WASHINGTON — Traffic violations in D.C. could start costing drivers a lot more money, and the changes could all be made without a public hearing.
The District of Columbia Department of Transportation proposes 20 fines that will either be brand new or increases on current fines.
Some of these changes include a $1,000 fine for going 25 mph over the speed limit; blocking traffic while sorting out a crash would cost $500; and failing to yield to emergency vehicles would cost $500, The Washington Post reports.
In some cases, these changes would be very large increases on existing penalties.
The fine for striking a cyclist would increase from $50 to $500. Failing to yield to a pedestrian while turning right would go from $50 to $200. Opening your door in the path of a cyclist would go from $25 to $200.
DDOT would be able to increase these penalties without a public hearing because they are regulatory changes.
However, D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh told The Post she was surprised the department is choosing to increase the fines through regulation. She added that the mayor should have the authority to raise fines.
No formal vote is required for DDOT to make these increases. Department Director Leif Dormsjo said these changes will help prevent dangerous behavior and the organization is committed to transparency through the process.
Bicycling and pedestrian advocacy groups support the penalty increases; AAA Mid-Atlantic called the proposal “draconian.”
