The state of Washington D.C. requires liability insurance to protect other drivers in the event of an accident. The minimum limits are:
- $25k Per Person Bodily Injury
- $50k Per Accident Bodily Injury
- $10k Property Damage
While these limits are minimum they are rarely recommended levels of coverage. Ask your insurance agent what they recommend based on your financial position.
Washington D.C. SR22
If you are required to file an SR22 for the state of Washington D.C. contact an insurance company or agent who is licensed to sell insurance in Washington D.C.. You will be required to carry state minimum liability limits and continue the insurance policy for the duration of your specific court requirement.
Do not let the insurance policy lapse or cancel as the provider will notify the state and your license will be suspended again. The SR22 is an add on to a standard auto insurance policy that guarantees the state will be notified of any change in status and is commonly referred to as a future financial responsibility filing. You can change insurance companies but be sure to get a new SR22 filed before the old one is cancelled.
When will I receive my SR22?
The SR22 insurance company that you started the policy with will electronically submit the SR-22 form to the state DMV. It can take up to 30 days to receive the actual form in the mail and a confirmation from the state that it is filed. This doesn't mean you can't reinstate your license once the insurance policy is started. In fact the day you begin the SR22 you can ask for a copy of the SR22 form from the insurance company so you can go to the DMV for license reinstatement.
Suspended License Information and Requirements
License suspension and revocation information is shared with all 50 states. You cannot issue a driver's license if you have an active suspension. There is no notification when the suspension has ended as that information is on the letter you receive when action is first taken. In order to reinstate your license know your eligibility date and specific reinstatement requirements. This information can be found on the letter or from the information at the court hearing. Some reinstatements can be done at local Driver's License offices such as:
- Unpaid Tickets
- Child Support
- Point Suspensions
DUI in Washington DC
Under District of Columbia driving laws, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC limit above the stated limit. BAC stands for blood alcohol content. The following are limits set by law:
All Drivers - BAC LIMIT = 0.08%
Minor Drivers (under age 21) - ZERO Tolerance
Commercial Drivers - BAC LIMIT = 0.04%
Driving under the influence includes alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants and other controlled substances. The first offense for drunk driving can result in jail time up to 90 days. The minimum fine is currently $300 and up to $1,000 plus your driver's license will be revoked for six months.
If you have a second DUI conviction in the past 15 years the fine will increase to $1000-$5000 and jail time of 5 days up to one year. You are able to reinstate your license after one year revocation but will need to install an ignition interlock device.
Washington DC IID - Ignition Interlock Device Program
Ignition interlock devices must be installed on all vehicles operated by anyone who has been convicted of a second alcohol-related offense. This device detects alcohol on breath and is installed on a motor vehicle. It will prevent an alcohol-impaired person from starting the vehicle and may require random tests to be completed during a drive.
The program allows drivers convicted of a second or subsequent alcohol related offense to reduce their revocation period by one year.
Eligibility Requirements for IID (Ignition Interlock Device):
- Completion of one year of the revocation period if revoked for two years, complete two years if revoked for three years.
- Install IID by an approved vendor in all vehicles you own at your expense
- Be eligible for license restoration with no additional or pending suspensions
- Current suspension is NOT for:
- Causing injury or death while operating a vehicle anywhere
- Vehicular Assault
- Vehicular Homicide
What if I remove the IID before the end of my requirement?
If the IID is removed early your license will be suspended and if you have a restricted license it will be canceled. Any attempt to tamper or alter the device will be reported to the District of Columbia Probation Department.
