D.C. Cracks Down on Unpaid Violations

Dear Reader,

If you’ve been letting unpaid parking or traffic tickets pile up, you must take care of them now. D.C. is coming after drivers with overdue fines, and it’s already costing drivers some serious inconvenience, not to mention hefty fines.

For years, drivers have been racking up unpaid fines, thinking they could slip through the cracks. Well, the cracks are closing fast. The city’s new pilot program uses automated license plate readers and more tow trucks to hunt down vehicles with thousands of dollars in unpaid fines. Cars are getting booted, impounded, and in some cases, scrapped if their owners don’t pay up.

In just five and a half months, the program impounded nearly 300 cars owing over $2 million in fines and booted more than 2,000 vehicles with nearly $6 million in unpaid tickets. Now, this crackdown isn’t just confined to one area—it’s citywide.

D.C.’s rules and ordinances are there for a reason. Parking restrictions, speed limits, and other traffic laws are there to keep everyone safe. Parking illegally doesn’t just inconvenience other drivers; it clogs up streets, blocks emergency access, and creates hazards for pedestrians. Speeding or running red lights risks lives. And when drivers ignore these rules, the city shows that there are real, expensive consequences.

But why is D.C. coming down so hard now? The answer is simple: Unpaid violations are more than just lost revenue—they represent a blatant disregard for the laws designed to keep our streets safe and functional. With over $1 billion owed in unpaid tickets, mostly by out-of-state drivers, the city is losing money that could be used to improve roads, enhance safety, and maintain public services. This is about more than collecting fines; it’s about making sure everyone plays by the same rules.

The message is clear: D.C. will no longer tolerate drivers who think the rules don’t apply to them. Automated license plate readers are scanning every car they pass, targeting vehicles with the highest fines first. That means if you’re on the city’s radar, you’re at risk of having your car booted or towed, and once it’s in the impound lot, you’ve got just 28 days to pay up or risk losing your vehicle for good.

And it’s not just cars—D.C. is impounding illegal scooters too. They’re taking up space in impound lots, right alongside the vehicles of drivers who thought they could dodge the rules. The city’s stance is firm: if you’re not following the ordinances, your property is at risk. So, what should you do? If you’ve got unpaid violations, don’t wait until your car is booted or towed. Pay your fines, get current, and avoid the headache and cost of getting caught up in the city’s crackdown.

I’m sharing this because I’m looking out for you. And, if you or someone you know is ever injured due to someone else’s negligence, I’m here to help. Call my office at 703-761-4343 or 301-949-1515 for the support and guidance you need.

Until next time, stay safe, and never text while driving.

Paul Samakow

Attorney Paul Samakow
703-761-4343 | 301-949-1515