§41725. Prohibition on certain cell phone voice communications

(a) Prohibition.-The Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations-

(1) to prohibit an individual on an aircraft from engaging in voice communications using a mobile communications device during a flight of that aircraft in scheduled passenger interstate or intrastate air transportation; and

(2) that exempt from the prohibition described in paragraph (1) any-

(A) member of the flight crew on duty on an aircraft;

(B) flight attendant on duty on an aircraft; and

(C) Federal law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity.

(b) Definitions.-In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) Flight.-The term "flight" means, with respect to an aircraft, the period beginning when the aircraft takes off and ending when the aircraft lands.

(2) Mobile communications device.-

(A) In general.-The term "mobile communications device" means any portable wireless telecommunications equipment utilized for the transmission or reception of voice data.

(B) Limitation.-The term "mobile communications device" does not include a phone installed on an aircraft.

(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title IV, §403(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3328 .)