The W.Times is reporting that since the law took effect Aug. 1, the Metropolitan Police have issued 283 tickets under the District’s “distracted driver” law banning, among other things, cell phone use without a hands free device. In addition to illegal cell phone calls, drivers were ticketed for “drinking coffee, eating fast food, or fussing with pets or children.”
The W.Times advises:
First offenders of the cell-phone ban can avoid the fine by showing up at traffic court with proof of having purchased a hands-free device. Drivers indulging in other distractions, however, likely have to pay the fine.
The penalty does not include points against a driver’s license.
