Commercial bus drivers and truck drivers could soon face a ban on using hand-held cell phones. The U.S. Department of Transportation has proposed a new safety regulation that would prohibit commercial drivers from using the hand-held phones while operating a commercial motor vehicle. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rule would ban drivers from reaching for, holding or dialing a cell phone while operating a CMV. Violators would face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and having their CDL disqualified for multiple offenses. States could also suspend a driver’s CDL after two or more violations after any state law on hand-held cell phone use. Motor carriers who allow drivers to use hand-held cell phones would face a penalty of $11,000. About four million interstate commercial drivers would be affected by the proposal. The FMCSA is providing 60 days for the public to comment on the new proposal. For more, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
