Commercial Driver Cell Phone Ban

MOBILE PHONE RESTRICTION RULE FOR COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS

The Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) prohibits motor carriers from requiring or allowing drivers to use mobile, hand-held cellular telephones while operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).

OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND

The FMCSA rule restricts the use of all hand-held mobile devices by drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This rulemaking restricts a CMV driver from holding a mobile device to make a call, or dialing by pressing more than a single button. CMV drivers who use a mobile phone while driving can only use a hands-free phone located in close proximity.

DEFINITION OF USING A MOBILE TELEPHONE

The use of a hand-held mobile telephone means:

• Using at least one hand to hold a mobile phone to make a call;
• Dialing a mobile phone by pressing more than a single button; or
• Reaching for a mobile phone in a manner that requires a driver to maneuver so that he or she is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seat belt.

FINES, PENALTIES, AND DISQUALIFICATION

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a CMV can result in driver disqualification. Penalties can be up to $2,750 for drivers and up to $11,000 for employers who allow or require drivers to use a hand-held communications device while driving.

Multiple violations of the prohibition of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a CMV can result in a driver disqualification by FMCSA. Multiple violations of State laws prohibiting use of a mobile phone while driving a CMV is a serious traffic violation that could result in a disqualification by a State of drivers required to have a Commercial Drivers License.

It’s very easy to comply with the rules:

• No Reaching
• No Holding
• No Dialing
• No Texting
• No Reading

WE CAN HELP YOU AVOID FINES AND PENALTIES AND COMPLY

Motorola’s MOTOTRBO digital two-way radios are the preferred choice for businesses and organizations that need to safely and efficiently connect with their mobile workforce. MOTOTRBO complies with US DOT, FMCSA and PHMSA regulations.  

REQUEST A DEMO

Take our Motorola digital system for a test drive in your own work environment. You’ll see the difference MOTOTRBO makes to your communications immediately.