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Washington D.C. Car Registration

Bonus

Features

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits

24-Hour Towing Service

24-Hour Mechanical First Aid

24-Hour Tire Change Service

Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per seven days, two services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer.

Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available.

Customers may have their tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire.

Congratulations on your 60-dayRoadside Assistance membershipWhen out on the road, you will know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere.

Rental Car Discounts

24-Hour Lost Key Service

24-Hour Emergency Delivery

24-Hour Emergency Battery Service

Map Routing Service

Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates, which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

If keys are locked inside a customer’s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle’s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer’s expense for labor and key making.

A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies.

Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road.

We will, at no charge, provide customers with a four-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify.

Theft And Hit & Run Protection

A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers’ vehicles. Whenever you travel, you will like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD’s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD’s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection.

Follow the link in your confirmation email to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon.

*PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership.

CONGRATULATIONS! Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online

Keeping You Safe Mile After MileOnce your purchase is processed, you will receive an email with the information you need to start your 60-day Roadside Assistance membership.

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Registration Insurance Requirements

Replacing Your Vehicle Registration

DOL Hours and Locationsions

License Plates

Vehicle Registration

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration

Registering Your Vehicle in Washingtontonnrolina

Updating Your Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Safety Tips

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Contents

Registration Insurance Requirements

Replacing Your Vehicle Registration

DMV Hours and Locations

License Plates

Vehicle Registration

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration

Registering Your Vehicle in D.C.


Vehicle Safety Tips

Table of

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VehicleRegistration

Getting a vehicle is always an exciting adventure. It does not matter if it is your first car or if you have already purchased many vehicles in the past, making the decision to obtain a car is a big step and it must be taken carefully to avoid any inconveniences. Whenever you purchase a car, whether it is new or used, it you must register the car to dive the vehicle legally. When you change your residential address to another state, you will have to follow the procedure to transfer your registration.

The entire process looks very complicated, but it does not have to be. Our guide will provide you step-by-step information on how you can register your vehicle. Learn how you can also transfer your out-of-state registration and renew proper credentials at the appropriate time. Additionally, we will make sure you have all the necessary documents and forms on your person, so you do not experience any delay to your car registration process. Continue reading the sections below for an in-depth look at registering your vehicle with the Washington D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

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Registration InsuranceRequirements

An important part of vehicle registration is obtaining automobile insurance coverage. This is a necessary requirement in order to help reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road, which can often result in high costs if you are involved in any vehicle accident.

Liability insurance helps you pay for damages or injuries you caused to someone due to a car accident. The coverage plan must be acquired in District of Columbia from a licensed insurance company. Out-of-state insurance plans are not accepted in District of Columbia. You must comply with the following liability coverage minimums:

For property damage, you must have a minimum liability of $10,000.

You must have third party liability coverage for $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

• Third-party insurance provides coverage if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver.

It is important to carry proof of insurance when driving, in case an officer or any other authority requests it. The documents must be legible and show that the car is properly covered; otherwise, your vehicle registration may be suspended if you cannot prove your car is insured. IF you do not have continues auto insurance coverage you will receive financial penalties and a suspension of your registration.

You must have uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage for $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

When registering your vehicle, you insurance plan must have uninsured motorist property damage coverage for $5,000, and this is subject to $200 deductible.

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RegisteringYour Vehicle in D.C.

Before you can begin driving, you must make sure to register your vehicle properly. You can encounter different registration techniques under certain circumstances, such as a temporary registration or registration reciprocity.

If you move to Washington D.C., you have 30 days from establishing your D.C. residency to register your vehicle. However, you may be eligible for registration reciprocity. If you are a full-time student, a member of the military on active duty, a member of Congress or a temporary or part-time resident of Washington D.C., you can be eligible for this type of registration.

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Whether you are submitting a request for a new, used, out-of-state, military or special type of vehicle, you should review the specific instructions to register your car so you can make sure the process is as easy and quick as possible. In order to this, you can simply read the outlined steps below to better understand what exactly you must do in order to legally drive your vehicle in the District of Columbia and begin driving as soon as possible.

