District Of Columbia § 5-1202 - Registration; exception; certificates; civil fine; regulations; void and prohibited certificates.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 5-1202 — Registration; exception; certificates; civil fine; regulations; void and prohibited certificates., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-1202. Registration; exception; certificates; civil fine; regulations; void and prohibited certificates.
5-1202Notwithstanding any other law or provision of law, including any executive agreements or understandings, any state official coming into the District of Columbia: (1) to enforce that state’s laws relating to tobacco or tobacco products, including any law levying a tax on tobacco or tobacco products; or (2) to conduct an investigation or surveillance or cause to be surveilled activities done in the District of Columbia relating to a possible violation of the laws of that state, shall first register with the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (hereinafter referred to as the “Chief ”). Such state official shall first register in person with the Chief 72 hours in advance of each such entry into the District of Columbia. Such state official shall, in addition, provide to the Chief a written statement setting forth the identity of such state official, the purpose of his intended entry into the District of Columbia, and the time(s) and place(s) at which such state official will be present in the District of Columbia for such purpose. Any person who registers shall be issued a certificate of registration which must be retained in the possession of the person during all investigative or surveillance activities. No state official or state agent shall be allowed to come into the District of Columbia to enforce that state’s laws relating to alcoholic beverages, including any law levying a tax on alcoholic beverages, or to conduct an investigation or surveillance of a retail liquor establishment or cause to be surveilled activities done in the District of Columbia relating to a possible violation of that state’s law relating to the importation of alcoholic beverages.
This section shall not apply to any state law-enforcement officer who enters the District of Columbia lawfully in hot pursuit of a person suspected of having committed a crime, or to any state law-enforcement officer entering the District of Columbia solely for the purpose of conducting business with either the federal or the District of Columbia government.
Any state official or state agent found to be in violation of this section shall be subject to a civil fine of up to $300 for each violation.
After July 25, 1985, certificates issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for investigating a retail liquor establishment shall become void and the Chief shall not grant certificates to permit investigations in the District of Columbia in order to enforce out-of-state liquor laws.
Pursuant to , the Chief shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 5-1202
What does D.C. Code § 5-1202 cover?
Section 5-1202 ("Registration; exception; certificates; civil fine; regulations; void and prohibited certificates.") 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 § 5-1202?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 5-1202" (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 § 5-1202 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.