D.C. Opens 100 Percent; Driver’s License Deadline Extended 

Already the city projects a new air of relief, freedom and better days. On Friday, June 11, the City of Washington, D.C. will allow all large entertainment venues and nightclubs —  the last pandemic restrictions —  to open 100 percent. At the same time, the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles extended the deadline for expired driver licenses and identification cards to Sept. 9. 

The Washington Nationals are back at full capacity at Nationals Park today. For some, just as the cicadas emerged and are sounding off, so have urban activities and the feeling of FOMO.

The Alcohol Beverage Control Board also ended requiring the restaurants and nightclubs to obtain info on guests for Covid contact tracing.

D.C. relaxed its mask guidelines in May. Fully vaccinated persons need only wear face covering on public transportation, in schools, childcare and healthcare facilities. Those who are unvaccinated are asked to wear masks. Private businesses, however, may ask anyone to wear masks in their establishments.

The other good news was that as the July 1 deadline approached to get their driver’s license updated, residents said that appointments were impossible to get in time for many. So, the DC DMV responded to the concerns and moved the deadline for renewing “expired driver licenses and identification (ID) cards to September 9, 2021.

“The previously announced deadline was July 1, 2021. This action, as well as other changes DC DMV is making, will give residents more time to renew driver’s licenses and other ID cards that require an in-person appointment at a DMV Service Center. This announcement does NOT impact the enforcement of valid inspections and vehicle registrations that took effect on June 1, 2021.

“In-person service at all DC DMV service centers, adjudication services, and the Deanwood CDL Office is still by appointment only. DC DMV will continue to offer more appointments and other options to ensure all residents have a chance to be in compliance with their credentials before the September 9, 2021 deadline.

“Changes at DC DMV include beginning this month, the number of new appointments released each week will increase from 6,000 to 10,000 as DMV employees return to work and the agency increases its operating capacity. Employees will continue to work overtime so appointments may be scheduled on select Monday and Wednesday evenings.”

Also, it is important to remember that on June 1, enforcement resumed for motor vehicle parking, photo and minor moving violations in the District. An amnesty program will help many drivers by eliminating penalties. Photo violations include speeding, red light and stop sign violations.

A four-month amnesty program offering drivers the opportunity to pay outstanding tickets issued before Sept. 30, 2021, will run from June 1 to Sept. 30. Drivers eligible for the amnesty program are still obligated to pay the original ticket amount; however, any penalties will be waived. Department of Public Works tow and storage fees, if any, will not be waived. More information can be found at ticketamnesty.dc.gov.

Meanwhile, the District reported cover case data for June 9 —  “24 new positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, bringing the District’s overall positive case total to 49,151. The District reported no additional COVID-19 related deaths. Tragically, 1,137 District residents have lost their lives due to COVID-19.”

Visit coronavirus.dc.gov/data for interactive data dashboards or to download COVID-19 data.