D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 18, r. 18-606
If, upon any mechanical inspection of a motor vehicle or trailer, the Director determines that the motor vehicle cannot be operated or the trailer cannot be moved without endangering the general safety of the District, the Director shall issue a "condemned" sticker to the registrant or other person desiring registration.
If, upon any mechanical inspection of a motor vehicle or trailer, the Director determines it does not conform to the equipment standards contained in the current "Lane Operator's Manual or when applicable, the current "AAMVA Manual", the Director shall issue to the registrant or person desiring registration a "condemned" sticker.
A registrant or person desiring registration, and to whom a "condemned" sticker was issued for a motor vehicle, shall not operate, or permit the operation of the motor vehicle upon any public highway unless and until the sticker is removed by the Director, except as provided in this section. The vehicle may be towed upon any public highway solely for the purpose of moving it to or from an inspection station.
Upon presentation of evidence satisfactory to the Director that adequate repairs have been made to the vehicle, he or she may issue a permit authorizing a motor vehicle for which a "condemned" sticker was issued to be driven from the garage to the inspection station by the most direct route.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 18, r. 18-606