The civil fine for parking in "No Standing Rush Hour" zones will increase from $50 to $100 on Monday, October 16.

However, enforcement of the higher penalty will not begin for two weeks in order to educate motorists about the new fine.

The new penalty has several goals. These include improving traffic flow by reducing violations of the present rush hour parking ban; lowering business delivery and other costs caused by congestion; and reducing air pollution by lowering the number of idling vehicles. The numerous violations of the present ban are evidence that a $50 fine is not a significant deterrent to rush hour parking.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking inviting public comment on the $100 fine was published in the D.C. Register on June 16, 2000; the final rule was published on September 20.

For more information please contact Bill Rice, office (202) 671-2004; cell (202) 437-7787; home (202) 483-2037