DOT bans handheld cell use while driving

By Jill Dunn

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has released a final rule that will allow commercial drivers to continue hands-free cell phone use, but will bar operating handheld cell phones while driving.

The new rule still will permit truck and bus drivers to use handheld cells after they have moved their vehicles to the side of or off a highway or have stopped where the vehicle can safely remain stationary.

Violators will face a maximum civil penalty of $2,750 for each offense. CDL holders will be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses and states will suspend CDLs after two or more serious traffic violations.

Truck and bus companies that allow drivers to use handheld cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000.

FMCSA research shows using a handheld cell phone while driving requires “several risky steps” beyond what is required for a hands-free mobile phone. Dialing a handheld cell phone increases the crash-risk for commercial drivers six-fold, it stated.