N.J. Exempts Truckers’ CBs from Handheld-Device Ban

New Jersey has exempted truck drivers using with CBs and two-way radios from its prohibition against using handheld communication devices while driving.

The exemption, which took effect immediately, was signed into law on July 6 by Gov. Chris Christie (R).

New Jersey in 2007 banned texting and talking on cell phones while driving but did not intend to include truckers using CBs, said Gail Toth, executive director of the New Jersey Motor Truck Association.

But in its haste to curb distracted driving, the state did not include a CB exemption as did other states with bans against “handheld” devices including California, Maryland and Oregon.

While some states ban only texting while driving or talking on a cell phone while driving or both, eight states, including New Jersey, use the language “handheld communication devices,” according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.