Register a New or Used VehicleIf you need to register a new or used vehicle, you can follow the same registration process. If your car dealership registers your vehicle during the sale process, you do not need to worry about these steps. Otherwise, you can review the information below. You must have a D.C. driver’s license before registering your vehicle. To register your vehicle, you must got a D.C. DMV service location and:

Provide proof of D.C. residency.

Bring proof of a passing vehicle inspection.

• If the car is new, it automatically receives a vehicle inspection sticker.

• Used cars must undergo a vehicle inspection.

Bring proof of a valid D.C. auto insurance policy.

Costs for vehicle registration vary based on the size and type of vehicle you need to register. Standard passenger vehicles weighing less than 3,500 pounds cost $72 a year. Click here for a full list of vehicle registration fees. A new title costs $26. If you need to pay any excise taxes, the rates vary based on vehicle size and type. Click here for more titling fee information. You can make payments in cash, checks, money orders and debit/credit cards. Check with the DMV office before making a visit, as some offices may not accept cash or certain types of credit cards.

Register an Out-Of-State VehicleWhen you move to District of Columbia or you acquired a vehicle out of state, you have 30 days to register it. It is a similar process to the new and used registration process. However, you must make sure to order a duplicate title from your previous state of residence if you do not currently have a copy of the title. If a lienholder still holds your vehicle title, you must contact the lien company to send a copy of the title to the D.C. DMV. You can send the Lienholder Out-Of-State Title Request form to the lien company as soon as possible to begin the registration process. To check on

Provide the vehicle’s title.

• You must be listed on the title to complete the registration process.

Bring an accepted form of payment for tile and registration costs.

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https://dmv.dc.gov/node/1089402

https://dmv.dc.gov/page/proof-current-district-columbia-residency




https://dmv.dc.gov/book/vehicle-fees/vehicle-title




For more information about eligibility for registration reciprocity, click here. If you obtain this type of registration, you may also qualify for a residential parking permit. This permit allows you to park in certain areas within the District. The DMV also offers permits for D.C. visitors, rental cars, a newly purchased vehicle with temporary tags and contracted employees. Fees for permits and reciprocity decals vary, so you can review the prices here. For more information about parking permits and special registration types and application processes, click here.

Personal staff members, spouses and dependents of Congress members.

Active duty military members.

D.C. residents with company cars that they take to their home address.

Students attending a D.C. college or university full time.

Members of Congress.

the status of the out-of-state lien with the D.C. DMV, click here and then scroll down to click on the Out-of-State Title Information link.

You must get a vehicle inspection, and you must pay inspection fees during registration. You can make an appointment for an inspection online here, but it is not mandatory to make an appointment.

Registration ReciprocityThe D.C. DMV offers registration reciprocity for eligible drivers. Part-time or temporary residents can apply for reciprocal registration. Eligible groups include:

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https://dmv.dc.gov/book/vehicle-fees/parking-permit-reciprocity

https://dmv.dc.gov/service/parking-permits-and-reciprocity-permits


https://dmv.dc.gov/book/vehicle-fees/vehicle-inspection

https://www.flashappointments.com/client/lgn/mobile.cfm?busId=2989

Renewing YourVehicle Registration

Like your driver’s license, you must make sure to renew your vehicle registration each year to maintain legal driving privileges.

The D.C. DMV offers online and by mail registration renewal, depending on your eligibility for either process. You should receive your registration 60 days before the vehicle expiration date by mail or through email, if the DMV has your email address on file. Even if you do not receive your registration renewal notice, you are responsible for renewing your documents in a timely manner. Before renewing your registration, you must make sure to pay any current fees to the D.C. government, such as unpaid traffic tickets.

You must also make sure your vehicle inspection sticker is current; typically, vehicle inspection decals are good for two years. The DMV offers a temporary registration that is valid for five days if both your registration and inspection decal are expired. During this five-day period, you must get your vehicle inspected. You may only get this temporary registration once per vehicle at a DMV service location. To learn more about registration renewal methods, read the sections below.

Online RenewalThis is the easiest method to use since you do not have to leave the comfort of your home to go and renew your car registration. All you need is to access the DMV renewal website and submit your request, as long as you do not have commercial or for-hire vehicle tags. To renew online, you must meet certain requirements to complete the transaction. You can renew through this online method if you have:

A valid driver’s license.

A current name and address on file with the D.C. DMV.

• If you have a REAL ID driver’s license, you may change your address during the online renewal process.

