 National Hand Held Cell Phone Laws In Effect The FMCSA and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration rule to ban the use of hand-held cell phones by commercial vehicle drivers went into effect on January 3, 2012. Specifically the rule allows for the continued use of hands free devices stating "The Agency (FMCSA) does not believe sufficient data exist to justify a ban of both hand-held and hands-free use of mobile telephones by drivers operating CMVs in interstate commerce." The rule bans the use of push-to-talk technology which the agencies consider to be cell phone technology but does not ban the use of CB radios because "The use of CB and two-way radios and other electronic devices by CMV drivers for other functions is outside the scope of consideration in this rulemaking. " Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses. Additionally, states will suspend a driver's commercial driver's license (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations. Commercial truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000. Click Here For Frequently Asked Questions | 
