Latest News:  January 2, 2012

Put Down those Cell Phones!

By April S. Glatt

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that interstate truck and bus drivers are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. Drivers cited for violations of this new restriction face federal civil penalties up to $2,750 for each offense. A driver faces disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses. Companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face penalties of up to $11,000. Note: this new restriction does not ban the use of CB radios and there are other exceptions as well, for devices capable of performing multiple functions for a purpose not otherwise prohibited by the rule.

If you haven't done so already, institute a policy in your company prohibiting all hand-held cell phone use. Notify all your drivers of this change immediately to avoid penalties.