Architect of the Capitol: Acquisition of Additional Property

Pub L 97-12, Title I, § 112, June 5, 1981, 95 Stat 64, provided in part: “That upon acquisition of such real property pursuant to 

this paragraph [incorporating by reference the provisions of Pub L 96-432, Oct 10, 1980, 94 Stat 1851, which related to the 

acquisition of property in squares 693, 640, and 582 in the District of Columbia], the structure located on lot 801 of square 693 

shall become a part of the House Office Buildings, subject to the provisions of the Act of July 31, 1946 (40 U S C secs 193a

through 193m, 212a and 212b) [sections 193a to 193m, 212a, 212a-2, and 212b of this title], including any amendments thereto, 

which are applicable to the Capitol Buildings, and to the Act of March 4, 1907 (40 U S C 175) ”

Pub L 96-432, §§ 7 to 10, Oct 10, 1980, 94 Stat 1853, provided that:

“Sec. 7. (a) The Architect of the Capitol, under the direction of the House Office Building Commission, is hereby authorized to 

acquire, on behalf of the United States, by purchase, condemnation, transfer, or otherwise, for addition to the United States

Capitol Grounds, all publicly or privately owned property contained in lot 49 in square 582; lot 70 in square 640; and lots 1, 2, 

67, 79, 80, 800, 801, 807, 814 through 822, and 834 in square 693 in the District of Columbia (including all alleys or parts of 

alleys and streets within the lotlines and curblines surrounding such real property): Provided, That upon the acquisition of any 

such real property by the Architect of the Capitol on behalf of the United States, such property shall be subject to the provisions 

of the Act of July 31, 1946 (60 Stat 718) [sections 193a to 193m, 212a, 212a-2, 212b of this title and provisions set out as notes 

under sections 193a and 193h of this title] as amended in the same manner and to the same extent as all other areas comprising

the United States Capitol Grounds

“(b) For the purposes of this section the properties authorized to be acquired hereunder, shall be deemed to extend to the outer 

face of the curbs of the squares in which they are located

“(c) There is hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Architect of the Capitol for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1981, 

the sum of $11,500,000 for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this section, said appropriation to remain available

until expended

“Sec. 8. The acquisition of real property under this Act [enacting section 212a-1 of this title, amending this section and enacting 

provisions set out as notes under this section and section 193d of this title] shall be conducted in accordance with the Act 

entitled ‘Uniform Relocation Assistance and Land Acquisition Policies Act of 1970’, Public Law 91-646, approved January 2, 

1971 [section 4601 et seq of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare], and any proceeding for condemnation brought in its 

course shall be conducted in accordance with the Act entitled ‘An Act to provide for the acquisition of land in the District of 

Columbia for the use of the United States’, approved March 1, 1929 (16 D C Code, secs 1351-1368)
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“Sec. 9. The Architect of the Capitol is authorized to enter into contracts and to make expenditures for grading and paving and 

such other expenditures, including expenditures for personal and other services, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes

of section 7 of this Act [section 7 of this note]

“Sec. 10. Any contract entered into pursuant to this Act [enacting section 212a-1 of this title, amending this section and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 193d of this title] or pursuant to any amendment made by this 

Act shall be effective only to such extent and in such amounts as may be provided in advance in an appropriation Act ”

Order of the House Building Commission, Oct 17, 1967

WHEREAS, under authority of Section 1202 of Public Law 24, 84th Congress (69 Stat 41), approved April 22, 1955, known as 

the “Additional House Office Building Act of 1955”, the Architect of the Capitol, at the direction of the House Office Building

Commission, acquired during the period of 1955 to 1960, on behalf of the United States, by condemnation, seven squares in the 

District of Columbia, located south of Independence Avenue, in the vicinity of the United States Capitol Grounds, as a site for 

an additional office building and other necessary facilities for the House of Representatives and for additions to the United 

States Capitol Grounds;

WHEREAS, under the aforesaid authority, the Architect of the Capitol, at the direction of the Commission, acquired in 1965 on

behalf of the United States, through transfer from the Redevelopment Land Agency, Square 639, also located south of Independence Avenue, for an addition to the United States Capitol Grounds;

WHEREAS, the aforesaid eight squares are identified and bound as follows: Square 635, bounded on the north by Independence Avenue, on the east by Delaware Avenue, on the west by First Street, on the south by C Street; Square 637, bounded on the 

north by C Street, on the east by South Capitol Street, on the west by Delaware Avenue, on the south by D Street; Square South 

of 635, bounded on the north by C Street, on the east by Delaware Avenue, on the west and south by Canal Street; Square 691,

bounded on the north by C street, on the east by New Jersey Avenue, on the west by South Capitol Street, on the south by D 

Street; Square 692, bounded on the north by C Street, on the east by First Street, on the west by New Jersey Avenue, on the 

south by D Street; Square 732 north, bounded on the north by Independence Avenue, on the east by Second Street, on the west 

by First Street, on the south by Carroll Street; Square 732 south, bounded on the north by Carroll Street, on the east by Second 

