DC food trucks operate under the Mobile Roadway Vending (MRV) program run by DLCP and DDOT. Trucks must vend from designated Vending Development Zones or metered roadway locations obtained via monthly lottery. Popular zones include Farragut Square, Franklin Square, Metro Center, L'Enfant Plaza, and Union Station. Operations are limited to 4 hours per location and prohibited within 200 feet of a brick-and-mortar restaurant in some zones.
DC's food truck vending is highly regulated under DCMR Title 24 Chapter 5 and the Vending Regulation Act of 2009 (DC Law 18-71). Trucks operate either at curbside metered parking spaces using the Mobile Roadway Vending (MRV) regime or inside designated Vending Development Zones (VDZs), which are sidewalk-adjacent locations managed by DDOT. Core VDZs include Franklin Square, Farragut Square, Farragut West/North, L'Enfant Plaza, Metro Center, Union Station, and Navy Yard. Spots are allocated through a monthly lottery administered by DDOT's Public Space Committee, with fees of $100-$150 per spot per month. Trucks are limited to 4 hours at any location before relocating. Roadway vending requires paying the posted meter rate in addition to the MRV license. Prohibited locations include: within 200 feet of a brick-and-mortar food service in the Central Business District (only in some zones per recent reforms), bus stops, fire hydrants (10 feet), crosswalks (25 feet), and on streets posted 'No Vending.' National Mall vending is federally administered by NPS and requires separate permits. Violations can trigger citations, booting, or towing by DDOT enforcement. Trucks may not occupy space from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM without a special permit.
Vending outside approved zone: $500-$1,000 plus cease and desist. Operating without paid meter: $100 parking violation plus $250 vending fine. Exceeding 4-hour limit: $100 per hour over. Obstructing bus stop or fire hydrant: $500-$1,000 and immediate relocation/tow.
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