DOT bans cell phone use for Hazmat, CMV drivers

Effective January 3, drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and drivers of placarded quantities of hazardous materials will be restricted from using mobile phone devices. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is restricting these drivers from holding a mobile telephone to conduct a voice communication, dialing a mobile telephone by pressing more than a single button, or reaching for a mobile phone in an unacceptable and unsafe manner, such as reaching for a mobile telephone on the passenger seat.

Drivers convicted of two or more violations within a three-year period of the new hand-held mobile telephone use restriction will be disqualified from operating a CMV for 60 days.

Additionally, motor carriers are prohibited from requiring or allowing drivers of CMVs to use hand-held mobile telephones. 

For more information, the rule is available here.

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