Washington, DC Mobility & Curb Rules: TNC Pickup Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing statute
- D.C. Code § 50-2662
- Administering agency
- District Department of Transportation
- First mandatory zone
- Golden Triangle BID
- Parking-in-zone fine
- $75 civil fine
- Pickup/dropoff-area fine
- Set by the Mayor
Summary
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.
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 loading zone... (4) During the hours of operation established pursuant to paragraph (3) of this section, parking shall be prohibited within each passenger loading zone. A person who violates this paragraph shall be subject to a civil fine of $75. (5) During the hours of operation established pursuant to paragraph (3) of this section, picking up and dropping off passengers shall be prohibited within each prohibited pick-up and drop-off areas. A person who violates this paragraph shall be subject to a civil fine in an amount to be determined by the Mayor.
Full Breakdown
C. C. ' DDOT 'shall establish one passenger loading zone in the Golden Triangle BID and may establish additional passenger loading zones elsewhere in the District,' and may designate 'one or more prohibited pick-up and drop-off areas' next to each zone. DDOT sets the hours of operation for each zone and adjacent no-pickup area. ' The statute also lets DDOT accept funding from a Business Improvement District corporation to establish and run a zone within that BID's boundaries, and required DDOT to report to the Council on the program's efficacy no later than December 31, 2019, capping Golden Triangle operation at no more than seven months under the original pilot terms.
Violations & Fines
Stopping or parking inside a designated passenger loading zone during its posted hours of operation is a civil infraction carrying a $75 fine under D.C. Code § 50-2662(4). Picking up or dropping off passengers inside a posted 'prohibited pick-up and drop-off area' during its hours carries a separate civil fine set by the Mayor under § 50-2662(5). DDOT enforces both fines jointly with the Department of Public Works, and required signage must post the exact fine amount at each zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can Uber and Lyft legally pick up passengers in D.C.?
What's the fine for parking in a passenger loading zone?
Can a rideshare driver drop off passengers anywhere near a loading zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
Compare Washington to another location·View the District of Columbia mobility & curb rules overview
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