A valid auto insurance policy that meets D.C. requirements.

A registration that will expire in 60 days but is not more than 90 days out of date.

A current vehicle inspection decal.

A Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card for payment.

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https://dmv.dc.gov/page/DC-DMV-service-center-locations

If you meet the requirements for an online renewal, you can click here and follow the link for Vehicle Registration Renewal. The online system will require your vehicle tag number, the last four digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN) and your email. You must also select the term for renewal. You must make sure to review your vehicle and insurance information and make updates as necessary. During this transaction, you can obtain a residential parking permit if you meet eligibility requirements. You must pay the renewal fee with an accepted credit card and print off the temporary registration. This registration is valid for 45 days, and the DMV will send out the official documents within 10 business days.

By Mail RenewalIf you prefer to renew your vehicle registration using this method, or you are not eligible for online renewal, you can use the by-mail method for registration renewal. If you need to complete a change of address or name, you cannot renew by mail. The renewal notice you received in the mail will include instructions and a return envelope. You must include a check or money order made payable to D.C. Treasurer. If necessary, you can pay additional fees, like tickets or inspection fees, through mail. If you do not receive a notice in the mail, you can still complete the transaction by mail if you include the information below to the DMV:

Your driver’s license number

The reason for your payment and a check or money order for the exact cost

You current telephone number and address.

Your vehicle tag number

If you need information regarding the amount owed during the registration renewal, you can call 311. You must mail all necessary documentation to:

D.C. DMV Vehicle Services Administration PO Box 90120 Washington, D.C. 20090

The DMV will mail out the registration within 10 business days of processing your request. If you are too close to the expiration deadline, you may wish to complete the transaction online or get a temporary renewal that is valid for five days.

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Replacing YourVehicle Registration

If your vehicle registration was recently lost, stolen, or even damaged, the District of Columbia DMV will help you in obtaining a new vehicle registration as soon as possible.

You can also request new documents after you change your name and/or address. Driving without your registration can result in penalties if you cannot provide proof of registration during a traffic stop. If you have questions about duplicate vehicle titles, click here. Continue reading the sections below to learn how to request a replacement online or in person at the DMV office.

Online ReplacementYou may request a new registration online if your name and address are current with the D.C. DMV. Additionally, if your registration will expire within 10 days, you must renew the documents instead of replacing them. You must have a Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card to complete this online transaction and pay the $20 duplicate registration card fee. To renew online, click here and follow the link for Duplicate Vehicle Registration Information. You must provide the last four digits of your VIN, your vehicle tag number and your email address. When ordering a replacement registration, you can check your insurance and registration information to make sure the DMV has accurate records. The DMV will send out the replacement documents within 10 business days. You cannot request duplicate registration more than one per year online.

In Person ReplacementYou can go to a DMV service center if you cannot or do not wish to replace your registration online. If you need to make a name or address change to your DMV records, you must provide appropriate documentation for a name change or an address update. You can use, cash, checks, money orders or Visa or MasterCard debit/credit cards. Before bringing payment for the $20 replacement fee, you should verify with the about methods of payment, as some offices may not accept cash. If you have outstanding D.C. government fees, you must pay these fines before completing the registration transaction.

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https://dmv.dc.gov/service/dmv-vehicle-titles

https://dmv.dc.gov/service/registration-card-replacements


https://dmv.dc.gov/page/name-changes-and-corrections

https://dmv.dc.gov/service/change-addres-0



Whenever you make any changes to your personal information, it is important that you update your Washington D.C. vehicle registration.

If you change your name or move to a new address, you must you should make sure to update DMV records so your registration will reflect current information if you order a duplicate or renew your credentials. This process changes the information for your license and your registration. If you have questions about updating vehicle titles, click here. For more details on each update process, read the sections below.

Changing Your NameIf you need to make any name corrections to DMV records, including your car registration, you must make sure to update your name with Social Security Administration. You can only perform a DMV name change in person at a DMV service location. When performing the name change, you must bring original copies of the documents that provide proof of the name change. Marriage licenses, divorce decrees and court documents that reflect the name change are all acceptable forms of documentation. For a name correction to DMV records, you can bring an original document that has the correct spelling, such as a birth certificate or a valid passport. Learn more about accepted name change and correction documents here. After submitting the name change, you can order a duplicate registration online or in person for $20.

