DC council cracks down on speeding with passage of Steer Act
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — D.C. is cracking down on speeding and dangerous driving after passing the Steer Act unanimously this week.
In part, the legislation, sponsored by Charles Allen, creates a new point system for those caught speeding on automated traffic enforcement cameras.
‘Secure DC’ passes first DC Council vote
Drivers will receive two points on their license for speeding 11 to 15 miles per hour over the speed limit, three points for driving 16 to 19 miles per hour over and five points for driving 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit. Drivers will receive five points for reckless driving and 10 points for aggravated reckless driving.
Those who receive 10 to 11 points may have their license suspended. Those with 12 or more points can have their license revoked.
This is in addition to the fines already given out for ATE citations.
“Dangerous driving is far too common in every D.C. neighborhood,” said Allen in a statement Tuesday. “It’s obvious right now that a significant number of drivers do not fear accountability for speeding, driving recklessly or driving drunk. The bill approved today will create real, commonsense accountability measures to reduce speeding and reckless behavior.”
Zach Israel is a community activist and former ANC Commissioner in the Petworth area.
“Once more drivers are aware of this, and it will take time, I think you will see driver behavior change,” Israel said.
He advocated in favor of the legislation.
“Under the status quo, you can get infinite tickets through the automated traffic enforcement cameras, pay all of them and that’s it,” Israel said. “You just pay it and continue to doing dangerous driving behavior.”
The bill also gives power to the Office of the Attorney General to sue drivers who rack up speeding, regardless of what state they’re from.
“That’s critically important,” Israel said. “We always hear about the millions of dollars in outstanding fees for Virginia drivers and Maryland drivers specifically.”
Outher provisions in the bill prevent victims of auto theft from getting driving tickets, require the DMV to create a safe driving class to waive up to $500 in fines per year and create a program to install “speed governors” on the cars of people who commit serious speeding crimes, preventing them from driving over a certain speed limit, according to councilmember Allen.
New gates in place to reduce shoplifting at two Safeway stores in DC
The legislation comes at a time where traffic fatalities are at a 20 year high. In 2023, 52 people were killed on D.C. roadways.
The law now awaits a signature from Mayor Muriel Bowser and congressional review before it becomes enacted.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
