US DOT Bans Commercial Vehicle Cell Phone Use

US DOT Bans Commercial Vehicle Cell Phone Use

BREAKING NEWS:

The U.S. Department of Transportation has banned the use of mobile phones for operators while driving commercial vehicles, effective January 3, 2012. A commercial motor vehicle is defined by the US DOT as a vehicle with a single or combined GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) greater than 10,000 pounds.

Use of a hand-held mobile phone means: (49 CFR Part 390.5)

1. Using at least one hand to hold a mobile telephone to conduct a voice communication;
2. Dialing or answering a mobile telephone by pressing more than a single button, or
3. Reaching for a mobile telephone in a manner which requires a driver to maneuver so that he or she is no longer in a seated position.

See the new ban for certain exemptions such as:

• The acceptable use of a mounted mobile phone with easy access from the seated position and single button activation
• The acceptable use of a mobile phone when the driver is safely parked. Emergency use is permitted.
• Two-way or Citizens Band Radio services are not prohibited.

The penalties for drivers in non-compliance of the rule are federal fines and disqualification from operating commercial vehicles for multiple offenses.

For all details of the ban, its exemptions and penalties, see the final rule here.

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