District of Columbia Code Division V. Local Business Affairs § 34-1701. Ban on automated telephone dialing systems for commercial solicitation; definitions; prohibition; exceptions.

(1) “Automated dialing or push-button or tone-activated address signaling telephone system with a prerecorded message” is any equipment used for telephone solicitation purposes, which alone or in conjunction with other equipment, can convey a prerecorded or synthesized voice message to the number called.

(2) “Soliciting” means any attempt to sell or lease consumer goods, services, or real property to another person.

(b)(1) A person may not use an automated dialing, push-button, or tone-activated address signaling telephone system with a prerecorded message for the sole purpose of:

(2) This section shall not apply if:

(3) Any automated, push-button, or tone-activated address signaling telephone system used in the District must automatically create a disconnect signal or on hook condition which allows the called party's line to be released within 10 seconds after the called party hangs up.

(4) Any person who violates this section shall be fined a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for the 1st violation and not more than $5,000 for each subsequent violation.

(5) The Corporation Counsel of the District of Columbia, or his assistants, shall prosecute violations of this section in the name of the District of Columbia.