VFBF News Lead: Hand-held phone ban to take effect Jan. 3 for all commercial drivers

This story appeared in the Dec. 22 edition of News Leads:

Farmers and others who drive commercial motor vehicles will be subject to stricter rules governing the use of hand-held mobile phones starting Jan. 3, 2012.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration have amended their respective regulations to restrict the use of hand-held phones by CMV drivers. The change is intended to help prevent distracted driver-related crashes involving commercial vehicles.

The regulatory changes will apply to anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle, including farmers and farm employees who are exempt from having to secure a commercial driver’s license to transport farm products.