District Of Columbia § 22-3312.03 - Wearing hoods or masks.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 22-3312.03 — Wearing hoods or masks., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-3312.03. Wearing hoods or masks.
22-3312.03No person or persons over 16 years of age, while wearing any mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, shall:
Enter upon, be, or appear upon any lane, walk, alley, street, road highway, or other public way in the District of Columbia;
Enter upon, be, or appear upon or within the public property of the District of Columbia; or
Hold any manner of meeting or demonstration.
The provisions of subsection (a) of this section apply only if the person was wearing the hood, mask, or other device:
With the intent to deprive any person or class of persons of equal protection of the law or of equal privileges and immunities under the law, or for the purpose of preventing or hindering the constituted authorities of the United States or the District of Columbia from giving or securing for all persons within the District of Columbia equal protection of the law;
With the intent, by force or threat of force, to injure, intimidate, or interfere with any person because of his or her exercise of any right secured by federal or District of Columbia laws, or to intimidate any person or any class of persons from exercising any right secured by federal or District of Columbia laws;
With the intent to intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass any other person;
With the intent to cause another person to fear for his or her personal safety, or, where it is probable that reasonable persons will be put in fear for their personal safety by the defendant’s actions, with reckless disregard for that probability; or
While engaged in conduct prohibited by civil or criminal law, with the intent of avoiding identification.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 22-3312.03
What does D.C. Code § 22-3312.03 cover?
Section 22-3312.03 ("Wearing hoods or masks.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 22-3312.03?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 22-3312.03" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 22-3312.03 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.