District Of Columbia § 50-2201.04 - Speeding and reckless driving.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 50-2201.04 — Speeding and reckless driving., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 50-2201.04. Speeding and reckless driving.
50-2201.04No vehicle shall be operated at a greater rate of speed than permitted by the regulations adopted under the authority of this part.
A person shall be guilty of reckless driving if the person drives a vehicle upon a highway carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of others, or without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger a person or property.
A person shall be guilty of aggravated reckless driving if the person violates subsection (b) of this section and the person does one or more of the following:
Operates the vehicle at a rate or speed at or greater than 30 miles per hour over the stated speed limit;
Causes bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another; or
Causes property damage in excess of $1,000.
A person violating subsection (b) of this section shall, upon conviction for the first offense, be fined no more than the amount set forth in , or incarcerated for no more than 90 days, or both.
A person violating subsection (b) of this section when the person has been convicted of a prior offense under subsection (b) of this section within a 2-year period and is being sentenced on the current offense shall be fined no more than the amount set forth in , or incarcerated for no more than 180 days.
A person violating subsection (b) of this section when the person has 2 or more prior convictions for offenses under subsection (b) of this section within a 2-year period and is being sentenced on the current offense shall be fined no more than the amount set forth in , or incarcerated for no more than one year.
A person violating subsection (b-1) of this section shall, upon conviction for the first offense, be fined no more than the amount set forth in , or incarcerated for no more than 180 days, or both.
A person violating subsection (b-1) of this section when the person has one or more prior convictions for offenses under subsection (b-1) within a 2-year period and is being sentenced on the current offense shall be fined no more than the amount set forth in , or incarcerated for no more than one year.
Any individual violating any provision of this section, except where the offense constitutes aggravated reckless driving, shall be subject to a civil fine under the District of Columbia Traffic Adjudication Act ( et seq.).
A presumption shall exist that a reckless, careless, hazardous, or aggressive driving conviction that occurred in a foreign jurisdiction constitutes reckless driving as provided in subsection (b) of this section, unless the District can show evidence that the person met the requirements for aggravated reckless driving in subsection (b-1) of this section.
The fines set forth in this section shall not be limited by .
Annotations
Applicability of : Section 401 of provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
Section 8 of provided that the act shall apply as of June 1, 2013.
Definitions applicable: For definitions applicable in this section, see .
Section 5 of 46 Stat. 1429, ch. 317, effective Feb. 27, 1931, provided that all convictions under the Act shall be reported by the clerk of the court to the commissioners [Mayor] or their [his] designated agent.
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 50-2201.04
What does D.C. Code § 50-2201.04 cover?
Section 50-2201.04 ("Speeding and reckless driving.") 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 § 50-2201.04?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 50-2201.04" (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 § 50-2201.04 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.