No Use of Handheld Phones While Driving
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits commercial drivers from using handheld devices while operating a truck. Under these federal regulations, the driver is not permitted to:
- Hold the phone in her or his hand;
- Press more than one button to make or terminate a call;
- Maneuver out of a seated, belted position to reach for the phone.
A commercial driver found violating the handheld phone restrictions faces up to a $2,750 fine. The driver’s employer faces up to $11,000 fine. The driver’s commercial driving license may also be suspended. As a safety measure, truck drivers are permitted to use voice activation and blue tooth, earphones, speakerphone hands-free features.