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

These are the best commercial course references I have seen (10+ years). Great job!

Ed Grzybowski

EHS & Facility Engineer

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

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

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

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.