## FMR Bulletin B-2 (Wireless Phone Use in U.S. Government Vehicles)

**FMR Bulletin B-2**\
**Motor Vehicle Management**

To: Heads of Federal Agencies.

Subject: Use of Hand-held Wireless Phones while Driving Motor Vehicles
Owned or Leased by the Federal Government.

*1. What Is the Purpose of This Bulletin?*

This bulletin provides guidance to Federal agencies concerning the use
of hand-held wireless phones while driving motor vehicles owned or
leased by the Federal government.

*2. What Is the Effective Date of This Bulletin?*

This bulletin is effective March 1, 2002.

*3. When Does This Bulletin Expire?*

This bulletin will remain in effect until specifically cancelled.

*4. What Is the Background?*

a\. Over 110 million people use wireless phones in the United States. A
recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) survey
found that 54 percent of motor vehicle drivers in the United States
usually have a wireless phone in their vehicle. Federal and State
policymakers have been weighing the benefits of wireless phone use in
vehicles against the growing evidence of their potential to increase
driver distraction and the risks to safety. The recent ban of hand-held
wireless phones while driving in New York State and pending legislation
in at least 27 other states has received significant publicity in 2001.
In addition, 23 countries now restrict or prohibit wireless phones in
motor vehicles.

b\. It is appropriate that the Federal government assume a leadership
role in promoting the safe use of wireless telephones by its employees
when they are engaged in official Government business. Accordingly,
Federal agencies should address the issue of wireless phone use in their
internal policies. Additionally, many agencies have requested guidance
from the General Services Administration\'s Office of Governmentwide
Policy (OGP), Federal Vehicle Policy Division on wireless phone use in
government owned and leased vehicles.

*5. What Is the Recommended Policy We Should Follow When Issuing
Guidance on the Use of Wireless Phones While Driving Motor Vehicles
Owned or Leased by the Federal Government?*

Federal agencies should:

a\. Discourage the use of hand-held wireless phones by a driver while
operating motor vehicles owned or leased by the Federal government.

b\. Provide a portable hands-free accessory and/or a hands-free car kit
for government owned wireless phones.

c\. Educate employees on driving safely while using hands-free wireless
phones. See [[Attachment
A]{.underline}](http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?pageTypeId=8199&channelId=-14006&P=MTP&contentId=12512&contentType=GSA_BASIC#AttachmentACellularPhoneSafeDrivingTips%23AttachmentACellularPhoneSafeDrivingTips)
for \"Cellular Phone Driving Tips\" published by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

*6. Are Federal Employees Exempt from Local or State Laws Prohibiting or
Limiting the Use of Wireless Phones While Driving?*

Generally, Federal employees are not exempt from state and local laws
governing operation of a motor vehicle. If adhering to state and local
laws would impede your agency\'s mission, consult your General Counsel
for advice.

*7. Could Federal Agencies be Held Liable for Injuries or Damages Caused
by Employees Who Use Wireless Phones While Driving Motor Vehicles Owned
or Leased by the Federal Government?*

Federal agencies should be aware of the potential for increased
liability from accidents that occur if directly caused by the use of
wireless phones while driving motor vehicles owned or leased by the
Federal government.

*8. What Future Actions Should We Expect?*

NHTSA has over a dozen new studies planned during the next two years
regarding driver distractions such as wireless phone use. As these
reports are published, the General Services Administration\'s Federal
Vehicle Policy Division will keep agencies abreast of the current
research and recommendations on whether wireless phones, or any other
device, should be used while driving.

*9. Who Should We Contact for Further Information and/or To Direct
Comments to on the Issue of Limiting the Use of Wireless Phones While
Driving Motor Vehicles Owned or Leased by the Federal Government?*

General Services Administration\
Office of Governmentwide Policy\
Federal Vehicle Policy Division (MTV)\
Washington, DC 20405\
Telephone Number: 202-501-1777\
E-mail Address: vehicle.policy@gsa.gov

Dated: February 25, 2002.

G. Martin Wagner,\
*Associate Administrator,\
Office of Governmentwide Policy.*

**Attachment A-Cellular Phone Safe Driving Tips**

Safe driving is your first priority. Always buckle up, keep your hands
on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Make sure that your phone is positioned where it is easy to see and easy
to reach. Be familiar with the operation of your phone, so that you\'re
comfortable using it on the road.

Use a hands-free microphone while driving. Make sure your phone is
dealer-installed to get the best possible sound quality.

Use the speed dialing feature to program in frequently called numbers.
Then you can make a call by touching only two or three buttons. Most
phones will store up to 99 numbers.

When dialing manually without the speed dialing feature, dial only when
stopped. If you can\'t stop, or pull over, dial a few digits, then
survey traffic before completing the call. (Better yet, have a passenger
dial.)

Never take notes while driving. Pull off the road to jot something down;
if it\'s a phone number, many mobile phones have an electronic
scratchpad that allows you to key in a new number while having a
conversation.

Let your wireless network\'s voice mail pick up your calls when it\'s
inconvenient or unsafe to answer the car phone. You can even use your
voice mail to leave yourself reminders.

Be a cellular Samaritan. Dialing 9-1-1 is a free call for cellular
subscribers; use it to report crimes in progress or other potential
life-threatening emergencies, accidents or drunk driving.

*Source*: Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration: An Investigation of the Safety Implications of Wireless
Communications in Vehicles November 1997.