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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 18. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC |
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Chapter 18-22. MOVING VIOLATIONS |
Section 18-2200. SPEED RESTRICTIONS
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2200.1Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with this section, the limits specified in this section, or established as authorized in § 2200.2, shall be the maximum lawful speeds, and no person shall drive a vehicle on a street or highway at a speed in excess of such maximum limits.
2200.2Whenever the Mayor determines, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation made by the Director, that any speed limit set forth in this section is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist at any intersection or other place or upon any part of a street or highway, he or she may determine and declare a reasonable and safe speed limit which shall be effective at all times, during the hours of daylight or darkness, or at such other times as may be determined when appropriate signs giving notice of the speed limits are erected at such intersections or other place or part of the highway.
2200.3No person shall drive a vehicle on a street or highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.
2200.4In every event speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, or other conveyance on or entering the street or highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.
2200.5The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with requirements of this section, drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing; when approaching and going around a curve; when approaching a hill crest; when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway; and when special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic, or by reason of weather or highway conditions.
2200.6On all streets and highways, unless otherwise designated in accordance with § 2200.2, the maximum lawful speed shall be twenty-five miles per hour (25 mph).
2200.7In all alleys, the maximum lawful speed shall be fifteen miles per hour (15 mph).
2200.8On all streets adjacent to school buildings and grounds, the maximum lawful speed shall be fifteen miles per hour (15 mph) at the times indicated on official signs. When no times are indicated on official signs, the maximum lawful speed shall be fifteen miles per hour (15 mph) during recess periods or while children are going to or leaving school during the opening or closing hours.
2200.9On all streets adjacent to playgrounds designated by official signs, provided the playground is in use, the maximum lawful speed shall be fifteen miles per hour (15 mph).
2200.10No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or to be in compliance with the law.
2200.11Any individual violating any provision of this section, except where the offense constitutes reckless driving or a specific penalty is provided for the offense, shall, upon determination of liability therefore, be subject to a civil fine pursuant to the District of Columbia Traffic Adjudication Act.
2200.12Any individual who shall drive a vehicle on a street or highway at a speed greater than thirty (30) miles per hour in excess of the legal speed limit for such street or highway shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than three hundred dollars ($300) or be imprisoned for not more than ninety (90) days.