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Mobility & Curb Rules in Washington, DC (2026)

4 verified mobility & curb rules for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Shared E-Scooter Rules

DDOT requires every dockless scooter operator, such as Lime or Spin, to hold an SFD permit before deploying devices in the District. Riders must be 16 or older, can't ride on Central Business District sidewalks, and operators must keep scooters 300 feet clear of schools unless the block sits next to a Metro entrance.

Washington DC Shared Scooter No-Ride Rules

Significant Restrictions

D.C. Code § 50-2201.03c

(a) No SFD operating company shall offer shared fleet devices for rental without a SFD permit issued by the Director... (g) A permitted operator shall: ... (2) Refrain from deploying shared fleet devices within 300 feet of an elementary, middle school, or senior wellness center, unless that space is located on a block face adjacent to a metro rail station entrance... (h) A person shall not oper...

Bike Lane Rules

In Washington, D.C., anyone permitted to occupy public space, public rights of way, or public structures must provide a safe accommodation for pedestrians and bicyclists if their work blocks a sidewalk or bicycle lane. The Mayor enforces this through the public-space permitting program under D.C. Code § 10-1141.03.

Washington DC Bike Lane Safe Accommodation Rule

Some Restrictions

D.C. Code § 10-1141.03(f)

The Mayor shall require permittees blocking a sidewalk, bicycle lane, or other pedestrian or bicycle path to provide a safe accommodation for pedestrians and bicyclists.

TNC Pickup Zones

D.C.'s Department of Transportation runs a dedicated Passenger Loading Zone Program for rideshare and taxi pickups and drop-offs, starting with a mandatory zone in the Golden Triangle BID. Parking inside an active zone during posted hours draws a $75 civil fine, and stopping in an adjacent no-pickup area draws a separate fine the Mayor sets.

Washington DC Passenger Loading Zone Program

Some Restrictions

D.C. Code § 50-2662(1), (2), (4), (5)

DDOT shall implement a pilot program ("Program") for the establishment and operation of passenger loading zones in the District as follows: (1) DDOT shall establish one passenger loading zone in the Golden Triangle BID and may establish additional passenger loading zones elsewhere in the District. (2) DDOT may designate one or more prohibited pick-up and drop-off areas near each passenger loadi...

Red-Light Cameras

In Washington, D.C. the Mayor is authorized to run automated traffic enforcement, covering red-light and speed cameras, and a camera-recorded photo is prima facie evidence of a moving violation. The District cannot suspend a driver's license for failing to answer, appear at, or pay a camera-issued ticket, and specific defenses apply for emergency-vehicle yields, stolen tags, and funeral processions.

Washington DC Automated Traffic Cameras

Significant Restrictions

D.C. Code § 50-2209.01(a)-(c)

(a) The Mayor is authorized to use an automated traffic enforcement system to detect moving infractions. Violations detected by an automated traffic enforcement system shall constitute moving violations. Proof of an infraction may be evidenced by information obtained through the use of an automated traffic enforcement system. For the purposes of this subchapter, the term "automated traffic enfo...