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Council votes to restrict cell phone use by drivers
(Published January 12, 2004)

A nearly unanimous D.C. City Council on Jan. 6 approved a bill that – beginning July 1 – will impose a $100 fine for unsafe operation of a motor vehicle that is caused by "distracted driving."

The bill, which Mayor Anthony A. Williams is expected to sign into law, bans the use of hand-held cellular telephones while driving in the District.

Other activities while driving that are prohibited by the bill include "reading, writing, performing personal grooming, interacting with pets or unsecured cargo, using personal communications technologies, or engaging in any other activity which causes distractions."

"Safety is of the utmost importance ... We’re a very densely populated city, and we need to protect our pedestrians," said Councilwoman Carol Schwartz, R-At Large, a major proponent of the legislation.

Councilman Jim Graham, D-Ward 1, cast the lone vote against the bill, citing his concern that D.C. police would be "distracted" from crime-fighting efforts by looking for drivers who are violating the hand-held cell phone ban.

A recent poll by the American Automobile Associa-tion found 76 percent of D.C. area motorists favored a ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving.

The legislation exempts the use of hand-held cell phones by emergency services personnel who are performing their official duties and for other bona fide emergencies.

School bus drivers and unlicensed drivers with a learner’s permit would be prohibited from using a cell phone, even with a hands-free device, under all circumstances except in legitimate emergencies.

The bill suspends the fine for first offenders who violate the hand-held cell phone restrictions if they provide proof of acquiring a hands-free accessory between the date of their citation and the due date of their fine.