700.1 The rules and regulations contained in this chapter shall govern the requirements for vehicle equipment on vehicles registered in or using the streets and highways of the District of Columbia, including but not limited to lighting equipment, safety glass, brakes, horns and other warning devices, and safety belts.700.2 No person shall drive or move, or cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any street or highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person, or which does not contain those parts or is not at all times equipped with such lamps and other equipment in proper condition and adjustment as required in this chapter, or which is equipped in any manner in violation of this chapter, and no person shall do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required under this chapter.700.3 Where the Director has found that a vehicle is not of conventional design and construction, or where proof is offered that equipment as required by this chapter is not available for replacement purposes or cannot be made available by the manufacturer, that vehicle may be exempted from the requirements of this chapter, upon issuance by the Director of an “approved” inspection sticker. In the case of temporary unavailability of required replacement equipment, an “approved” sticker may be issued for the period of time deemed necessary by the Director.700.4 Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the use of additional parts and accessories on any vehicle not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.700.5 The provisions of this chapter which require equipment on vehicles shall not apply to implements of husbandry, road machinery, road rollers, or farm tractors, except as specifically provided in this chapter.700.6 The current edition of the Washington, DC Vehicle Inspection Program Lane Operator’s Manual (also referred to as the “Lane Operator’s Manual”) owe when applicable, to the current edition of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrator’s Vehicle Inspection Manual (also referred to as the “AAMVA Manual”), which describes in detail certain standards, types, and various requirements regarding mechanical and other equipment relating to the safe operation of motor vehicles, is incorporated by reference in this chapter.

700.7 In case of conflict between the provisions of the current edition of the “Lane Operator’s Manual”, or when applicable, to the current edition of the “AAMVA Manual” and those contained in this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall be applicable. Copies of the current edition of the “Lane Operator’s Manual” and the current edition of the “AAMVA Manual” are available in the Office of the Director.

700.8 Noise control regulations for motor vehicles are contained in the District of Columbia Noise Control Act of 1977.

700.9 All motor vehicles must display a manufacturer’s certification of compliance, attesting that the vehicle complies with federal safety standards for use on public roads, streets, and highways, as required by the National Traffic and Motor safety Act of 1966 (49 USC 30115); except that mopeds need not display such a certification of compliance.

AUTHORITY: Unless otherwise noted, the authority for this chapter is § 7 of an act to provide for annual inspection of all motor vehicles, in the District of Columbia, approved February 18, 1938 (52 Stat. 78; D.C. Code § 40-207); §§ 401 and 402 of Reorganization Plan No.3 of 1967, effective August 11 1967, filed August 11 1967, D.C. Code Vol 1 at 126(1981 Ed.); Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1975, effective July 25, 1975, 21 DCR 3198; 22 DCR 961; § 412 of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act as amended, 87 Stat. 790, Pub.L No 93-198, D.C. Code § 1-227(a); and § IV(A) and V of Reorganization Plan No.4 of 1983, 30 DCR 6428 (December 16, 1983).

SOURCE: Regulation No. 72-13 effective June 30, 1972. 32 DCRR §§ 6.101-6.103, Special Edition; as amended by § 15(d) of the District of Columbia Noise Control Act of 1977, D.C. 253, 24 DCR 5293 (December 30, 1977). 32 DCRR § 6.402(a); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 10223 (November 5, 2004); as amended by Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Support Act of 2009, effective March 3, 2010 (D.C. Law 18-111), at 57 DCR 181, 291 (January 8, 2010).