The Ticket Amnesty Act of 2025 aims to provide District residents with an opportunity to resolve outstanding ticket debts related to parking, standing, and stopping violations, as well as automated traffic enforcement infractions. The bill authorizes the Mayor to establish a six-month amnesty program that allows individuals to pay only the original amounts owed, with any accrued penalties being waived upon payment. This initiative is designed to address the significant backlog of nearly $1.3 billion in unpaid tickets, which has increased substantially since 2021. The program is expected to restore compliance among drivers, boost city revenue, and offer a fresh start to those burdened by excessive fines.
The bill outlines the administration of the amnesty program by the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles and mandates that the program be publicized during its availability. Eligible participants can pay their original fines through various methods, and upon successful payment, their infractions will be closed with penalties waived. Revenue generated from the program will be credited to the General Fund of the District of Columbia. The act will take effect following approval by the Mayor and a congressional review period.