Subchapter I. General Provisions.

§ 50–1501.01. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

(1) The term "motor vehicle" means any vehicle propelled by internal-combustion engine, electricity, or steam. The term "motor vehicle" shall not include a traction engine, road roller, vehicle propelled only upon rails or tracks, personal mobility devices, as the term is defined in § 50-2201.02(13), electric mobility devices, as the term is defined in § 50-2201.02(6A), motorized bicycles, as the term is defined in § 50-2201.02(11A), or a battery-operated wheelchair when operated by a person with a disability.

(2) The term “person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, or association.

(3) The term “owner” means a person who holds the legal title to a motor vehicle or trailer the registration of which is required in the District of Columbia. If a vehicle is the subject of an agreement for the conditional sale or lease thereof with the right of purchase upon performance of the condition stated in the agreement and with an immediate right of possession vested in the conditional vendee or lessee, or if a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, then such conditional vendee or lessee or mortgagor shall be deemed the owner for the purpose of these regulations.

(4) The term “Director” means the Director of the Department of Transportation of the District of Columbia, including assistants or agents duly designated by the Mayor.

(5) The term “dealer” means any person engaged in the business of manufacturing, distributing, or dealing in motor vehicles or trailers.

(6) The term “public highway” means any road, street, alley, or way, open to use of the public, as a matter of right, for purposes of vehicular traffic.

(7) The term “trailer” means a vehicle without motor power intended or 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.

(8) The term “farm tractor” means a motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing implements of agricultural husbandry.

(9) The term “pneumatic tire” means a tire inflated with compressed air.

(10) The terms “operate” and “operated” shall include operating, moving, standing, or parking any motor vehicle or trailer on a public highway of the District of Columbia.

(10A) The term “class F(I) historic motor vehicle” means any motor vehicle whose manufacturer’s model year is at least 25 years old or any motor vehicle which is at least 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 for occasional pleasure driving or in conjunction with exhibitions, expositions, parades, tours, club activities, or similar activities or events, including transportation directly to or from such activities or events, not exceeding a total driving mileage under all conditions of 1,000 miles annually, but in no event used for general transportation. Motor vehicles which are less than 25 years old but which are 15 or more years old and which qualify as historic motor vehicles shall include the following makes, which are no longer manufactured: Kaiser, Hudson, DeSoto, Nash, Edsel, Studebaker and Packard.

(11) The term “class F(II) historic motor vehicle” means any motor vehicle whose manufacturer’s model year is at least 25 years old or any motor which is at least 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 or from such activities or events, but in no event used for general transportation. Motor vehicles which are less than 25 years old but which are 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.

(12) “Electric vehicle” shall have the same meaning as provided in section 3(4) of the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1976, approved September 17, 1976 (90 Stat. 1261; 15 U.S.C. § 2502(4)).

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§ 50–1501.02. Motor vehicles and trailers; expiration; certificates and tags; sale or transfer; Mayor to issue rules.

(a) Except as provided by § 50-1401.02, any motor vehicle or trailer operated in the District of Columbia shall be registered with the Department of Transportation by the owner of that motor vehicle or trailer.

(b)(1) Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section, a registration shall be valid for a period determined by the Mayor and shall expire at midnight of the last day of the designated period. During the 30-day period immediately preceding the date, as specified by the Mayor, on which registration expires, it shall be lawful to operate a motor vehicle or trailer registered for the ensuing registration year.

(2) The Mayor shall notify an owner of the expiration date of the owner’s motor vehicle or trailer registration. The required notice shall be mailed to the named owner at the address of record at least 30 days prior to the date of expiration. If the Director does not deliver the notice as required, the first of any tickets issued for failure to display current registration for that registration period may be dismissed through mail or in-person adjudication.

(c) The Mayor shall issue a registration certificate and identification tag or tags for a motor vehicle or trailer to the owner of the motor vehicle or trailer, if the owner:

(1) Has applied for registration on a form supplied by the Mayor;

(2) Has paid all applicable fines, fees, and taxes for the motor vehicle or trailer pursuant to § 50-2301.05;

(3) Has a valid certificate of title in effect for the motor vehicle or trailer;

(4) Has a valid document issued by the District of Columbia attesting that the vehicle meets applicable District of Columbia vehicle inspection standards as of the date of the application; and

(5)(A) Is domiciled in the District of Columbia; except that the person need not be domiciled in the District of Columbia if:

(i)(I) The owner is a leasing company and the lessee is not domiciled in the District of Columbia;

(II) The vehicle is housed in the District of Columbia;

(III) The vehicle is provided to an employee of the lessee for the employee’s use;

(IV) The employee is domiciled in the District of Columbia; and

(V) The owner submits an affidavit affirming compliance with this paragraph and agreeing that the address on the registration certificate and in the Department of Motor Vehicles’ records shall be the address of the operator and that the employee’s address shall be considered the owner’s address for the purpose of sending any notices required by any statute or regulation for that vehicle.

