D.C. Cracks Down on Out-of-State Drivers with $531K in Collected Fines Under STEER Act

Washington, D.C. Has collected $531,192 in unpaid fines from 14 drivers in Maryland and Virginia who repeatedly violated District traffic laws, Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced on Friday, March 13, 2026. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) secured nine court judgments and five settlements under the Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility (STEER) Act, which allows D.C. To pursue out-of-state drivers for unpaid traffic tickets.

The STEER Act: Holding Drivers Accountable

The STEER Act, enacted by the D.C. Council, empowers the OAG to hold drivers accountable for traffic violations even if they do not reside in the District. “No matter where you live, if you drive in DC, you must follow the law,” Schwalb stated. This initiative aims to improve public safety by deterring reckless driving and ensuring compliance with D.C. Traffic regulations.

Key Judgments and Settlements

OAG has secured nine novel judgments against dangerous drivers, totaling $439,111 for over 1,500 traffic infractions. Some notable cases include:

• District of Columbia v. Andre Bowman: $36,986 judgment for 135 unpaid citations.
• District of Columbia v. Leon Carter: $30,666 judgment for 84 outstanding citations.
• District of Columbia v. Earl Curtis: $26,261 judgment for 115 outstanding citations.
• District of Columbia v. Omar El Idrissi: $69,456 judgment for 263 outstanding citations.
• District of Columbia v. Ashley Jenkins: $28,632 judgment for 78 unpaid citations.
• District of Columbia v. Andrea Reid: $56,010 judgment for 206 outstanding citations.
• District of Columbia v. LaChele Love Reed: $55,446 judgment for 194 unpaid citations.
• District of Columbia v. Derreall Donald Harper: $102,222 judgment for 323 unpaid citations.
• District of Columbia v. Terrell Antonio Jenkins: $33,432 judgment for 102 unpaid citations.

In addition to the judgments, OAG reached settlement agreements totaling $92,081 with five drivers, requiring them to pay fines, complete safe driving courses, and comply with D.C. Traffic laws.

New Lawsuits Filed

The OAG has filed five new lawsuits against Maryland drivers, seeking a total of $625,194 for 1,966 unpaid traffic citations. One case involves a Maryland resident owing $284,550 for 910 citations, including 826 speeding tickets, across multiple license plates.

Continued Enforcement

Councilmember Charles Allen, author of the STEER Act, emphasized the importance of respecting D.C. Traffic laws: “If you drive dangerously in the District of Columbia, you will be held accountable. It doesn’t matter where you live.” The OAG plans to continue aggressively enforcing the STEER Act to ensure the safety of all road users.