Changing Your AddressIf you move to a new address, it is essential that you update the address listed in DMV records within 60 days of

a move. If you have a REAL ID license or a limited purpose license, you can make address changes online or by mail. Otherwise, you can make your license update for your address in person. When you submit the address change request, keep in mind that the DMV can take 15 days to process the request. The DMV may reject the request, and you should reply to the rejection email as soon as possible to discuss the address change further. To learn more about the address change methods, you can continue reading the information below.

Online Address Change

Changing your address online is a simple process. Simply click here and scroll down until you see the link for a D.C. DMV Change of Residence. To make the change, you must

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https://dmv.dc.gov/service/dmv-vehicle-titles



https://dmv.dc.gov/page/name-changes-and-corrections


input your credential type, license number, your first and last name, your date of birth, your email and the last five digits of your Social Security Number. You can upload documents to prove your residency after you input the necessary information to find your DMV records. You must also provide payment for the $20 address change fee through a MasterCard or Visa debit or credit card. Alternatively, you can request an address change when you renew your registration and pay the fees for that transaction instead of the address change fee.

By Mail Address Change

If you decide to change your driver license by mail, you need to mail two proofs of D.C. residency, a driver’s license application form and payment to the following address:

D.C. DMV Attn: Change of Address PO Box 90120

Click here to see what you can provide as proof of residency in D.C. You must provide payment for the $20 address change fee through check or money order made payable to D.C. Treasurer.

In Person Address Change

If you need to update your DMV address information, you can do so in person at a D.C. DMV service location. When making the changes in person, you must bring one proof of identity, one proof of Social Security Number and two proofs of D.C. residency if you hold a REAL ID credential.

If you hold a limited purpose credential and need to change your address, the steps are similar, but some of the required documents are different. You must go to the office and bring a completed Social Security Declaration form, one proof of identity and two proofs of D.C. residency.

You must also bring an accepted form of payment to pay the $20 address change fee. You can pay with Visa or MasterCard debit/credit cards, check/money order and cash. The Brentwood Road Test and the CDL testing offices do not accept cash. If desired, you can order a duplicate registration card.

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LicensePlates

When you register your vehicle, the D.C. DMV assigns a license plate number to you. Whenever you renew your registration, your license plates are also renewed.

The DMV will give you a decal that you must attach to the license plate. The decal has the expiration date of your registration and must be up to date at all times. You will receive two license plates, and you must affix one to the front of the vehicle and the other to the rear of the vehicle. Besides the standard D.C. license plates, you can also order organizational plates for different organizations or causes, like veterans, disabled veterans, colleges and more. You can also order a personalized or specialty license plate if desired. These plate types have additional costs.

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Replacing Your License PlatesYour license plate is what identifies your vehicle to the authorities, and the license plate is used to keep track of your driving behavior. This is why it must always be in good conditions and completely legible. In case your plates are stolen or are lost, you should report it to the local authorities and get a report to submit to the D.C. DMV. Informing the DMV of the theft or loss helps you prevent accepting responsibility for any crimes or violations committed under your stolen license plate. If your license plate is lost, stolen or defaced, you must request a new one at a D.C. DMV office. You must bring:

Your vehicle registration documents and

Your valid driving license issued by the D.C. DMV.

• You can use cash, checks, money orders or MasterCard and Visa debit/credit cards at most DMV offices. Make sure to verify accepted payment methods at the office of your choice.

• Tag fees vary based on the style of license plate you have.

Your current vehicle tag(s), if applicable.

The Metropolitan Police Department report that documents the theft or loss or one or both tags, when applicable.

• If you continue to receive tickets on a stolen or lost tag, you must go to the Adjudication Services office and present the full police report to dispute any charges.

A Vehicle Power of Attorney Form.

• This is only needed if you are not the owner of the vehicle but you are acting on behalf of the vehicle owner.

An accepted form of payment for tag replacement fees.

Custom License PlatesInstead of the standard tags issued by the DMV when you first register your vehicle, you can choose to order personalized license plates. You can order personalized tags for the standard plates, motorcycle plates or disability tags. Rules for personalized license plates are as follows:

No symbols or punctuation.

No offensive character or number organization.