Street, on the west by First Street, on the south by C Street; and Square 639, bounded on the north by D Street, on the east by 

South Capitol Street, on the west and south by Canal Street;

WHEREAS, title to all real property in these 8 squares is now vested in fee simple absolute in the United States of America;

WHEREAS, subsequent to acquisition of these 8 squares, under the aforesaid authority, all alleys in these squares were closed 

and vacated, as were also Delaware Avenue between Independence Avenue and C Street and Carroll Street between First and 

Second Streets, by the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, and all areas between the property lines and outer faces of 

curbs surrounding these squares and Square 636 were transferred from the jurisdiction of the Commissioners of the District of

Columbia to the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol;
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WHEREAS, the Rayburn House Office Building has been constructed on Squares 635 and 636 (the latter square being already 

owned by the government and having been combined with Square 635 as a site for this building under the aforesaid authority), 

and the said building is now maintained by the Architect of the Capitol as a part of the House Office Buildings, and the sidewalks and other paved and grassed areas surrounding this building are now maintained as part of the Capitol Grounds;

WHEREAS, underground garages for the House of Representatives have been constructed in Squares 637 and 691 and are now 

maintained by the Architect of the Capitol as part of the House Office Buildings, and the areas above these garages have been

landscaped as a part of the Capitol Grounds;

WHEREAS, Squares South of 635 and 639 have been developed as parking lots for automobiles for Members and employees 

of the House and are now maintained as part of the Capitol Grounds;

WHEREAS, part of Square 692 is occupied by the Congressional Hotel, acquired by the Architect of the Capitol under the 

aforesaid authority and leased to the Knott Hotels Corporation for use as a hotel, and the remainder of this square has been 

converted into a parking lot for automobiles for Members and employees of the House and is now maintained as a part of the 

Capitol Grounds;

WHEREAS, Squares 732 north and south were acquired as an addition to the Capitol Grounds, are now maintained as part of 

the Capitol Grounds, and will continue to be so maintained until such time as required for construction thereon of the Library of 

Congress James Madison Memorial Building, authorized by Public Law 89-260, approved October 19, 1965;

WHEREAS, the aforesaid Additional House Office Building Act provides, in pertinent part, with respect to these properties, as

follows:

“* * * At such time or times as may be fixed by order of the House Office Building Commission, (1) any real property acquired under, or made available for the purposes of, this chapter shall become part of the United States Capitol Grounds and 

subject to the Act entitled ‘An Act to define the area of the United States Capitol Grounds, to regulate the use thereof, and for 

other purposes’, approved July 31, 1946 (40 U S C , secs 193a-193m, 212a, [212a-2], and 212b), and (2) the building and all 

facilities constructed pursuant to section 1201 of this chapter shall become subject to such Act approved July 31, 1946, and to 

the provisions of law relating to the control, supervision, and care of the House Office Building contained in the Act approved 

Mar 4, 1907, as amended (40 U S C , sec 175) ”

NOW, THEREFORE, in formal compliance with the aforecited provisions of the Additional House Office Building Act, the 

House Office Building Commission, in confirmation of actions heretofore taken by the Commission, hereby orders:

1. The Rayburn House Office Building, the subway connecting such building to the Capitol Building, the pedestrian 

tunnels connection such building of the Longworth House Office Building, the underground garages in Squares 637 and 

691 and the tunnels connecting these garages to the House Office Buildings, are hereby declared to be House Office 

Buildings and, as such, are hereby made subject to those provisions of the Act of July 31, 1946 (40 U S C , secs 

193a-193m, 212a, [212a-2], and 212b), including any amendments to such Act, which are applicable to the Capitol 

Buildings, and to the Act of Mar 4, 1907 (40 U S C 175)
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2. All other real property acquired by the Architect of the Capitol under authority of the Additional House Office Building 

Act is hereby declared to be part of the United States Capitol Grounds and is hereby made subject to the Act of July 31, 

1946 (40 U S C , secs 193a-193m, 212a, [212a-2], and 212b), including any amendments to such Act

3. Nothing herein shall be construed to contravene (a) the provisions of Public Law 89-260 authorizing the future use of 

Squares 732 north and south as a site for the Library of Congress James Madison Memorial Building; or (b) the authority 

delegated by the House Office Building Commission to the Select House Committee under authority of H Res 514, 90th 

Congress, pertaining to the direction and supervision of the use and operation of the four House Garages and outdoor 

parking lots

4. This order shall become effective immediately

HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION

JOHN W MCCORMACK,Chairman EMANUEL CELLER,Member CHARLES E GOODELL,Member

LIBRARY REFERENCES

American Digest System

District of Columbia 23

United States 57

Key Number System Topic Nos 132, 393

40 U S C A § 5102, 40 USCA § 5102

Current through P L 113-47 approved 10-31-13

Westlaw (C) 2013 Thomson Reuters No Claim to Orig U S Govt Works 

END OF DOCUMENT
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APPENDIX J

POLICE BOARD REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO 

FIREARMS EXPLOSIVES INCENDIARY DEVICES 

AND OTHER DANGEROUS WEAPONS (1967).
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MAPS
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