New 2019 DC Laws Affecting Cyclists

[n18]

New laws and changes took effect yesterday affecting cyclists and pedestrians safety. Here is a list:

New laws:
* Colliding with a pedestrian crossing the roadway with the right-of-way: $150 Fine.
* Colliding with a pedestrian while riding a bicycle on a sidewalk: $100 Fine.
* Riding with a headset, headphones, or earplugs covering both ears: $50 Fine.

Changes to existing laws, mostly increased fines from $25 to $50, and some of the wording:

* Stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle in a bicycle lane: $150 Fine, was $65.
* Opening door or permitting door to open on either side that poses danger to a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motor vehicle: $50 Fine, was $25.
* Carrying objects, including handheld communication devices, which prevent operator from keeping one hand on handle bars: $50 Fine, was $25.
* Hitching on vehicle: $50 Fine, was $25.
* Right-of-way, failure to yield: $50 Fine, was $25.
* Speed, excessive: $50 Fine, was $25.

For pedestrians only, they increased the fines for walking suddenly into a vehicle path, or not yielding to emergency vehicles to $100, was $10.

Full list of changes can be found in a DOC file here.

Topic

[rcannon100]

No worries. DC is a full participant in #EnforcementZero

[Ben]

@n18 184522 wrote:

* Riding with a headset, headphones, or earplugs covering both ears: $50 Fine.

Does this apply only in DC streets, or everywhere to include the multi-use paths? If it covers the paths, is there a similar rule/fine for pedestrians?

[Crickey7]

Depends on the path, I would think. Several are not DC jurisdiction, but NPS. They would have their own usage rules.

[TwoWheelsDC]

@Ben 184555 wrote:

Does this apply only in DC streets, or everywhere to include the multi-use paths? If it covers the paths, is there a similar rule/fine for pedestrians?

Per DC regs on bikes:

Title 18-1200: This chapter shall apply to all bicycles operated upon all public space in the District of Columbia.

So the answer to the first question is “yes,” and to the second is “no” (which is one reason this rule is stupid).

[rcannon100]

@TwoWheelsDC 184565 wrote:

So the answer to the first question is “yes,” and to the second is “no” (which is one reason this rule is stupid).

Except when it doesnt. Most multi use paths in DC are on federal land.

[Author]

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