Customized plates cannot exceed character limits.

• Standard passenger vehicle plates can have up to seven characters, including letters, spaces and or digits one through nine.

• Disability license plates and motorcycle license tags can have up to five characters, including letters, digits one through nine and or spaces.

You can click here and follow the link for Online Personalized Tag Request link to preview your desired plate and check the availability of your request. Your request is subject to review by the D.C. DMV. You must submit a payment for $100 regardless of application method, and this fee is non-refundable unless your request is rejected. You may have to pay additional registration fees. The DMV can take up to eight weeks to process your request for a custom license

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https://dmv.dc.gov/book/vehicle-fees/vehicle-tags

https://dmv.dc.gov/page/adjudication-services-00

https://dmv.dc.gov/page/adjudication-services-00





plate, and the DMV will send an approval or rejection notice by mail or email. You can submit your license plate request online, in person or by mail.

To make the request online, click here and follow the link for Online Personalized Tag Request link to begin the process. You must have a Visa or MasterCard debit/credit card for payment, and you must provide your driver’s license number.

To make the custom license plate request in person or by mail, you must fill out the Personalized Tag Request Form. You can also request the form by phone by calling 311 or 202-737-4404. This form is also for request duplicate tags of a custom plate. You must mail or bring your application and payment to:

Southwest Service Center 95 M Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20024

You can use cash, checks, money orders or MasterCard and Visa debit/credit cards at for payment at the Southwest Service Center.

Specialty and Organizational License PlatesIf you want an organizational license plate, there is a slightly different application process. Organizational license plates are for groups like colleges, veterans and other associates. Click here for a full list. You must pay an additional member fee when you pay for the standard plate fee. You must apply for these types of plates in person at a DMV service center and bring the necessary documentation. To request this type of plate you need:

A completed Organizational Vehicle Tags Package, including the authorization letter from the organization.

A valid form of identification.

You current tags and registration paperwork.

Payment for tags.

• You can use cash, checks, money orders or MasterCard and Visa debit/credit cards at most DMV offices. Make sure to verify accepted payment methods at the office of your choice.

Other specialty license plates include veteran plates, disabled veteran plates and the Anacostia River tags. These plates do not require an application package, but they can require proof and/or additional fees. You can review all tag fees here.

Surrendering License Plates and Cancel-ling RegistrationIf you are going to live out of District of Columbia, cancel your car insurance or switch to personalized plates, you are required to surrender your license plates. To surrender your tags, you can begin the process online and then submit the tags by mail or in person. Alternatively, after you cancel your tag registration, you can send the tags off for disposal. Do no cancel your insurance before surrendering your plates or cancelling your registration, as this can result in a fee for a lapse in coverage. You should make sure to remove the registration decal to prevent tickets and other charges. Continue reading the sections below for more information.

You can cancel your registration online here at the Vehicle Tag Cancellation link. From there, you must provide your tag number, your first and last name, your date of birth, email address and the last five digits of your Social Security Number. You must also provide a reason for your registration cancellation. Make sure you keep the receipt as proof of cancellation. You may only cancel the registration online if you are the primary vehicle owner or the first person listed on the registration document (if you

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http://dmv.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dmv/publication/attachments/APPLICATION_FOR_PERSONALIZED_LICENSES_PLATES.pdf

https://dmv.dc.gov/service/organizations-offering-dc-dmv-vehicle-tags


http://dmv.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dmv/publication/attachments/OrganizationalVehicleTagsPackage.pdf

http://dmv.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dmv/publication/attachments/OrganizationalVehicleTagsPackage.pdf

https://dmv.dc.gov/service/specialty-vehicle-tags


https://dmv.dc.gov/service/tag-surrender

are a co-owner). Otherwise, you must surrender by mail or in person. You can then send tags to this address for shredding and disposal:

D.C. DMV Vehicle Registration PO Box 90120 Washington, D.C. 20090

If you would prefer to send the tags by certified mail, send them to:

D.C. DMV Processing Center 95 M Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20024

You can surrender your tags in person to D.C. Department of Public Works Fort Totten Transfer Station for recycling. You may only do this on the first Saturday of every month. Click here for contact information and hours of the station.

If you send your tags by mail, the DMV will issue a receipt to keep for your records. Otherwise, you can surrender your tags in person at a D.C. DMV service center. For more information of surrendering your tags, including partial refunds and tag transfers, click here.

