DOT Opens Comment Period on Proposal to Ban Truckers’ Use of Hand-Held Phones
The Department of Transportation has published its proposed rule restricting truck drivers from using hand-held cellphones while operating and opened a two-month public comment period on the proposal.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published the proposed rule in Tuesday’s Federal Register. Public comments will be accepted for 63 days, until Feb. 22.
FMCSA first unveiled its plan Friday, which would set fines for truck drivers as high as $2,750 per violation, while carriers’ could face fines of up to $11,000 for drivers’ using hand-held phones while driving a commercial motor vehicle.
DOT said it was part of its ongoing efforts to combat distracted driving.
To view the rule, go to www.regulations.gov and enter FMCSA-2010-0096 in the Keyword/ID box. Click the links below to view the rule and/or submit comments.
