Watch Your Car Helping District residents keep their vehicles safe from theft during early morning hours. What Is Watch Your Car? Who Administers Watch Your Car? Who Can Apply to Participate in the Program? What Will I Need To Apply? Agreement Details Register Your Car with the Program Contact Information   What Is Watch Your Car? Watch Your Car is a national vehicle theft prevention program funded by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. It is a voluntary vehicle registration program designed to deter auto theft and assist in the apprehension of auto thieves. Participating vehicle owners sign an agreement stating their vehicle is not normally used between the hours of 1 am and 5 am. Vehicle owners receive decals that they apply to their windshields. If a police officer observes the vehicle being driven anywhere in the United States during these hours, they may stop the vehicle and verify the vehicle owner —or a person designated by the owner— is operating it, and that the vehicle is not stolen. Who Administers Watch Your Car? The Watch Your Car Program is administered by the DC Metropolitan Police Department and is provided as a public service, free-of-charge, to owners of vehicles registered in the District. If you're interested in protecting your car -- police officers across the nation are ready to..... WATCH YOUR CAR! Who Can Apply To Participate in the Program? Any person who has a vehicle registered in the District of Columbia may participate. In addition, temporary civilian and military personnel who are in the District may apply. What Will I Need to Apply? You will need to supply the following information on the paper and/or online application form: Full name of registered owner (if co-owned, supply the name of co-owner) Names of up to two additional authorized drivers District street address including (apartment number if needed) and zip code. No PO Boxes accepted. Vehicle model, make, style, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN Number) Vehicle tag number Daytime telephone number Home telephone number (if different) Agreement Details BY REGISTERING THE ABOVE VEHICLE IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA "WATCH YOUR CAR" PROGRAM I/WE VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING The above vehicle is not normally operated between the hours of 1 am and 5 am. If the Police should observe a person operating the vehicle during the hours of 1 am and 5 am, they will reasonably suspect that the person operating the vehicle is doing so without my permission. Under these conditions, I grant consent to the Police to make an Investigation Stop of the vehicle and to determine if an authorized driver is operating the vehicle. I also realize that persons operating my vehicle during the stated hours with my permission are subject to being stopped by the Police for investigation. It is my responsibility to advise these individuals prior to giving them my vehicle that police may stop the vehicle. In these instances, police action may include the necessary precautions taken to protect officers when approaching a potentially stolen vehicle with occupants. I understand that I must remove both decals if I withdraw from the program. I will also notify the DC AUTO THEFT UNIT, in writing, of such withdrawal or of any changes in my address or telephone number while still in the program. I further consent and agree to indemnify and hold harmless any local, county, state or federal duly sworn law enforcement officer or agency against any and all claims arising from my participation in this program. Register Your Car with the Program To request an application packet, contact 1-877-322-7867 (toll free) with your full name, telephone number with area code, and mailing address. An application will then be mailed to you. Or click here to register online.  Upon receipt of your completed registration form, the MPDC will mail you a welcome letter, Watch Your Car windshield decals, and instructions for their placement on your vehicle. Appropriate auxiliary aides and services for qualified individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Contact Information Metropolitan Police Department Auto Theft Unit 300 Indiana Avenue NW Washington, DC 20001 1-877-DC2-STOP (toll free) 1-877-322-7867