Current through codified legislation effective September 4, 2024
Section 50-1731.04 - Restricted use of mobile telephone and other electronic devices(a) No person shall use a mobile telephone or other electronic device while operating a moving motor vehicle in the District of Columbia unless the telephone or device is equipped with a hands-free accessory.(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to the following: (1) Emergency use of a mobile telephone, including calls to 911 or 311, a hospital, an ambulance service provider, a fire department, a law enforcement agency, or a first-aid squad;(2) Use of a mobile telephone by law enforcement and emergency personnel or by a driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, acting within the scope of official duties; or(3) Initiating or terminating a telephone call, or turning the telephone on or off.(c) No person shall use headphones that cover both ears or earbuds in both ears while operating a motor vehicle in the District, except if the headphones or earbuds are being used to assist a hearing-impaired driver.Amended by D.C. Law 23-158,§ 6, 67 DCR 13057, eff. 12/23/2020.Mar. 30, 2004, D.C. Law 15-124, § 4, 51 DCR 1541.