Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not use a device that dials by remote control a preprogrammed telephone number and transmits a prerecorded message communicating an existing emergency condition, including fire, illness, or crime, without written approval for the use of the device from the holder of the number dialed. This section does not apply to: a State or local law enforcement agency that is conducting an official investigation or communicating an emergency condition; a State or local emergency management agency that is communicating an emergency condition; or a person that is specifically designated by an agency described in item (1) or (2) of this subsection to participate in an official investigation or communicate an emergency condition. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50 for each violation.