Search

PHMSA Restricts Hand-Held Mobile Phone Use for Commercial Drivers

Posted on 12/2/2011 by James Griffin

Today, December, 2, 2011, two agencies under the Department of Transportation amended their rules to restrict the use of hand-held mobile telephones by drivers of commercial motor vehicles.
 
Promulgated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), this rule modifies the current rules found in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).
 
The goal of the rule change, effective on January 3, 2012, is to prevent distracted driving that can lead to crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving interstate trucks and buses.
 
“When drivers of large trucks, buses, and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “I hope that this rule will save lives by helping commercial drivers stay laser-focused on safety at all times while behind the wheel.”
 
Under the HMR, the rule amends Part 177 (“Carriage by Public Highway”), specifically 49 CFR 177.804(c), which relates to compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
 
Should a driver be caught using a hand-held mobile phone, he or she will face Federal civil penalties up to $2,750 per offense. Drivers with multiple offenses may also face disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle.
 
States will also have the ability to suspend a driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations.
 
The new rule is part of a greater initiative to keep drivers alert and safe. In February 2011, PHMSA already published a rule banning texting by intrastate hazardous materials drivers.
 
“This final rule represents a giant leap for safety,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “It’s just too dangerous for drivers to use a hand-held cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle. Drivers must keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and head in the game when operating on our roads. Lives are at stake.”
 
On a related note, motor carriers would also now be prohibited from requiring or allowing their drivers to use hand-held mobile devices.
 
The new regulation does not prohibit hands-free devices.
 

Tags: DOT

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

I chose Lion's online webinar because it is simple, effective, and easily accessible.

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Just starting out with shipping lithium batteries? The four fundamental concepts in this guide are the place to start.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.