(ii) The owner is a member of Congress and has a District of Columbia residence;

(iii) The owner is a lessor and the vehicle is leased to a person domiciled in the District of Columbia; or

(iv) The owner meets the requirements set forth in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.

(B) An owner of a vehicle need not be a resident of the District if:

(i) The owner is an individual who holds a valid license to operate a taxicab or limousine within the District of Columbia;

(ii) The owner held a valid license to operate a taxicab or limousine within the District of Columbia at some point during the 5 years prior to the owner’s first attempt to register a vehicle under this subparagraph; provided, that the license to operate a taxicab or limousine shall have been first issued no later than March 1, 2006;

(iii) The owner resided outside the District of Columbia on March 1, 2006;

(iv) The owner had registered a vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles on or before March 1, 2006, while residing outside the District of Columbia;

(v) The owner has no other vehicle currently registered within the District of Columbia;

(vi) The owner is registering the vehicle for use as a taxicab or limousine within the District of Columbia; and

(vii) The owner of the vehicle has, no later than September 28 of the year prior to first registering a vehicle under this subparagraph, registered with the Office of Tax and Revenue for business taxes by completing a tax registration form; provided, that:

(I) The owner of the vehicle shall be permitted to register the vehicle for the 2007 year without having to undergo Clean Hands certification pursuant to §§ 47-2862 and 47-2863; and

(II) The owner of the vehicle must meet the franchise tax filing and payment requirements as set forth in §§ 47-1805.02, 47-1807.02, and 47-1808.03 on a prospective basis for the 2007 year and subsequent years.

(d)(1) The Mayor shall issue annually, upon payment by a dealer of all applicable fees and taxes, dealer’s registration certificates and identification tags bearing a distinguishing dealer’s mark or symbol for the interchangeable use on motor vehicles and trailers;

(2) The Mayor shall issue, without charge, registration certificates and identification tags for all motor vehicles and trailers owned by the District of Columbia and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority;

(2A) The Mayor, through the issuance of rules, shall permit the use of vintage license plates on historic motor vehicles in place of historic motor vehicle license plates, provided that the plate is legible and corresponds to the year of the vehicle’s make. The owner, through approval and registration of the vintage license plates, shall have the same rights, privileges, and obligations as if he or she had purchased new historic motor vehicle license plates. The rules promulgated pursuant to this paragraph, shall be issued no later than 90 days from March 26, 1999. The Mayor may impose a reasonable fee to carry out the provisions of this paragraph.

(3) The Mayor shall issue, without charge, registration certificates and identification tags for all motor vehicles and trailers officially used by any accredited representative of a foreign government;

(4)(A) The Mayor shall issue a duplicate registration certificate or identification tag or tags for any motor vehicle or trailer which is registered, upon proof satisfactory to the Mayor of the loss, mutilation, or destruction of the previously issued registration certificate or identification tags;

(B) The Mayor shall issue a dealer’s proof of ownership certificate to any dealer upon application and upon proof of ownership as the Mayor may require; and

(C) A fee of $20 shall be paid for each duplicate registration certificate issued, a fee of $10 shall be paid for each replacement tag issued, and a fee of $26 shall be for each dealer’s proof of ownership certificate issued;

(5)(A) The Mayor shall issue, for a temporary period not to exceed 45 days, a special use certificate and special use identification tags bearing a distinguishing mark to the owner of a motor vehicle or trailer upon payment of the fee of $13;

(B) The Mayor shall issue a special use certificate and special use identification tags bearing a distinguishing mark to the owner of a motor vehicle or trailer, for the exclusive purpose of allowing that person to comply with the requirements of Chapter 11 of this title, upon payment of a fee of $13; and

(C) The issuance of a special use certificate and special use identification tags under this subsection shall not constitute a registration of a motor vehicle or trailer for any other purposes than herein provided.

(e)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any registration shall expire upon the sale or other transfer of the motor vehicle or trailer to another owner;

(2) Any owner selling or otherwise transferring a motor vehicle or trailer may apply the unexpired portion of the existing registration to another motor vehicle or trailer belonging to that owner, upon payment of a fee of $12 plus any amount by which the registration fee for the newly registered motor vehicle or trailer, as computed under § 50-1501.03, exceeds the original registration fee paid;

(3) In the case of a joint ownership, the unexpired portion of the existing registration may be applied to another motor vehicle or trailer by any person who was formerly a party to the joint ownership upon the consent of all the former joint owners;

(4) The name of a spouse or domestic partner as defined in § 32-701(3) may be added as joint owner to the registration of a motor vehicle or trailer, subject to the applicable provisions of law relating to the titling of motor vehicles and trailers; and

(5) Upon the death of a joint owner of a motor vehicle or trailer registered under this subchapter, the registration shall be transferred to the surviving joint owners upon the payment of a fee of $12.

