Baier cited for handheld phone use in DC during federal crackdown

A Washington, DC traffic stop involving Fox News anchor Bret Baier occurred amid a broader federal-led crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital, highlighting how high-profile figures remain subject to local traffic rules even as the city reshapes its police oversight. Baier was ticketed for using a cellphone while driving in Georgetown, according to his post about the incident, which was captured on video and widely viewed online.

The interaction unfolded with Baier in a white Mercedes-Benz GWagon, driving his wife’s car, when a Metropolitan Police Department officer stopped him after Baier admitted he had picked up his ringing phone while driving. Baier said the officer signaled him to pull over, he complied, and after exchanging documents, the officer issued a citation. He described the encounter as calm and professional, noting that he had to search for the registration card before leaving the scene. He added that he hadn’t known “there was paparazzi” present.

The legal context in DC is clear: it is illegal to use a handheld cellphone while driving unless the device is hands-free, and the vehicle in question had Bluetooth connectivity. Baier indicated that he would move to...