Tony Hisgett CC BY 2.0 DEED, via Flickr, Cropped by Resist the Mainstream

An investigation by The Daily Signal has shed light on a concerning trend in the nation's capital: a surge in the number of two-wheeled motorized vehicles operating without proper registration and licensing, with apparent impunity.

In the District of Columbia, individuals, many of whom are illegal immigrants, are utilizing motorbikes for food delivery services. However, a significant portion of these bikes lack legal license plates, indicating a failure to comply with registration and insurance requirements.

Under D.C. law, motorcycles and motor-driven cycles must be registered with the District’s Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of purchase and display a license plate.

This applies to vehicles with gas, electric, or hybrid motors no larger than 50 cubic centimeters (cc) and incapable of exceeding 30 mph. Every motorized vehicle, regardless of type, also must be registered, licensed, insured, and operated by an individual with a valid driver’s license.

The investigation discovered that D.C. police seem lax in enforcing these registration laws. Despite the legal obligations, motorized bikes without license plates continue to navigate the streets of the District without repercussions.

The Daily Signal's inquiry revealed that illegal immigrants are obtaining motorized bikes through various channels, with little regard for compliance with local laws. 

Interviews conducted over the course of a week with motorized bike owners and local retailers corroborated this finding. Retailers in the area say D.C. police pay scant attention to the issue, allowing those without proper documentation to operate vehicles illegally. 

Many drivers, including those interviewed by The Daily Signal, admitted to crossing the southern border illegally. None possessed legitimate license plates, and none were willing to disclose their identities.

D.C. police appear passive in addressing the situation, despite the apparent violation of regulations. The lack of enforcement is evident, as confirmed by the individuals operating the motorized bikes without proper licensing, registration, or insurance.

Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Tom Lynch characterized the situation as individuals “testing their luck,” suggesting a lenient approach to enforcement. However, the department assured the publication that efforts were underway to bolster traffic enforcement.

Lynch emphasized that there is no guarantee that police officers have encountered any of the drivers interviewed by The Daily Signal. He added that the MPD is actively engaged in efforts to combat crime and traffic violations throughout the city.

D.C. law also mandates insurance for motorized bikes capable of speeds exceeding 20 mph, adding another layer of legal obligation for operators. Yet, the widespread disregard for these requirements persists, underscoring the need for more stringent enforcement measures.

The Daily Signal reached out to the D.C. police department to inquire about the city's awareness of the situation regarding the lack of license plates and insurance among drivers of motor-driven cycles and the enforcement measures being taken.

A spokesperson for the department stated in a prepared statement emailed to The Daily Signa, “Chief [Pamela] Smith has heard the concerns from the community about traffic safety and is working to strengthen MPD’s traffic enforcement.”

The statement highlighted Smith's commitment to conducting at least two high-visibility Traffic Safety Compliance Checkpoints each month during her first year. Smith assumed her role after confirmation by the D.C. Council in November.

The spokesperson told the outlet the department has conducted a total of 40 Traffic Safety Compliance Checkpoints across the District thus far. These checkpoints have seen nearly 19,000 vehicles pass through, resulting in over 2,600 notices of infractions, 84 arrests, and the recovery of 13 firearms.