(6) Repealed.

(f) In order to facilitate the identification and the regulation of motor vehicles and trailers operated in the District of Columbia the Mayor shall establish:

(1) The application forms for registrations and for special use certificates;

(2) The forms of registration certificates and special use certificates;

(3) The design of identification tags; and

(4) A program for keeping records of registration, issuance of special use certificates, and transfers of registrations.

(f-1)(1) Identification tags designed pursuant to subsection (f)(3) of this section, not including identification tags for vehicles for-hire, motor vehicles bearing organization plates, motorcycles, or autocycles, shall display the phrase "End Taxation Without Representation".

(2) An individual who does not wish to display the phrase "End Taxation Without Representation" on his or her identification tag may request an identification tag featuring an alternate design, to be supplied by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(g) The Mayor shall issue rules:

(1) To implement this subchapter;

(2) To provide for the suspension or revocation of any registration issued to an owner or dealer who has violated any provision of this subchapter or Title 18, Chapters 4 and 5, DCMR, or who knowingly provides or obtains a counterfeit, stolen, or otherwise fraudulent temporary identification tag; and

(3)(A) To establish procedures for the immobilization or impoundment of a motor vehicle or trailer for which the registration has been suspended or revoked or which is not properly registered in accordance with this subchapter and Title 18, Chapters 4 and 5, DCMR; and

(B) To establish procedures for the recovery or removal of any registration certificate or identification tags issued under this subchapter and Title 18, Chapters 4 and 5, DCMR, from a motor vehicle or trailer for which the registration has been suspended or revoked or which is not properly registered in accordance with this subchapter and Title 18, Chapters 4 and 5, DCMR;

(C) To establish procedures for the seizure and forfeiture of a motor vehicle used with a counterfeit, stolen, or otherwise fraudulent temporary identification tag.

(h) The Mayor may amend Chapters 4 and 5 of Title 18 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (“DCMR”) and may establish dealer registration eligibility requirements that are more stringent than the business licensing requirements in Title 16 of the DMCR; provided, that the proposed rules shall be submitted to the Council for a 45-day period of review, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and days of Council recess. If the Council does not disapprove the proposed rules by resolution, within the 45-day review period, the proposed rules shall be deemed approved. The Council may approve or disapprove the proposed rules by resolution prior to the expiration of the 45-day review period.”.

(i) A dealer violating any provision of Chapters 4 or 5 of Title 18, DCMR, shall be subject to a fine of up to $1000. Notices of infractions shall be issued by the Mayor and adjudicated by the Department of Motor Vehicles, pursuant to Chapter 10 of Title 18, DCMR, and subject to following provisions:

(1) A notice of infraction shall be mailed to the dealer’s address on record at the Department of Motor Vehicles, personally served on the dealer, or left with an employee at the dealer’s place of business.

(2) A person to whom a notice of infraction has been issued must answer by either requesting a hearing or by paying the fine due within 30 calendar days of the date of receipt of the notice of infraction.

(3) If a person fails to answer the notice within the 30-day period, the person’s dealer registration may be suspended until the person pays the fine amount due.

(4) An infraction pursuant to this subsection shall be established by the government by a preponderance of evidence.

(j) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any bus from any state or country used in the transportation of a chartered party, as that term is used in the International Registration Plan, with a seating capacity of greater than 15 passengers shall, prior to entering the District of Columbia, either:

(1) Register as a Class B commercial vehicle under § 50-1501.03(b)(2);

(2) Obtain proportional registration in its base jurisdiction through the International Registration Plan, as provided by § 50-1507.03; or

(3) Obtain a trip permit, as provided by § 50-1507.03.

(k) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall, upon request, provide to the electric company a registered owner’s address, zip code, and make and model of electric vehicles registered in the District. This information shall be transferred to the electric company for use in planning for the availability and reliability of the electric power supply upon a vehicle being registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles; provided, that the electric company shall not publish or re-disclose to any persons, including affiliates of the electric company, information about the registered electric vehicle owner, nor can the transferred information be used for any purpose except as set forth in this section.

(l)(1) Upon receipt of a report for a stolen motor vehicle registered in the District that MPD reasonably believes to be true, MPD shall transmit the following information to the District Department of Transportation ("DDOT"), the Department of Motor Vehicles ("DMV"), and the Department of Public Works ("DPW") within 5 business days:

(A) The name, contact information, and driver's license number or identification card number of the stolen motor vehicle's owner;

(B) The make, model, year, vehicle identification number, and plate number of the stolen motor vehicle; and

(C) The dates during which the motor vehicle was or is alleged to have been stolen.

