§1969 Regulation of traffic by Capitol Police Board

Summary

The Capitol Police Board — the Senate Sergeant at Arms, the House Sergeant at Arms, and the Architect of the Capitol — controls all vehicle and traffic rules on the United States Capitol Grounds. The Board can make and enforce rules about driving, parking, impounding vehicles, and speed limits. It can set penalties up to a $300 fine or up to 90 days in jail. Where the District of Columbia Traffic Act of 1925 gives a specific penalty, that law still applies. Cases for breaking the Board’s rules are handled in the D.C. Superior Court and brought by the Corporation Counsel or their assistants. The Board must make its rules and can change them later. Until the Board’s rules take effect, D.C. traffic rules apply on the Grounds. New rules must be printed in a daily D.C. newspaper and wait 10 days after publication before they start, except parking, traffic diversion, or street-closing rules can start right away if clear signs are posted where they apply. Any costs for posting or publishing are paid from the Capitol Police appropriation for uniforms and equipment. The Mayor of D.C. must help the Board make these rules or name city staff to help when asked.