DRIVERS could face legal action over outstanding fines under a new traffic law.
A number of motorists have already been sued after repeated violations.
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Five drivers are currently facing lawsuit after failing to pay their fines for various traffic violations.
One Maryland driver and four Virginia drivers are being held accountable for their alleged dangerous and illegal conduct.
Each of these violations all took place on the streets of Washington, D.C., reports DC News Now.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for the District of Columbia announced the legal action on Tuesday, May 6.
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb revealed the five drivers owe a total of $425,000 in unpaid fines.
Each motorist is being sued for their outstanding fine balance after the repeated traffic offences.
The Maryland driver owes $187,200 for 344 traffic infractions, according to Schwalb.
Of the citations, 316 were for speeding and 61 were for driving at least 30 MPH above the speed limit.
The driver is confirmed to have accumulated the tickets in just two years.
Meanwhile, the four Virginia drivers amassed over 800 D.C. traffic tickets.
These infractions include speeding, running stop signs, and running red lights, among others.
One driver owes the District $77,100 for 244 traffic infractions, including 202 citations for speeding.
Eight of these speeding offences saw the motorist driving over 30 miles per hour over the speed limit.
A second person owes the District a total of $69,456 for 263 traffic infractions, including 246 for speeding.
Meanwhile, another racked up $58,608 in fines for 197 traffic infractions, including 163 citations for speeding.
Proper conduct during a traffic stop
According to the ACLU, there are a few tips for ensuring a smooth traffic stop, no matter the violation.
- Stop the vehicle in a safe place away from traffic as soon as possible.
- Kill the engine, roll down the windows, and place your hands on the driving wheel. If it’s dark outside, turn on the interior lights to give the officer a good visual. If you’re in the passenger’s seat, keep your hands visible.
- Only reach for your purse or wallet, registration, and proof of insurance when instructed to by the officers. Do not reach for the glove box until prompted by the officer.
- Do not make sudden movements. Narrate everything you’re doing, ie, “I’m reaching for my purse in the backseat.”
- Keep your tone calm and respectful.
Source: ACLU
The final driver owes the District $31,316 for total of 159 traffic infractions.
These include 30 citations for speeding, 20 for running red lights, and 15 for running stop signs.
The lawsuits have been filed under the Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility (STEER) Act.
This act was passed by the D.C. Council in February 2024.
And be warned, it doesn’t just apply to residents of the D.C. area.
The act allows the OAG to sue drivers who violate D.C. traffic laws, even if they don’t live in the city.
“Too many drivers think they can speed recklessly through the District, putting the safety of Washingtonians and visitors at risk, with no financial consequences for their lawlessness,” Schwalb said in a statement.
“These suits reflect our continuing commitment: If your actions behind the wheel put people’s lives at risk, we will hold you accountable, no matter where you live.”
The lawsuits come just two months after the OAG sued three Maryland drivers for failing to pay the District over $90,000 in fines.
And another new law will see drivers hit with an “automatic ticket” beginning today.
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