(2) If, after transmitting information as described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the MPD subsequently determines that it no longer reasonably believes a report of a stolen motor vehicle to be true, it shall notify the DMV of that determination within 5 business days.

(3) DDOT shall not issue a notice of infraction for a moving violation detected by the automated traffic enforcement system authorized pursuant to § 50-2209.01(a) if:

(A) DDOT has received notice that the motor vehicle captured by the automated traffic enforcement system was stolen at the time of the violation as described in paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

(B) MPD has not subsequently notified the DMV that it no longer reasonably believes the report of a stolen motor vehicle to be true.

(4) DPW shall not issue a notice of infraction for any parking violation detected by a District agency if:

(A) DPW has received notice that the motor vehicle was stolen at the time of the violation under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

(B) MPD has not subsequently notified DPW that it no longer reasonably believes the report of a stolen motor vehicle to be true.

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§ 50–1501.02a. Issuance of veterans’ license plates.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the term “veteran” means an individual who has:

(1)(A) Served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States; or

(B) Been a member of the National Guard and Reserves;

(2)(A) Been called to active duty authorized by the President of the United States or the Secretary of Defense; or

(B) Had at least 20 years of service with a letter and record of separation of service; and

(3) Been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

(b)(1) The Mayor shall issue a registration certificate and identification tags for a passenger motor vehicle (other than a passenger vehicle for hire) to an individual who is a veteran or the spouse of a veteran, is a District resident, and applies for the registration certificate and identification tags in lieu of those required by § 50-1501.02. Upon the death of a veteran that is a holder of identification tags issued under this section, the identification tags shall be transferred, upon application, to the surviving spouse for the spouses’s lifetime or until he or she remarries.

(2) The Mayor shall design and make available for issue veterans' identification tags, which shall include separate designs for each branch of the United States Armed Forces, and establish an application process for the issue of these identification tags. Any veteran or spouse of a veteran who orders a veterans’ identification tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $52 and the display fee shall be $26, or other amounts as may be established by the Mayor by rule. The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited in the Office of Veterans Affairs Fund, established by § 49-1004.

(3) The Mayor may establish additional qualifications for the issue of a veterans’ identification tag, so long as any additional qualifications relate solely to the veteran’s service record. Regardless of any additional qualifications established for the issue of a veterans’ identification tag, every veteran and spouse of a veteran shall be eligible for at least one veterans’ identification tag.

(4) When an individual applies for a registration certificate and identification tags under this section, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall provide a copy of the application to the Office of Veterans Affairs for its use and record retention.

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§ 50–1501.02b. Issuance of women veterans license plates.

(a) The Mayor shall design and issue motor vehicle identification tags to honor women veterans that shall bear either the inscription "women veterans" or a facsimile or an emblem honoring women veterans. These identification tags shall retain and display the "End Taxation Without Representation" slogan of the current District of Columbia motor vehicle identification tags.

(b)(1) A resident ordering a motor vehicle identification tag for women veterans shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $25 and the display fee shall be $20, or other amounts as may be established by the Mayor by rule.

(2) The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited in the Office of Veterans Affairs Fund, established by § 49-1004.

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§ 50–1501.02c. Issuance of bicycle awareness license plates.

(a) The Mayor shall design and issue motor vehicle identification tags with a design to enhance motorists' awareness of bicycles, which shall include an image and wording to educate motorists about section 2202.10 of Title 18 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (18 DCMR § 2202.10).These identification tags shall retain and display the "End Taxation Without Representation" slogan of the current District of Columbia motor vehicle identification tags.

(b)(1) A resident ordering a bicycle awareness tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $25 and the display fee shall be $20, or other amounts as may be established by the Mayor by rule.

(2) The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited into the Vision Zero Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Fund, established by § 50-921.20).

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§ 50–1501.02d. We Demand Statehood motor-vehicle identification tags.

(a) The Mayor shall design and make available for issue a red-and-white motor-vehicle identification tag that displays the phrase "We Demand Statehood".

(b)(1) A resident ordering a "We Demand Statehood" identification tag designed and issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $51 and the display fee shall be $26, or such other amounts as the Mayor may establish by rule.

(2) The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited into the New Columbia Statehood Fund, established by § 1-129.32.

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§ 50–1501.02e. Issuance of arts and humanities motor-vehicle identification tags.

(a) The Mayor may make available for issue one or more arts and humanities motor-vehicle identification tags to enhance the public's awareness of the District's arts and humanities communities, works, and programming. At the request of the Mayor, the Commission on Arts and Humanities ("Commission") shall provide to the Mayor proposed designs of the arts and humanities motor-vehicle identification tags, which the Commission may solicit from District residents.

