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DOT Rules Against Cell Phones While Driving
A federal ban on the use of cell phones in commercial vehicles will go into effect on January 3, 2012. The ban on all handheld mobile telephones while driving was announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray Lahood on November 23, 2011 and was published in the Federal Register on December 2.The rule is the latest in a series of federal actions to curb distracted drivers. The rule effects all commercial vehicle drivers who engage in interstate commerce and who's vehicles are over 10,001 pounds gross vehicle weight. Currently 19 states are proposing rules that effect intrastate haulers.
Drivers who violate this rule face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 per offense and will face disqualification of commercial vehicle licensing for multiple offenses. Commercial towing, trucking and bussing companies that allow drivers to use mobile phones while driving may face penalties up to $11,000 maximum per offense.
This rule will affect millions of commercial drivers and will be very heavily enforced by authorities.
For more information, visit. http://1.usa.gov/slA4X6.
Written by amtran on 12/18/2011
