Ban on Texting Effective October 27 2010 ~ Midwest Compliance Inc.
The Final Rule prohibiting texting while operating a commercial motor vehicle went into effect yesterday, October 27, 2010.
You can read about the prohibition against texting in 49 CFR Part 392 in the new Subpart H; the final rule also amends parts 390 and 391. Part 392 clearly states that "drivers shall not participate in texting while driving and motor carriers must not allow or require their drivers to text while driving."
1) Electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a cellular telephone; personal digital assistant; pager; computer; or any other device used to input, write, send, receive, or read text.
2) Texting means manually entering alphanumeric text or reading text from an electronic device. This action includes, but is not limited to, short message service, e-mailing, instant messaging, a command or request to access a World Wide Web page, or engaging in any other form of electronic text retrieval or electronic text entry for present or future communication.
c. Using a device capable of performing multiple functions (e.g. fleet management systems, dispatching devices, smart phones, citizens band radios, music players, etc.) for a purpose that is not otherwise prohibited in part 392.
Please tell your drivers about the new rules! This is also a good time to review your driver safety policy to be sure that it is aligned with the texting ban – if you need help, give us a call!