(WASHINGTON, DC) Anne Witt, Director of the District's Department of Motor Vehicles, announced today a 120-day emergency suspension of used-car dealers' ability to issue temporary tags. The moratorium follows months of investigation identifying abuse of temporary tags, which has been linked to illegal activity that endangers public health and safety.
"The numbers show the situation is out of control - last year more than 79,000 temporary tags were issued compared with only 36,000 in 2002," Witt said. "Worse, only 12,000 were reported sold to DC residents. Of those, less than 3,100 resulted in permanent registrations."
In supporting Witt's action, Mayor Anthony Williams said, "we can't allow temporary tags to become a greater risk than benefit for our residents. DMV is making the kind of decisive intervention I expect and the public deserves."
Improperly obtained temporary tags can provide a means for operating vehicles that cannot pass required air emission or safety inspections, lack adequate required insurance coverage, or have been stolen. Likewise, they may allow operators to skirt District residence or other registration requirements (i.e., paying outstanding ticket debts). The $13 temporary tags are reported to have a street value of upwards of $150.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Charles H. Ramsey said, "many of the vendors seem to be making more from the sale of tags than the vehicles. This illegal practice deprives our citizens of revenue and contributes to crime."
The new rule will allow the District's two new-car dealerships to continue to issue temporary tags. Records show 242 used-car dealers operate in the jurisdiction, many sharing the same address.
The new-car dealers' tags will be pink; those issued for used cars will be orange. The redesigned tags will be valid for 20 days and none will be issued without proof of required insurance. A special DMV office at 301 C Street, NW - Room 1032, will handle citizen temporary tag requests six days a week, Monday through Saturday, 8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.
"Although this moratorium is necessary, I truly regret any inconvenience to drivers who follow the rules," said Witt.
