The proposed rulemaking to ban texting for CMV drivers would also restrict the use of cell phones, according to the latest language offered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The FMCSA added language to its proposed rulemaking, and the proposal was sent to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget for review on Thursday, March 18.

Here’s the agency’s latest description:

“This rulemaking would ban text messaging and restrict the use of cell phones while operating a commercial motor vehicle. This rulemaking is in response to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration-sponsored studies that analyzed safety incidents and distracted drivers. This rulemaking would also address the National Transportation Safety Board’s ‘Most Wanted List’ of safety recommendations.”

During a summit in late September 2009, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood outlined his intentions to ban texting and restrict cell use for truckers and bus drivers.

Earlier this year, LaHood issued regulatory guidance to say texting was already banned under existing regulations.

According to regulators, the texting and cell rules for truckers could be published as soon as Monday, March 22. Following publication, FMCSA intends to open up a 30-day public comment period.

OOIDA’s position on distracted driving includes calling upon government entities to educate the motoring public on safe driving practices. The Association encourages law enforcement agencies to fully enforce existing laws pertaining to inattentive or negligent driving.

So, ya think they are going to allow us to park on the road side to use the phone?

Or give a "bear report"? Is the CB the "third rail" of trucking?


As an aside, I doubt it is your intention to represent the OP as your own work. I bring that up because it's not attributed or linked to it's original source. You (and you're not alone on CAD) are breaking a copyright law for which you and the board can be held accountable. There's a provision in the law called "Fair Use" that allows you to quote or refer to another's work so long as you attribute it thus making it clear you're not claiming it as your own.

I would have PM'd you but you're still too young for that and I figured it wouldn't hurt to let others know it could be a problem . . like the mods and admins, for instance.

Dang this is stupid, lets just have us sitting there holding the wheel staring at a zipper line for 11 hours without cb, cell, movies, dirty mags while momma can shave her legs while eating and talking on the phone with 5 kids in the car at the same time------NOOOOOO PROBLEM

When they figure out more wrecks happen due to highway hypnosis then they wont allow us to drive without listening to music anymore