District Of Columbia § 50-2421.02 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 50-2421.02 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 50-2421.02. Definitions.
50-2421.02For purposes of this subchapter, the terms:
“Abandoned vehicle” means any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is left, parked, or stored on public space for more than 48 hours or on private property for more than 30 days, and to which at least 2 of the following apply:
The vehicle is extensively damaged, including fire damage;
The vehicle is apparently inoperable, including a vehicle missing its transmission, motor, or one or more tires, and which is not undergoing emergency repair;
The vehicle serves as harborage for rats, vermin, and other pests; or
The vehicle does not display valid tags or a valid registration sticker.
“Dangerous vehicle” means any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that, as a result of the presence of rats, vermin, or other pests, exposed glass or metal shards, or other dangerous condition poses an imminent hazard to the public health, safety, or welfare. Any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is in a wrecked, dismantled, or irreparable condition, or destroyed by fire, is per se a dangerous vehicle.
“Department” means the Department of Public Works.
“Director” means the Director of the Department of Public Works.
“Impounded” means any vehicle in the custody of the Department of Public Works or stored at a private storage facility at the direction of the Department as a result of the vehicle:
Having been removed from its location for:
Violating ;
Having 2 or more unsettled notices of infraction against it, as authorized by ; or
Having been parked in violation of a traffic regulation other than overtime parking of less than 24 hours, as authorized by 18 DCMR § 2421; or
Having been transferred from the custody of the Metropolitan Police Department to the custody of the Department of Public Works.
“Motor vehicle” or “vehicle” means any device designed to be propelled by an internal-combustion engine, electricity, or steam.
“Physical characteristics of an abandoned vehicle” means any 2 of the conditions set forth in paragraph (1) of this section.
“Private property” means real property, including real property owned or under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia, other than public space.
“Public space” means all the property owned or under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia, between lines on a street, as such property lines are shown on the records of the Surveyor of the District of Columbia, and includes any roadway, tree space, sidewalk, or parking between such property lines.
“Unclaimed vehicle” means an impounded motor vehicle not reclaimed within the applicable time periods set forth in .
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 50-2421.02
What does D.C. Code § 50-2421.02 cover?
Section 50-2421.02 ("Definitions.") 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 § 50-2421.02?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 50-2421.02" (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 § 50-2421.02 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.