There is a lot of truck traffic on Highway 61 and truckers should know about a new law now in effect regarding the use of cell phones. In response to a growing number of accidents, the U.S. Department of Transportation has prohibited interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. The new law went into effect Jan. 3.
Driving using a hand-held mobile device is considered a serious traffic violation that would result in a CDL driver being disqualified. Research shows that it is six times more likely for a commercial vehicle driver to be involved in a safety-critical event when dialing a mobile phone than those who do not.
States will suspend the driver’s CDL after two or more violations. Penalties for a conviction of this offense will be CDL disqualification: 60 days for a second offense within three years and 120 days for three or more offenses within three years. In addition, the first and each subsequent violation are subject to civil penalties in amounts up to $2,750.
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