(b) A resident ordering an arts and humanities motor-vehicle identification tag designed and issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter, in amounts to be determined by the Mayor by rule.

(c) Application fees and annual display fees collected pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be deposited into the Arts and Humanities Fund, established by § 39-205.01.

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§ 50–1501.02f. Issuance of breast cancer awareness motor vehicle identification tags.

(a) The Mayor shall design and issue motor vehicle identification tags with a design, identifying words, or emblem that promotes breast cancer awareness.

(b)(1) A resident ordering a breast cancer awareness motor vehicle identification tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $25 and the display fee shall be $20, or other amounts as may be established by the Mayor by rule.

(2) The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited in the Community Health Care Financing Fund, established by § 7-1931.

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§ 50–1501.02g. Issuance of parks and recreation motor vehicle identification tags.

(a) The Mayor shall design and make available for issue one or more parks and recreation motor vehicle identification tags to enhance the public's awareness of the District's diverse economic, health, and leisure programming at local parks and recreation centers.

(b)(1) A resident ordering a parks and recreation motor vehicle identification tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $25 and the display fee shall be $20, or other amounts as may be established by the Mayor by rule.

(2) The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited in the Recreation Enterprise Fund, established by § 10-303.

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§ 50–1501.02h. Issuance of Washington Capitals motor vehicle identification tags.

(a) The Mayor shall design and make available for issue one or more Washington Capitals motor vehicle identification tags to demonstrate support for the Washington Capitals hockey team and celebrate the Washington Capitals Stanley Cup win in 2018.

(b)(1) A resident ordering a Washington Capitals tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $25 and the display fee shall be $20, or other amounts as may be established by the Mayor by rule.

(2) The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited into the General Fund of the District of Columbia.

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§ 50–1501.02i. Issuance of Washington Mystics motor vehicle identification tags.

(a) The Mayor shall design and make available for issue one or more Washington Mystics motor vehicle identification tags to demonstrate support for the Washington Mystics basketball team and celebrate the Washington Mystics 2019 Women's National Basketball Association Championship.

(b)(1) A resident ordering a Washington Mystics tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $25, and the display fee shall be $20, or such other amount as may be established by the Mayor by rule.

(2) The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited into the General Fund of the District of Columbia.

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§ 50–1501.02j. Issuance of Washington Nationals motor vehicle identification tags.

(a) The Mayor shall design and make available for issue one or more Washington Nationals motor vehicle identification tags to demonstrate support for the Washington Nationals baseball team and celebrate the Washington Nationals 2019 Major League Baseball World Series Championship.

(b)(1) A resident ordering a Washington Nationals tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $25, and the display fee shall be $20, or such other amount as may be established by the Mayor by rule.

(2) The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited into the General Fund of the District of Columbia.

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§ 50–1501.02k. Issuance of End Gun Violence motor vehicle identification tags.

(a) The Mayor shall design and make available for issue one or more motor vehicle identification tags to demonstrate support for ending gun violence in the District. The identification tags shall display the phrase "End Gun Violence".

(b)(1) A resident ordering an End Gun Violence identification tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $25, and the display fee shall be $20, or such other amount as may be established by the Mayor by rule.

(2) The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited into the Neighborhood Safety and Engagement Fund, established by § 7-2413.

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§ 50–1501.02l. Issuance of Protect Local Wildlife motor vehicle identification tags.

(a) The Mayor shall design and make available for issue one or more Protect Local Wildlife vehicle identification tags to demonstrate support for the protection, rescue, and rehabilitation of native wildlife placed at risk due to the encroaching urban environment.

(b)(1) A resident ordering a Protect Local Wildlife tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $25, and the display fee shall be $20, or such other amount as may be established by the Mayor by rule.

(2) The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited into the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund established by § 8-102.05.

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§ 50–1501.02m. Issuance of Washington Wizards motor vehicle identification tags.

(a) The Mayor may design and make available for issue one or more Washington Wizards motor vehicle identification tags to demonstrate support for the Washington Wizards basketball team.

(b)(1) A resident ordering a Washington Wizards tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $25, and the display fee shall be $20, or such other amounts as the Mayor may establish by rule.

(2) The application and annual display fees shall be deposited into the General Fund of the District of Columbia.

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§ 50–1501.02n. Issuance of LGBTQ Pride motor vehicle identification tags.

(a) The Mayor shall design and make available for issue one or more LGBTQ Pride motor vehicle identification tags demonstrating support for the LGBTQ community.

(b)(1) A resident ordering an LGBTQ Pride motor vehicle identification tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee shall be $25, and the display fee shall be $20, or such other amount as may be established by the Mayor by rule.

