We were recently informed that the U.S. DOT rule regarding the use of hand-held mobile phones in commercial motor vehicles which took effect on January 3rd, 2012 will be enforced in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Regulation 540 CMR 14.00 includes: 14.02: Scope and Applicability, and explains
the MA DOT’s adoption of federal regulations as state regulations under 14.03: Adoption and
Incorporation of Federal Regulations as State Regulations.
Under the regulation, no driver shall use a hand-held mobile telephone while driving a commercial motor vehicle. (49 CFR Part 392.82) A commercial motor vehicle is defined by the US DOT as a vehicle with a single or combined GVWR, or actual weight of over 10,000# utilized in interstate commerce. (Note: Most states have adopted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for intrastate commerce with vehicles at weights ranging from 10,001 to 26,001#)
Use of a hand held mobile telephone means: (49 CFR Part 390.5)
- Using at least one hand to hold a mobile telephone to conduct a voice communication;
- Dialing or answering a mobile telephone by pressing more than a single button, or
- Reaching for a mobile telephone in a manner which requires a driver to maneuver so that he or she is no longer in a seated position.
Our agent’s association offers the following Guidance and information on Penalties.
- This rule does not prohibit a driver from using a mounted mobile phone which can be easily accessed from the driver’s seat and activated with a single button.
- Driving means operating a commercial vehicle while on a public road, and when stopped in traffic on such a road. Driving does not include instances when the driver is safely parked. Emergency use is permitted.
- The term mobile telephone does not include two way or Citizens Band Radio services, however the term mobile telephone does include mobile services which are provided for profit, have inter-connected service and is available to a substantial portion of the public.
Penalty: Driver is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for 60 days with the second offense in 3 years. (120 days for each subsequent offense within 3 years) Only applies if violation occurred while driving a CMV.
Please note, this is just a brief summary of some of the important points of the new rule. For Frequently Asked Questions and a complete text of the rule, please see the US DOT website at the
following link: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/other/faq/cellphone-ban-faqs.aspx
Very Truly Yours,
DeSanctis Insurance Agency, Inc.
