FMCSA Issues Final Rule to Ban Handheld Cell Phone Use
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued the final rule to ban the use of handheld cell phones by commercial vehicle drivers.
Specifically the rule allows for the continued use of hands-free devices stating “The Agency (FMCSA) does not believe sufficient data exist to justify a ban of both handheld and hands-free use of mobile telephones by drivers operating CMVs in interstate commerce.”
Note also that the rule bans the use of push-to-talk technology which the agencies consider to be cell phone technology but does not ban the use of CB radios because “The use of CB and two-way radios and other electronic devices by CMV drivers for other functions is outside the scope of consideration in this rulemaking.” ATA’s Office of Public Affairs is currently drafting an official statement about the rule.
For more information, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
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