District of Columbia Individual Vehicle Purchaser/Driver

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Tax Exemption

The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles Reform Amendment Act of 2004 allows for the exemption of vehicle excise taxes for owners of HEVs, AFVs, and lean-burn vehicles, provided that the vehicle qualifies for the federal tax credit under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Additionally, vehicle registration fees for qualified HEVs and AFVs are reduced to $36.00 per year. (Reference District of Columbia Code 50-2201.03(j)(3) and 50-1501.03)

Idle Reduction Requirement

A diesel or gasoline powered motor vehicle may not be allowed to operate for more than three consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion, with the following exceptions: 1) to operate private passenger vehicles; 2) to operate air conditioning equipment on a bus for 15 minutes when 12 or more passengers are on board; or 3) to operate heating equipment for five minutes when the ambient temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Violators will be issued a fine of $650, with the fine for subsequent infractions being double the initial amount until the maximum penalty of $5,200 is reached. (Reference District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Title 20, Chapter 9, Section 900.1)