I lived in DC for 5 years... they make MILLIONS OF DOLLARS on parking tickets and tow fees... it is a major revenue stream - they actually limited parking garages to boost tickets. They hire 'patrol' officers who control a few blocks and only write tickets... they get everyone who does not pay.... and they will tow you fast.
they are pro's at it.
I highly recommend taking an Uber or taxi to the Metro and ride in on the Metro - 'Smithsonian' would be the best stop. Drops you a few blocks from the Ellipse or Capital Building.
I lived in London for 20 years, now live near DC and go in regularly. They can't do it if there are thousands of vehicles everywhere in their way. And how do they get you to pay when you go back out of state?
Just park wherever. They can't enforce it if enough people do it. It will also mean that they can't deploy if the roads are blocked.
I lived in DC for 5 years... they make MILLIONS OF DOLLARS on parking tickets and tow fees... it is a major revenue stream - they actually limited parking garages to boost tickets. They hire 'patrol' officers who control a few blocks and only write tickets... they get everyone who does not pay.... and they will tow you fast.
they are pro's at it.
I highly recommend taking an Uber or taxi to the Metro and ride in on the Metro - 'Smithsonian' would be the best stop. Drops you a few blocks from the Ellipse or Capital Building.
And the weather will be good, 40 and sunny.
I lived in London for 20 years, now live near DC and go in regularly. They can't do it if there are thousands of vehicles everywhere in their way. And how do they get you to pay when you go back out of state?
Just offering my thoughts... if you want to park illegally and give the City of DC a shot at your car - that is your option.