PHMSA proposes ban on handheld cell phones for hazmat drivers

Washington – Commercial motor vehicle carriers that transport hazardous materials would be prohibited from requiring or allowing drivers to use handheld cell phones behind the wheel, according to a notice of proposed rulemaking (.pdf file) issued April 29 by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

In February, PHMSA published a final rule that prohibited text messaging by hazmat drivers.

Comments on the NPRM are due June 28.

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