(2) The application fee and annual display fee shall be deposited into the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs Fund, established by § 2-1385.

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§ 50–1501.03. Fees classified and use of proceeds designated.

(a)(1)(A) There shall be levied, collected, and paid for each registration year for each motor vehicle or trailer required to be registered under this subchapter, the registration fee provided in this section, except that in the event the Council of the District of Columbia prescribes and the Mayor of the District of Columbia issues as the official identification tags for the District of Columbia tags treated with special reflective materials designed to increase the visibility and legibility of such tags, the Council may charge a fee not exceeding $.50 in addition to all other fees which may be required.

(B) Any person ordering a tag with special markings unique to that person shall pay a one-time application fee of $100, and may obtain a replacement if a tag is lost or stolen upon payment of a fee of $25 per tag.

(C) Any person displaying a tag already approved for use by a member of an organization other than Disabled American Veterans shall pay a one-time application fee of $100, and may obtain a replacement if a tag is lost or stolen upon payment of a $25 fee per tag.

(D) Any person ordering Anacostia River Commemorative License Plates shall pay the fees as set forth in § 8-102.07(b).

(E) Any person ordering veterans identification tags pursuant to § 50-1501.02a shall pay the fees as set forth in § 50-1501.02a(b)(2).

(F) Any person ordering a women veterans identification tags pursuant to § 50-1501.02b shall pay the fees as set forth in § 50-1501.02b(b)(1).

(G) Any person ordering bicycle awareness identification tags shall pay the fees as set forth in § 50-1501.02c(b)(1).

(H) Any person ordering a "We Demand Statehood" identification tag designed and made available pursuant to § 50-1501.02d(a) shall pay the fees established pursuant to § 50-1501.02d(b)(1).

(I) Any person ordering an arts and humanities motor-vehicle identification tag issued pursuant to § 50-1501.02e(a) shall pay the fees established pursuant to § 50-1501.02e(b).

(J) Any person ordering a breast cancer awareness identification tag shall pay the fees as set forth in § 50-1501.02f(b)(1).

(K) Any person ordering a parks and recreation identification tag shall pay the fees as set forth in § 50-1501.02g(b)(1).

(L) Any person ordering a Washington Capitals identification tag shall pay the fees as set forth in § 50-1501.02h(b)(1).

(M) Any person ordering a Washington Mystics identification tag shall pay the fees set forth in § 50-1501.02i(b)(1).

(N) Any person ordering a Washington Nationals identification tag shall pay the fees set forth in § 50-1501.02j(b)(1).

(O) Any person ordering an End Gun Violence identification tag shall pay the fees set forth in § 50-1501.02k(b)(1).

(P) Any person ordering a Protect Local Wildlife identification tag shall pay the fees set forth in § 50-1501.02l(b)(1).

(Q) Any person ordering a Washington Wizards identification tag shall pay the fees set forth in § 50-1501.02m(b)(1).

(R) Any person ordering a LGBTQ Pride motor vehicle identification tag shall pay the fees set forth in § 50-1501.02n(b)(1).

(b)(1)(A) Class A. — For each passenger vehicle, including a motor vehicle classified by the Mayor or his or her designated agent as a class F(I) historic motor vehicle that meets the criteria established under § 50-1501.01(10A), except for passenger vehicles licensed under § 47-2829, based upon the manufacturer's shipping weight, as follows:

(B) As of October 1, 2023, an electric vehicle with a manufacturer's shipping weight less than 5,000 pounds may subtract 1,000 pounds from its manufacturer's shipping weight for the purposes of this paragraph.

(C) Class IV shall only apply after September 30, 2023.

(D) Class VI shall only apply after September 30, 2023.

(2)(A) Class B. — For each commercial vehicle, tractor, and passenger carrying vehicle for hire, including vehicles licensed under § 47-2829, based upon the manufacturer's shipping weight, as follows:

(B) As of October 1, 2023, an electric vehicle may subtract 1,000 pounds from its actual weight for the purposes of this paragraph.

(3) Class C. — For each trailer, based upon the manufacturer's shipping weight, as follows:

(4) Class D. — For each motorcycle, $52.

(5) Class E. — For each motor-driven cycle, $30.

(6) Class F. — For each motor vehicle classified by the Mayor or his or her designated agent as a class F(II) historic motor vehicle which meets the criteria established under § 50-1501.01(11), $25.

(7) Class G. — For dealer’s identification tags, dealer transport identification tags, and manufacturer identification tags, per tag, $75.

(8) Class H. — For each motor vehicle propelled by fuel not subject to taxation under Chapter 23 of Title 47, and motor vehicles propelled by any means other than motor fuels as defined in said chapter, double the fees provided in this subsection for classes A through D.

