Using a mobile phone while driving in District of Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In the District of Columbia a driver may not hold a mobile phone or use one without a hands-free accessory. The fine is USD 100, suspended for a first-time violator who shows proof of acquiring a hands-free accessory, except for texting violations. The violation is processed as a moving violation.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $100.00 per offence [2] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers. Holding a phone is banned, and "use" covers manually entering data to compose, send or read a text message; voice-based hands-free use is allowed. The first-offence fine waiver for buying a hands-free accessory does not apply to texting. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers with a learner's permit and all drivers under 18 may not use any mobile phone or other electronic device while driving, including hands-free, except in an emergency. [3] |
Notes
- Use of a mobile phone is allowed with a hands-free accessory. Headphones covering both ears or earbuds in both ears are banned (50-1731.04(c)). Initiating or terminating a call or turning the phone on or off is excepted.
- The fine is suspended for a first-time violator who, after the violation and before a fine is imposed, proves acquisition of a hands-free accessory. The suspension does not apply to texting.
- Section 50-1731.06(b) treats a violation as a moving violation; the number of points is set elsewhere and was not read.
Sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code section 50-1731.04 - Restricted use of mobile telephone and other electronic devices (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code section 50-1731.06 - Enforcement; fines and penalties (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code § 50-1731.05: Additional restrictions for school bus drivers and holders of learner's permits (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
District of Columbia and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maryland | Banned (no hand use) | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None unless crash |
| Virginia | Banned | Allowed | USD 125 | 3 demerit points |
More rules in District of Columbia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+, up to 2 oz · Growing at home: Yes, up to 6 plants (3 mature)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph (default) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 20 mph (default)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsMinimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (fountains, cones, sparklers only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No folding rule; 'dangerous weapon' ban applies · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade: possession banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $18.40 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.