Truckers’ Handheld Cellphone Ban Takes Effect Jan. 3

The regulation banning truck drivers from using handheld phones while they drive will take effect Jan. 3, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said Friday. (Note: a previous version of this story said Jan. 1, which was incorrect.)

Commercial drivers will face fines of up to $2,750 for using phones, and revocation or suspension of their commercial driver’s license for repeat offenses, said the regulation, which was published in Friday’s Federal Register.

Click here to view the rule in text format, or click here for PDF version. (U.S. government website)

“It’s just too dangerous for drivers to use a handheld cellphone while operating a commercial vehicle,” FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro said in announcing the ban just before Thanksgiving.

The ban was developed along with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. It applies to interstate commercial drivers and drivers of hazardous materials.

Employers who allow drivers to use phones while driving face up to $11,000 in fines, the agencies said.