Regulatory Guidance Texting While Driving Ban.

FMCSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 390.17 " Additional equipment and accessories" that effectively prohibits commercial drivers from using electronic devices to prepare or review text messages while operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. This ban became effective January 27, 2010. 

Electronic devices are defined as handheld or other wireless electronic devices that are brought into a CMV. The FMCSA defines texting as " the review of, or preparation and transmission of, typed messages through any such device or the engagement in any form of electronic data communication through any such device.

Truck and bus drivers who are convicted of texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle may be subject to civil or criminal penalties up to $2,720.

Teamsters Local 404.