The Distracted Driving Safety Act went into effect July 1, making it illegal to drive in D.C. while using a hand-held cell phone.
Police will issue warnings to violators during the month of July. Starting on Aug. 1 violators will receive a ticket and $100 fine, though the fine can be waived if the violator provides a receipt for a hands-free device.
"Our goal is to reduce distracted driving and improve traffic safety, not to write tickets," said Metropolitan Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey in a June 24 press release. "But if ticketing is what it takes to get motorists to obey the law and pay greater attention to their driving, then our officers will not hesitate to write citations beginning August 1."
Making an emergency call on a cell phone and dialing a cell phone while driving is still legal. Emergency vehicle drivers are still allowed to use a cell phone while driving if necessary.
The law also prohibits using other types of electronic devices, reading, writing and personal grooming while driving.
