The new year brought a few new laws to the D.C. area. Although July 1 and Oct. 1 are generally the big dates for new laws going into effect, here are a few you'll want to know about, whether you live in D.C., Maryland or Virginia.
Washington, DC
Cashless-only business ban: Businesses in the District now are required to accept cash, as a new law prohibiting cashless businesses went into effect Jan. 1.
Retailers may not "discriminate against cash as a form of payment for goods or services," according to the D.C. Council. That means businesses can't refuse to accept cash as a form of payment and may not post signs on their premises that cash payments are not accepted.
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Businesses also are not allowed charge a higher price to customers who pay cash.
However, there are some exceptions to the cashless ban; you can see those here.
Virginia
Minimum wage: Virginia's minimum wage is increasing from $12 to $12.41.
Maryland
New tiers of fines for speeding in work zones: If you speed in a Maryland highway work zone, be prepared to pay a hefty fine. A new tiered system of fines went into effect Jan. 1:
- If you're driving 12-15 mph over the speed limit, the fine will be $60. Fines get progressively higher from there
- For super speeders driving 40 mph or more over the limit, the fine is $500
- If workers are present, the speeder will be slapped with a $1,000 fine
