District of Columbia Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal 392.82 hand-held ban applies to you the moment you cross into the District, so hands-free is the only legal way to run a phone. DC bars all drivers from holding a phone or device while driving (D.C. Code §50-1731.04), primary enforcement, with a $100 fine. Bus and novice drivers get no hands-free allowance at all. Emergency calls to 911 or 311 are exempt, matching the federal emergency carve-out.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
District of Columbia’s rule for all drivers
The federal 392.82 hand-held ban applies to you the moment you cross into the District, so hands-free is the only legal way to run a phone. DC bars all drivers from holding a phone or device while driving (D.C. Code §50-1731.04), primary enforcement, with a $100 fine. Bus and novice drivers get no hands-free allowance at all. Emergency calls to 911 or 311 are exempt, matching the federal emergency carve-out.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Texting banned for all drivers, primary enforcement (D.C. Code §50-1731.04).
- Fine: $100 fine. A first offense can be suspended if you buy a hands-free accessory before the fine is imposed.
- Points: First-offense $100 fine can be suspended for a driver who buys a hands-free device before it is imposed. Federally, a 392.82 conviction is a CSA serious violation: 2 in 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days.
District of Columbia Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in District of Columbia?
What is the phone fine in District of Columbia?
Is texting while driving illegal in District of Columbia?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1731.04. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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