The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Bans Hand Held Cell Phones for Drivers Operating Commercial Vehicles

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) ban on hand held cellular phones took effect yesterday, Jan. 3, 2012.  Drivers operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) (10,000 lbs GVWR or more) in interstate commerce who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a CMV for multiple offenses.  Basically if you are required to have a USDOT number to leave the state of Arizona these restrictions will apply to you.

Additionally, states will suspend a driver’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations. 

Agriculture is not specifically exempt from this rule.  The cell phone rule applies to anyone operating a CMV in interstate commerce whether or not a CDL is required.

Please see the FAQ document published by FMCSA for more information on what activities are restricted. 
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/other/faq/cellphone-ban-faqs.aspx

For additional Information please contact Philip Bashaw at (480) 635-3614 or philipbashaw@azfb.org.