(a) This chapter does not require a record or signature to be created, generated, sent, communicated, received, stored, or otherwise processed or used by electronic means or in electronic form.
(b) This chapter applies only to transactions between parties each of which has agreed to conduct transactions by electronic means. Whether the parties agree to conduct a transaction by electronic means is determined from the context and surrounding circumstances, including the parties’ conduct.
(c) A party that agrees to conduct a transaction by electronic means may refuse to conduct other transactions by electronic means. The right granted by this subsection may not be waived by agreement.
(d) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the effect of any of its provisions may be varied by agreement. The presence in certain provisions of this chapter of the words “unless otherwise agreed”, or words of similar import, does not imply that the effect of other provisions may not be varied by agreement.
(e) Whether an electronic record or electronic signature has legal consequences is determined by this chapter and other applicable law.
(Oct. 3, 2001, D.C. Law 14-28, § 3502(b), 48 DCR 6981; Mar. 13, 2004, D.C. Law 15-105, § 64, 51 DCR 881.)
D.C. Law 15-105 validated previously made technical corrections.
For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 3202(b) of Fiscal Year 2002 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-124, August 3, 2001, 48 DCR 7861).
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 5 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (1999 Act).
Structure District of Columbia Code
Title 28 - Commercial Instruments and Transactions. [Enacted title]
Chapter 49 - Uniform Electronic Transactions
§ 28–4903. Prospective application
§ 28–4904. Use of electronic records and electronic signatures; variation by agreement
§ 28–4905. Construction and application
§ 28–4906. Legal recognition of electronic records, electronic signatures, and electronic contracts
§ 28–4907. Provision of information in writing; presentation of records
§ 28–4908. Attribution and effect of electronic record and electronic signature
§ 28–4909. Effect of change or error
§ 28–4910. Notarization and acknowledgment
§ 28–4911. Retention of electronic records; originals
§ 28–4912. Admissibility in evidence
§ 28–4913. Automated transaction
§ 28–4914. Time and place of sending and receipt
§ 28–4915. Transferable records
§ 28–4917. Acceptance and distribution of electronic records by governmental agencies