(b-1) Non-resident taxi and limousine driver vehicle registration. — In addition to any fees that may be due under any other statute or regulation, a driver who was exempted from the residency requirements to register a vehicle within the District of Columbia under § 50-1501.02(c)(5)(B) shall be charged an additional fee of $100.

(c) The Mayor may prorate the fee for registration by an owner or dealer if the registration is issued by the Mayor for a period not to exceed 23 months.

(d) The proceeds from fees payable under this chapter shall be paid into the General Fund of the District of Columbia as established by the Revenue Funds Availability Act of 1975, effective January 22, 1976 (D.C. Law 1-42; 22 DCR 6318); provided, that:

(1) The fees collected under subsection (b-1) of this section shall be paid into the Out-of-State Vehicle Registration Special Fund established by § 50-1501.03a;

(2) The fees collected for Anacostia River Commemorative License Plates shall be deposited in the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund established by § 8-102.05(a);

(3) The fees collected for veterans’ motor vehicle identification tags under § 50-1501.02a shall be deposited in the Office of Veterans Affairs Fund established by § 49-1004;

(4) The fees collected for women veteran identification tags shall be deposited in the Office of Veterans Affairs Fund, established by § 49-1004;

(5) The fees collected for bicycle awareness identification tags shall be deposited in the Vision Zero Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Fund, established by § 50-921.20;

(6) The fees collected for "We Demand Statehood" identification tags shall be deposited in the New Columbia Statehood Fund, established by § 1-129.32;

(7) The fees collected for arts and humanities motor-vehicle identification tags shall be deposited into the Arts and Humanities Enterprise Fund, established by § 39-205.01;

(8) The fees collected for breast cancer awareness identification tags under § 50-1501.02f shall be deposited in the Community Health Care Financing Fund, established by § 7-1931;

(9) The fees collected for parks and recreation identification tags under § 50-1501.02g shall be deposited into the Recreation Enterprise Fund, established by § 10-303;

(10) The fees collected for the Washington Capitals identification tags under § 50-1501.02h shall be deposited into the General Fund of the District of Columbia;

(11) The fees collected for the Washington Mystics identification tags under § 50-1501.02i shall be deposited into the General Fund of the District of Columbia;

(12) The fees collected for the Washington Nationals identification tags under § 50-1501.02j shall be deposited into the General Fund of the District of Columbia;

(13) The fees collected for the End Gun Violence identification tags under § 50-1501.02k shall be deposited in the Neighborhood Safety and Engagement Fund, established by § 7-2413;

(14) The fees collected for the Protect Local Wildlife identification tags under § 8-102.05;

(15) The fees collected for the Washington Wizard identification tags under § 50-1501.02m shall be deposited into the General Fund of the District of Columbia; and

(16) The fees collected for the LGBTQ Pride motor vehicle identification tag under § 50-1501.02n shall be deposited into the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs Fund, established by § 2-1385.

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this subchapter, special equipment mounted on a motor vehicle or trailer and not used primarily for the transportation of persons or property shall be taxed as tangible personal property as provided by law. For the purpose of determining the fees authorized by subparagraph (A) of subsection (b)(2) and subsections (b)(3) and (b)(8) of this section, the weight of special equipment taxed in accordance with the provisions of this subsection (e) shall be excluded in computing the weight of the vehicle or trailer on which it is mounted.

(f) No annual motor vehicle registration fee shall be required for a noncommercial motor vehicle owned by any veteran who has been classified by the United States Veterans Administration as having a total and permanent disability as a result of a service incurred or aggravated condition; provided, that no more than 1 such vehicle per qualified veteran shall receive this fee exemption.

(g) The Mayor shall direct the Director of the Department of Transportation to design and provide application forms for the exemption provided in subsection (f) of this section. The application shall be accompanied by a statement that the veteran has been classified as having a total and permanent disability by the Veterans Administration so as to meet the requirements of this subsection, and that such disability is the result of a service incurred or aggravated condition.

(h) To synchronize inspection and registration due dates, the Mayor may declare that a vehicle’s inspection or registration shall expire prior to the date originally established; provided, that the Mayor shall reduce the fee for the vehicle’s next registration or inspection renewal by a percentage equal to the percentage of the reduction of the original time period.

(i) The Mayor may require a 2 year registration period for any registrant.

(j) The Mayor may refund any portion of the registration fee if the registrant does not maintain the registration for the entire registration period established.

(k) The Mayor may allow any person to pay registration fees in installments, as determined by the Mayor.

(l) The Mayor may charge an additional fine of $100 for any motor vehicle whose inspection or registration is not renewed by the expiration date, unless the owner surrenders the tags on or before that date.

