(a) It is unlawful to enter or be inside of the motor vehicle of another person without the permission of the owner or person lawfully in charge of the motor vehicle. A person who violates this subsection shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $500, imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both.
(b) Subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to:
(1) An employee of the District government in connection with his or her official duties;
(2) A tow crane operator who has valid authorization from the District government or from the property owner on whose property the motor vehicle is illegally parked; or
(3) A person with a security interest in the motor vehicle who is legally authorized to seize the motor vehicle.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the term "enter the motor vehicle" means to insert any part of one's body into any part of the motor vehicle, including the passenger compartment, the trunk or cargo area, or the engine compartment.
(Dec. 10, 2009, D.C. Law 18-88, § 102, 56 DCR 7413.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Emergency Act Amendments
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 102 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-181, August 6, 2009, 56 DCR 6903).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 102 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-227, October 21, 2009, 56 DCR 8668).
Legislative History of Laws
Law 18-88, the "Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Amendment Act of 2009", as introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 18-151, which was referred to the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. The bill as adopted on first and second readings on June 30, 2009, and July 31, 2009, respectively. Signed by the Mayor on August 26, 2009, it was assigned Act No. 18-189 and transmitted to both Houses of Congress for its review. D.C. Law 18-88 became effective on December 10, 2009.
