Are Speeding Tickets From Cameras In Dc Enforceable?

If you've been caught speeding in Washington, DC, you may be wondering if you have to pay the camera speeding ticket that arrives in the mail. The short answer is: yes, you do—but there are several options for how to pay, and you can also choose to contest the ticket.

Fines and penalties for speeding tickets

In Washington, DC, speed cameras are used to detect vehicles travelling over the speed limit. Once detected, a camera takes a photograph of the rear of the vehicle, capturing the license plate, and a notice of infraction is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

The fines for speeding violations in DC vary depending on how much the speed limit was exceeded:

• $50 for exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph or less
• $100 for exceeding the speed limit by 11 to 15 mph
• $150 for exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 20 mph
• $200 for exceeding the speed limit by 21 to 25 mph
• $400 or $500 for exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 mph

If a driver is caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 mph, they may face additional penalties, including up to $500 in fines, a maximum of 90 days in jail, and possible license suspension. They could also face aggravated reckless driving charges.

It is important to note that if you intend to contest a speeding ticket in DC, you should not pay the fine or penalty. Once a ticket is paid, you waive your right to contest it. You can contest a ticket by requesting a DMV administrative hearing. If you are unhappy with the hearing examiner's decision, you can submit a Motion for Reconsideration within 30 days.

Contesting a speeding ticket

If you want to contest a speeding ticket in DC, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, do not pay the fine or penalty associated with the ticket. Once a ticket is paid, you will no longer be able to contest it, nor can you request a refund.

You can contest a ticket virtually, by mail, or in person. To contest a ticket virtually or by mail, submit your statement, defence, and any evidence you want the hearing examiner to consider. The hearing examiner will then review the information and decide whether to uphold the ticket, reduce the fine, or dismiss it based on DC Code and traffic regulations. If you contest the ticket by mail, you will receive a postcard confirming receipt of your request.

To contest a ticket in person, you must visit the Adjudication Service Center for a walk-in hearing. You must be the registered owner of the vehicle and present the vehicle registration, or the owner must authorize someone else to act on their behalf by completing and signing a power of attorney form.

It's important to assess your situation and the severity of the traffic infraction before deciding to contest a speeding ticket. While tickets are not impossible to beat, it may not always be worth your time and effort. Consider the potential impact on your insurance rates, whether you have legal grounds to fight the ticket, and if there could be any risks to your driver's license.

If you decide to contest the ticket, be prepared to present evidence to support your position. For example, take pictures of the area where the alleged speeding occurred or, in the case of a parking ticket, take pictures of unclear or conflicting signs.

How to pay a speeding ticket

In Washington, DC, speed cameras are used to detect vehicles that are travelling over the speed limit. Once a vehicle is detected, a camera takes a photograph of the rear of the vehicle, including the license plate, and the owner of the license plate will be sent a speeding ticket by mail.

If you receive a speeding ticket, you have a few options for how to pay it. Firstly, it's important to note that if you want to contest the ticket, you should not pay the fine. Once a ticket is paid, you will no longer be able to contest it. However, if you do wish to pay the ticket, you can do so in the following ways:

• Pay using the DC DMV Mobile App
• Pay in Person at the Adjudication Services Center: Bring your ticket with you, as well as a valid form of ID and payment method. Accepted forms of payment include cash, check, money order, and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express).
• Pay by Mail: Do not send cash. Mail a check or money order, payable to the DC Treasurer, and write the ticket number in the memo line. If you don't have your ticket, write the ticketed vehicle's state and tag number on the check or money order. Send your payment to Adjudication Services, PO Box 2014, Washington, DC 20013.
• Pay by Phone: Call (866) 893-5023 to pay your ticket by phone. Have your ticket number and credit card information ready.

It's important to pay your speeding ticket by the due date to avoid additional penalties and fines. If you are unable to pay the fine, you may be able to request a DMV administrative hearing to contest the ticket or explore other options, such as completing a defensive driving course, to satisfy the consequences.

Speed camera locations in DC

In Washington, DC, speed cameras are strategically placed in areas where speeding has been identified as a significant concern. These cameras are an essential part of the city's Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. By monitoring vehicle speeds and issuing tickets to speeders, these cameras help to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce speed-related accidents.

• Southwest Waterfront: This area is a busy section of the highway where speed control is crucial for safety.
• 395 Northbound near D Street SW: Another vital stretch of the highway with strict speed enforcement.
• 695 Eastbound near South Capitol Street SW: A critical route for commuters that requires speed monitoring.
• 295 Southbound near East Capitol Street NE: A heavily trafficked area where adhering to speed limits is essential.
• 50 Westbound near South Dakota Avenue NE: A busy location with frequent traffic, necessitating speed regulation.
• Benning Road NE near Kingman Island: A residential area where maintaining safe speeds is crucial for community safety.
• 16th Street NW near Arkansas Avenue NW: A major thoroughfare with a history of speeding incidents.
• Georgia Avenue NW near Missouri Avenue NW: A location near important community and educational facilities, requiring strict speed control.
• North Capitol Street near Michigan Avenue NW: An area with high tourist and pedestrian activity, where speed enforcement is critical.
• Kenilworth Avenue NE near Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue NE: A neighbourhood with significant traffic flow, making speed monitoring a priority.

It's worth noting that the locations of speed cameras in DC are selected by the DC Metropolitan Police Department, and people can view the locations online. Additionally, red light cameras should not be confused with speed cameras, as they serve a different purpose and are typically located on the side or corner of intersections.

Point system for repeat offenders

In Washington, DC, speed cameras are used to detect vehicles that are travelling over the speed limit. Once a vehicle is detected, a camera is triggered and takes a photograph of the rear of the vehicle, capturing the license plate. The owner of the license plate is then sent a notice of the speeding infraction.

The use of speed cameras in DC is intended to reduce the number of accidents and injuries caused by speeding, particularly in areas such as school zones. The fines for speeding can be up to $250, depending on how much the driver exceeded the speed limit. While speeding is typically handled as a traffic infraction by the DMV, it can lead to criminal charges if it contributes to reckless driving.

Regarding repeat offenders, DC has had initiatives such as the Metropolitan Police Department's Repeat Offender Project (ROP), which began in 1982. This proactive police approach aims to apprehend repeat offenders and has shown some success in increasing the likelihood of arrests and convictions for serious offenses. However, it has also led to a decrease in arrest productivity, with ROP officers making half as many total arrests as non-ROP officers.

In recent years, there has been a focus on repeat violent offenders in DC, with concerns that lenient sentences, probation, and diversion programs may be contributing to a rise in crime. However, it is important to note that the increase in crime may have complex causes, and community supervision and reentry programs play a crucial role in helping offenders transform their lives and reduce recidivism rates.

To address the issue of repeat offenders, a balanced approach is necessary, combining supervision and social services to support offenders in making positive changes while also prioritizing public safety.

Frequently asked questions