When are emergency vehicle drivers excluded from the law against texting and driving?

• A. When their siren and lights are activated
• B. The hours between sunset and sunrise (night)
• C. When they have made a clear assessment that operating a handheld device would not pose a danger
• D. When acting within the scope of their employment

Answer: (D)

Emergency responders are exempt from the texting ban when they are performing official duties. That means the prohibition doesn’t apply if they are acting within the scope of their employment and using a handheld device as part of their job to coordinate or respond to an emergency. The exemption isn’t triggered just by having lights and sirens on, or by the time of day, or by a belief that texting wouldn’t pose a danger. The allowed use is tied to being on duty and carrying out legitimate duties, not personal use.