D.C. Law 24-51. Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Amendment Act of 2021.
AN ACT
To amend the Senior Citizen Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Course Certification Act of 1983 to offer motor vehicle accident prevention classroom and online courses to any licensed driver in the District, to endeavor to make course criteria consistent with the goals of the District's Vision Zero Initiative, and to provide corresponding reductions in motor vehicle insurance premiums in order to improve driver, cyclist, and pedestrian safety.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this act may be cited as the "Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Amendment Act of 2021".
Sec. 2. The Senior Citizen Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Course Certification Act of 1983, effective February 9, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-46; D.C. Official Code § 50-2001 et seq.), is amended as follows:
(a) The long title is amended by striking the phrase "courses for individuals 55 years of age and older" and insert the word "courses" in its place.
(b) The short title is amended by striking the phrase "Senior Citizen Motor" and inserting the word "Motor" in its place.
(c) Section 2 (D.C. Official Code § 50-2001) is repealed.
(d) Section 3 (D.C. Official Code § 50-2002) is amended to read as follows:
"Sec. 3. Approval of courses; certificate of completion.
"(a) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall establish criteria and guidelines for the approval of motor vehicle accident prevention courses ("course") for all licensed drivers.
"(b) An approved classroom course shall require that each student receives a minimum of 6 hours of instruction for the initial course and 4 hours of instruction for the renewal courses.
"(c) An approved online course shall require that each student receives validation of instruction that is equal to or greater than that offered in a classroom course.
"(d) All course criteria shall endeavor to be consistent with the goals of the District's Vision Zero Initiative, including a focus on how drivers can ensure the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.
"(e) An individual who successfully completes an approved course shall be issued a certificate of completion by the organization operating the course.".
(e) Section 4 (D.C. Official Code § 50-2002) is repealed.
(f) Section 5 (D.C. Official Code § 50-2003) is amended to read as follows:
"Sec. 5. Insurance discounts.
"(a) All insurance companies authorized to sell motor vehicle insurance in the District of Columbia shall provide a discount in the amount charged for a motor vehicle insurance policy to all licensed drivers who have successfully completed an approved course.
"(b) Any schedule of rates or any rating plan for a motor vehicle insurance policy approved by the Department of Insurance shall provide for an appropriate 2-year discount in the premiums for all licensed drivers who have successfully completed an approved course.
"(c) A certificate of completion issued pursuant to
"(d) An individual shall complete an approved course every 2 years in order to continue to be eligible for a discount in the premiums of a motor vehicle policy of insurance provided pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.".
(g) Section 6 (D.C. Official Code§ 50-2003) is repealed.
Sec. 3. Fiscal impact statement.
The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal impact statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975, approved October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code§ 1-301.47a).
Sec. 4. Effective date.
This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of congressional review as provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)), and publication in the District of Columbia Register.
