District of Columbia speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state DC's default speed limits for streets, alleys and school zones.
• You can explain why posted limits are maximums, not targets.
• You can describe how speeding points are scored in DC.
• You can name other key DC laws that affect everyday driving.

What you need to know and understand

• The default limit on DC streets and highways is 20 mph unless a sign shows a different limit.
• The limit in alleys is 15 mph.
• Next to schools the limit is 15 mph during the posted times, or during recess and arrival and dismissal if no times are posted.
• Streets next to a playground in use are also 15 mph.
• Fines for moving violations are doubled in school zones and work zones.
• Police speeding stops add points: 3 points for 11 to 15 mph over, 4 points for 16 to 20 mph over, and 5 points for 21 mph or more over.
• Photo-enforcement tickets carry fines but no points.

Reading the limit in a 20 mph city

Many DC streets carry no speed sign at all, so the 20 mph default applies. Larger roads and parkways often post higher limits, so watch for signs as you change roads. A posted limit is the most you may drive in ideal conditions. DC law expects you to go slower when it is wet, dark, busy with pedestrians, or near curves, hill crests and railroad crossings.

Other DC laws worth knowing

• Phones: all drivers must be hands-free. Drivers under 18 and learner permit holders may not use a phone at all.
• Headphones: you may not wear headphones covering both ears or earbuds in both ears while driving.
• Pedestrians: you must stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk in your lane or approaching from the next lane.
• Cyclists: DC regulations require at least 3 feet of space when you pass a bicycle.
• School buses: stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. Failing to stop is a 4-point violation.
• Emergency scenes: slow down and, where safe, move over a lane for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights.

Do and don't near schools and work zones

• Do slow to 15 mph next to schools during the posted hours.
• Do expect children to step out between parked cars.
• Do watch for flaggers and lane shifts in work zones, where fines double.
• Don't pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights.
• Don't speed up to beat a camera. Fines from cameras are the same as police tickets.

Common mistakes

• Assuming 25 mph is the norm, as in many other cities. In DC it is 20 mph unless posted.
• Driving at the posted limit in heavy rain. Speed must suit the conditions.
• Forgetting the 15 mph limit in alleys, which many learners use to reach parking.
• Thinking a camera ticket does not matter. It still costs money even though it carries no points.

Test yourself: District of Columbia speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• DC Permit Practice Test