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§ 50–1501.03a. Out-Of-State Vehicle Registration Special Fund.

(a)(1) There is established as a lapsing fund the Out-Of-State Vehicle Registration Special Fund (“Fund”). The Fund shall be administered by the Office of the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(2) All funds collected from the registration of a motor vehicle by a person not domiciled in the District of Columbia in excess of the funds that would have been collected from the registration of an equivalent motor vehicle by a person domiciled in the District of Columbia shall be deposited into the Fund.

(3) All funds deposited into the Fund but not expended in a fiscal year shall revert to the unrestricted fund balance of the General Fund of the District of Columbia.

(b)(1) The first $25 of each registration fee deposited into the Fund shall be used for programs encouraging residents of the District of Columbia to pursue careers as a driver of a limousine or taxicab, or, if the Director of the Department of For-Hire Vehicles considers another use to be in the best interests of the proper regulation of the taxicab and limousine industries of the District of Columbia, to such other use.

(2) Any revenues in excess of those required to be distributed in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray the costs of operating the Fund, including such costs as may arise from determining whether an out-of-state vehicle is permitted to register in the District of Columbia at a higher rate than those charged to an equivalent vehicle owned by a District of Columbia resident; provided, that no revenues in excess of the actual costs of operating the Fund shall be used for this purpose.

(3) Any revenues in excess of those required to be distributed by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall be deposited in the Public Vehicles-for-Hire Consumer Service Fund, established by § 50-301.20.

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§ 50–1501.04. Unlawful acts; penalty.

(a) It shall be unlawful:

(1) For any person to operate any motor vehicle or trailer upon any public highway of the District of Columbia (except motor vehicles or trailers operated by nonresidents exempted under the provisions of § 50-1401.02):

(A) If such motor vehicle or trailer is not registered or covered by a dealer’s registration or by a special use certificate as required by this subchapter;

(B) If such motor vehicle or trailer does not have attached thereto and displayed thereon the identification tags required therefor; or

(C) If such person does not have in his possession or in the motor vehicle or trailer operated the registration certificate or special use certificate required therefor.

(D) Repealed.

(2) For the owner of any motor vehicle or trailer knowingly to permit the operation thereof contrary to any provision of paragraph (1) of this subsection;

(3) To use a false or fictitious name or address in any application for registration or for a special use certificate, or any renewal or duplicate thereof, or knowingly to make any false statement or conceal any material fact in any such application; or

(4) For the owner of any motor vehicle to knowingly use or permit the use of any motor vehicle with a counterfeit, stolen, or otherwise fraudulent temporary identification tag.

(a-1)(1) For the purposes of subsection (a)(1)(C) of this section, the term "registration certificate" includes an electronic image of a registration certificate that is displayed on a cellular telephone or other portable electronic device.

(2)(A) The presentation of an electronic image of a registration certificate on a cellular telephone or other portable electronic device shall not constitute consent for a law enforcement officer to access any other content on the cellular telephone or other portable electronic device.

(B) A law enforcement officer presented with an electronic image of a registration certificate on a cellular telephone or other portable electronic device shall be immune from liability for damage to or loss of the cellular telephone or other portable electronic device; provided, that no immunity shall extend to recklessness or intentional misconduct.

(b)(1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, any person violating any provision of this subchapter or the regulations made or promulgated under the authority hereof shall upon conviction thereof be subject to a fine of not more than $1000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. All such prosecutions shall be in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia upon information filed by the Attorney General for the District of Columbia or any of his assistants in the name of the District of Columbia.

(2) A motor vehicle being used in violation of subsection (a)(4) of this section shall be subject to forfeiture pursuant to the standards and procedures set forth in D.C. Law 20-278. Such forfeiture may be in addition to the imposition of a fine or imprisonment as provided for in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(3) The fine set forth in this section shall not be limited by § 22-3571.01.

(c)(1) A person violating subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section shall be assessed the following civil penalties for a failure to maintain a valid and current registration:

(A) A fine of $200 for a lapse in registration between one and 30 days; and

(B) A fine of $200 for each additional unregistered month or portion thereof, up to a maximum of $2,400.

(2) Violations under this subsection shall be adjudicated pursuant to Chapter 23 of this title [§ 50-2301.01 et seq.].

(d) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as impeding the ability of a public safety officer to impound a vehicle that poses a threat to public health or safety.

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§ 50–1501.05. Provisions not affected.

(a) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to affect the power of the Council of the District of Columbia, under the District of Columbia Traffic Act, 1925 [§ 50-2201.01 et seq.], as amended, to make rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of this subchapter, with respect to the registration of motor vehicles.

(b) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to relieve any person from the payment of any license tax under Chapters 28 and 30 of Title 47.

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