Oppose the Residential Parking Protection Act of 2011

“Residential Parking Protection Act of 2011” is a proposed law that will, if passed, impose unnecessary and costly burdens on student drivers in the District of Columbia.

This legislation, which is currently under consideration by the Environment, Public Works, & Transportation subcommittee of the D.C. Council, reads in part:

“To repeal DC Code § 50-1401.02(e) to ensure that full-time students who reside within the boundaries of the District of Columbia shall not be issued or use a reciprocity parking sticker for out of state vehicles.”

In the event that this law is passed, student drivers that live in Residential Parking Permit zones will be required to register their car in D.C., buy D.C. car insurance, establish D.C. residency, and obtain D.C. tags.

This will create a burdensome and expensive process in which students will have pay for higher individual insurance rates and drop their existing coverage. Students will also be required to pay fees in order to register their car and obtain a D.C. driver’s license, potentially in excess of $150.

This bill removes common-sense rules with regard to college drivers in the District. Many students have legitimate reasons to drive, including work, medical and family concerns. Requiring an individual purchase of D.C. insurance will likely impose higher costs on college students who rely on their parents’ insurance plans and loans to afford the cost of college and living in the District.

This bill is an attempt to get rid of cars owned by university students in D.C. College students should unequivocally oppose this bill.