Plan Your Visit
Capitol Grounds Regulations
The Capitol Police Board has exclusive charge and control over the regulation and movement of all vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Capitol Grounds. This includes the authority to promulgate and enforce regulations; to impound vehicles; and to impose speed limitations.
Highlights are below and complete regulations are available via US Capitol Police.
Filming and Photography on Capitol Grounds
The use of tripods or other film or photography enhancement equipment is limited to grassy areas where pedestrian or vehicular traffic will not be impeded. Tripods may not be used for commercial photography unless officially authorized by the Capitol Police Board . Any tripod that does not conform to this regulation is subject to removal or relocation to another area on Capitol Grounds. Contact US Capitol Police for more information: (202) 224-8891.
Conducting an Event on United States Capitol Grounds
Application to engage in a demonstration or other organized activity on U.S. Capitol Grounds may be made in person to the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) Special Events Unit between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 119 D Street, N.E., Room 101, Washington D.C. 20510. Applications may also be submitted by fax to (202) 228-2429 or by mail to the above address. However, mail to the U.S. Capitol may be delayed up to two (2) weeks. The USCP Coordinators, Special Events Unit, may be contacted for consultation during the business hours listed above at (202) 224-8891.
Restriction on Public Use
Public travel in and occupancy of Capitol Grounds is restricted to the roads, walks and places specifically prepared for that purpose.
Property Damage
No person shall use any portion of the Capitol Grounds as a playground or in any manner that may potentially cause destruction or injury to persons or property.
Skating And Play Vehicles
No person shall skate-board, roller-skate, roller-blade or ice-skate on Capitol Grounds. The use of scooters, kiddie cars, tricycles, wagons or any similar device is prohibited on Capitol Grounds.
Game-Playing
No person shall kick, toss, throw or strike any ball, disc or object of any material, shape or size onto or into any area within Capitol Grounds.
Kite-Flying
Kite-flying is prohibited on Capitol Grounds.
Model Rockets And Boats
The use of model rockets, remote or manually-controlled model gliders, model airplanes or unmanned aircrafts, model boats and model cars is prohibited on Capitol Grounds.
Climbing and Swinging
Climbing, jumping, hanging or swinging onto or into any landscape or architectural feature on Capitol Grounds is prohibited.
Standing On Skylights And Entry Into Work Areas
Standing on or entrance onto any skylight, air grate, generator, light pole, elevator tower or any other such object or area is prohibited.
Swimming And Entry Into Pools
No person shall swim, wade or enter into any fountain, pool, or other body of water on Capitol Grounds.
Sledding
No person shall coast or slide a sled within Capitol Grounds. Skiing With the exception of the use of cross-country skis or snowshoes as a means for transportation, no person shall ski on any area within Capitol Grounds.