When use is not authorized, personal electronic devices must be:

• A. Turned off and stored out of sight off one's person, along with any earpieces, headphones or other similar peripheral devices
• B. Kept in a locker
• C. Allowed to be used only in designated zones
• D. Placed on vibrate mode

Answer: (A)

When you’re not allowed to use a personal electronic device, the rule is about eliminating distraction and preserving clear communication and awareness on duty. Turning the device off and storing it out of sight keeps it from being a tempting source of attention or a potential interference with radios and alarms, and removing any earpieces or similar peripherals eliminates the chance of listening or talking when you shouldn’t.

Keeping the device in a locker or just using vibrate mode still leaves the possibility of distraction or accidental use, and doesn’t guarantee the device is completely inactive or that peripherals aren’t being used. Allowing use only in designated zones likewise contradicts the no-use requirement, and a device on vibrate can still draw attention or interrupt focus.

So the best approach is to fully power down and secure the device, along with any earpieces, out of sight and off your person.