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https://dpw.dc.gov/service/fort-totten-transfer-station


https://dmv.dc.gov/service/tag-surrender

VehicleSafety Tips

Before getting behind the wheel, it is important that your vehicle be prepared for a trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive.

Emergency KitOne of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, first-aid kit, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel.

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Inclement Driving WeatherIf you live an area with snow or icy conditions during winter, you must take extra precautions when driving. Even rainy weather can create hazardous driving situations. Consider the below tips below to drive safely during inclement weather.

Do Not Rush!

Ice, snow and rain can create slippery and dangerous roads. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for an appointment. You should also slow down further back than you might normally do in favorable weather conditions so you can avoid abrupt and dangerous stops or turns.

Do Not Panic If You Skid or Slip

In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. You must also gently steer your vehicle in the direction you need to go. You must not make sharp wheel turns or brake suddenly. Following this advice will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Check Your Vehicle

Before you leave your house, make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze and exhaust are all in working order. You should make sure your tires are not worn down are too smooth, as poor tire tread can cause an accident. If you need to, you can replace your tires during the winter with snow tires or add snow chains to help provide safe driving conditions. It is also important that you remove all ice and snow from your car before you begin driving. You should never leave your windows icy or covered in snow, as this can obstruct your vision.

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Drinking and DrivingDriving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a dangerous situation that can kill or severely injure drivers and passengers alike. You can prevent a tragedy by planning ahead and making responsible choices. Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. If you need to stop someone from driving while intoxicated, take away his or her keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving – such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly – call 911 and contact authorities immediately. Make sure to avoid impaired drivers on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car.

Phone UseDriving while using your cellphone is incredibly dangerous. Distracted driving can cause accidents, injury and death. D.C. law codes cellphone use while driving unless you use a hands-free device to make calls. If you hold a learner’s permit, you cannot use your cellphone at all, even with a hands-free device. All drivers can use a cellphone when driving in the event of an emergency. You may receive a fine for disobeying these restrictions. Click here for more information on cellphone use while driving in Washington D.C. You can learn more about the dangers of distracted driving here.

Things to AvoidDriving is not always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while driving on the road. Read the below tips to see potential behaviors and actions that can help you improve your driving experience.

Car Accidents

One way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive. You should perform routine

maintenance on things like your brakes, tires and steering. Tires may lose traction or inflation and you can easily lose control of your vehicle. You should also check to see that your brakes are functioning correctly or if they need any maintenance or replacement. You can take your vehicle to a mechanic or car dealership to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.

Wasting Gas

If you drive often, start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. You should avoid sudden acceleration and excessive speeding to make the most of your gasoline. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned and that you use the correct type of fuel in your vehicle.

Aggressive Driving

Some drivers may exhibit dangerous and aggressive behavior while driving. Some of these aggressive driving tactics can include verbal or physical harassment of another motorist and unsafe vehicle operation. Aggressive driving can lead to reckless and dangerous behavior that can cause serious injuries on the road. Drivers should pay close attention to the road and avoid aggressive drivers when possible.

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https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/distracted-driving-safety-act-2004-restrictions-mobile-phone-use-while-driving

https://dmv.dc.gov/service/distracted-driving

DMV Hoursand Locations

You can click here for a list of D.C. DMV service centers. Hours, services and accepted methods of payment can vary by location.

You can call the D.C. DMV at 311 or 202-737-4404. You may contact the D.C. DMV by mail:

Government of the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles PO Box 90120 Washington, D.C. 20090

You can also contact the D.C. DMV by email at [email protected].

You can log feedback, appeals and complaints through the D.C. government website here. The D.C. DMV schedules live chat with the DMV directors, and you can see the next live chat session here. If you need translation or interpretation services, you can click here for more information. For more contact information, including social media accounts and live chat information, click here for the DMV contact page.

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https://dmv.dc.gov/page/all-DC-DMV-locations

mailto:[email protected]

https://dc.gov/page/feedback-complaints-and-appeals

https://dmv.dc.gov/page/dmv-live-chat

https://dmv.dc.gov/page/interpreter-and-translation-services

https://dmv.dc.gov/page/cnnect-dc-dmv

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