We're all for safe streets and public safety, but doesn't it feel like sometimes new traffic laws are put in place just to make justify writing more tickets (revenue) and arrests?

The DC Council is set to end making right hand turns at red lights under a new law called the “Safer Streets Amendment Act of 2022.”

Here's a link to the law as it currently stands:

Safer Streets

This proposed law will do is "authorize the District Department of Transportation to install signage permitting riders to proceed through red lights under certain circumstances."

What does that mean?  Nobody (not even us) knows.  AND THAT'S THE POINT.

Right hand turns at stoplights is often called a "California right."  Because this proposed law will create inconsistent "right hand turn" rules throughout the District, cops will starting pulling more people over for "improper right hand turn" (more revenue for the District).  They'll also start looking for more DUIs with this law because minor traffic infractions are the most common justification cops use for probable cause in DUI cases.

Driving in the DC is hard enough even if you live here.  Maryland and Virginia drivers coming into DC are going to have an even harder time.  Cops are going to use this new law as reason to pull drivers over.

The silver lining here is that the law doesn't take effect unless a couple other things happen.  We won't waste your life explaining how laws in DC get formally entered into law.  If you want to learn more, click here.  Just know that this new law is likely coming.  And yes, the police will be pulling people over for this.

Any questions?  We're always happy to help.  Call us today if you have any questions about DUI laws in Washington, DC.