Code of the District of Columbia

§ 50–2301.05. Monetary sanctions and fees.

(a) The maximum monetary sanctions that may be imposed under this chapter shall be as follows:

(1) The civil fine for an infraction shall be an amount equal to the collateral or bond established for the offense, equivalent to the infraction, by the Board of Judges of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on the day before September 12, 1978. The Mayor may issue proposed rules, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2 [§ 2-501 et seq.], to propose changes to the schedule of fines. The proposed rules shall be submitted to the Council for a 45-day period of review, excluding Saturdays, Sunday, legal holidays, and days of Council recess. If the Council does not approve or disapprove the proposed rules by resolution within this 45-day review period, the proposed rules shall be deemed approved. Notwithstanding § § 2-505(c), the Mayor may not amend the schedule of fines until the Council has approved the proposed rules or the proposed rules have been deemed approved.

(2) In addition to the civil fine, the following penalties may be imposed:

(A) In the case of a person receiving a notice of infraction who fails to answer such notice within the time specified by §§ 50-2302.05(d)(1) and 50-2303.05(d)(1), a penalty equal to the amount of the civil fine;

(B) In the case of a person receiving a notice of infraction who fails to answer such notice by the close of business on the date set for the hearing or who answers but fails without good cause to appear at such hearing, with respect to infractions under subchapter II of this chapter, a penalty equal to twice the amount of the civil fine and, with respect to infractions under subchapter III of this chapter, a penalty equal to the amount of the civil fine plus $5.

(b) A respondent may pay such fines and penalties by use of credit cards approved by the Director.

(c) The Director may permit, in his or her sole discretion, persons owing substantial fines, fees or charges to the Department to pay the amounts owed in installments at intervals as the Director may decide; and

(d) The Director may collect a fee for the filing of an appeal pursuant to §  50-1404.02.