Source: http://archive.regulationroom.org/texting/agency-documents/rule-text/
Timestamp: 2017-05-26 09:18:08
Document Index: 510991573

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 383', 'art 390', 'art 383', '§ 383', '§ 383', 'art 384', '§ 384', '§ 390', '§ 390', 'art 391', '§ 391', '§ 391', '§ 392', 'art 383', '§ 383', '§ 383', '§383', '§383', '§383', '§383', '§ 384', '§ 390', 'art 383', '§383', 'art 387', '§387', '§387', '§390', '§ 391', 'art 391', '§ 391', '§ 391', '§ 391', '§ 391', '§ 390', '§ 391', '§ 391', '§ 392', '§395', '§395', '§ 392', '§ 392', '§ 392', '§ 392', '§ 392', '§ 392', '§ 390']

Rule Text « Texting
The texting rule would amend several existing regulations. The ones in 49 CFR Code of Federal Regulations Part 383 relate to the CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) program. Those in 49 CRF Part 390 relate to the FMCSR Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: federal rules governing operation and safety of Commercial Motor Vehicles program. (See Which drivers are covered).
In the version below, proposed changes appear in blue text. Short summaries by the Regulation Room team appear in italic text. To see the full version of the current regulations, go to the FMCSA site.
49 CFR Code of Federal Regulations Code of Federal Regulations Part 383—Commercial Driver’s License Standards; Requirements and Penalties
§ 383.5: Definitions—New definitions would be added for the terms “electronic device” and “texting.”
§ 383.51: Disqualification of Drivers— New category (9) would add violation of State or local anti-texting laws to the list of “serious traffic offenses” that can result in disqualification. A new footnote to this category would define “driving” to clarify that idling at a traffic signal is included, while idling on the side of the road is not.
Part 384—State Compliance with Commercial Driver’s License Program
§ 384.301: Substantial Compliance — General Requirements — New subpart (e) would give states no more than 3 years to implement the new CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) disqualification rules.
§ 390.3: General Applicability —Proposed subsection (f)(1) would remove the current exemption for school bus drivers employed by a private operator, for purposes of the texting ban only.
§ 390.5: Definitions—New definitions would be added for the terms “electronic device” and “texting.” Part 391—Qualification of Drivers and Longer Combination Vehicle (LCV) Driver Instructions
§ 391.2: General Exceptions—New language in subsections (a), (b), and (c) would remove the current exemption for farm and apiary operations, for purposes of the texting ban only.
§ 391.15: Disqualification of Drivers— New subsection (e) would add violation of the new texting ban in § 392.80 to the offenses that could result in disqualification from operating a CMV.
392.80 Prohibition Against Texting— This new proposed section would prohibit covered CMV Commercial Motor Vechicles drivers from texting while driving, and prohibit motor carriers companies from allowing or requiring their drivers to text while driving. A new definition of driving would clarify that idling at a traffic signal is included, while idling on the side of the road is not.
Part 383—Commercial Driver’s License Standards; Requirements and Penalties
Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 521, 31136, 31301 et seq., and 31502; secs. 214 and 215 of Pub. L. 106–159, 113 Stat. 1766, 1767; sec. 1012(b) of Pub. L. 107–56; 115 Stat. 397; sec. 4140 of Pub. L. 109–59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1726; and 49 CFR Code of Federal Regulations Code of Federal Regulations 1.73.
§ 383.5: Definitions
New definitions would be added for the terms “electronic device” and “texting.” As used in this part:
. . . Electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a cellular telephone; personal digital assistant; pager; computer; or other device used to input, write, send, receive, or read text.
. . . Texting means manually entering alphanumeric text into, or reading text from, an electronic device.
(1) This action includes, but is not limited to, short message service, e-mailing, instant messaging, a command or request to access a World Wide Web page, or engaging in any other form of electronic text retrieval or entry for present or future communication.
(ii) Using an in-cab fleet A group of motor vehicles owned or leased by businesses or government agencies management system or citizens band radio;
(iii) Inputting or selecting information on a global positioning system A space-based global navigation satellite system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth or navigation system; or
(iv) Using a device capable of performing multiple functions for a purpose that is not otherwise prohibited in this rule.
§ 383.51: Disqualifications of Drivers
New category (9) would add violation of State or local anti-texting laws to the list of “serious traffic offenses” that can result in disqualification. A new footnote to this category would define “driving” to clarify that idling at a traffic signal is included, while idling on the side of the road is not.
(a) General. (1) A driver or holder of a CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) who is disqualified must not drive a CMV.
(3) A driver is subject to disqualification sanctions designated in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, if the holder of a CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) drives a CMV Commercial Motor Vechicles or non-CMV and is convicted of the violations.
(4) Determining first and subsequent violations. For purposes of determining first and subsequent violations of the offenses specified in this subpart, each conviction for any offense listed in Tables 1 through 4 to this section resulting from a separate incident, whether committed in a CMV Commercial Motor Vechicles or non-CMV, must be counted.
(5) Reinstatement after lifetime disqualification. A State may reinstate any driver disqualified for life for offenses described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(8) of this section (Table 1 to §383.51) after 10 years if that person has voluntarily entered and successfully completed an appropriate rehabilitation program approved by the State. Any person who has been reinstated in accordance with this provision and who is subsequently convicted of a disqualifying offense described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(8) of this section (Table 1 to §383.51) must not be reinstated.
For a second conviction of any combination of offenses in this Table in a separate incident within a 3-year period while operating a CMV, a person required to have a CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) and a CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV Commercial Motor Vechicles for . . .
For a second conviction of any combination of offenses in this Table in a separate incident within a 3-year period while operating a non-CMV, a CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV, if the conviction results in the revocation, cancellation, or suspension of the CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) holder’s license or non-CMV driving privileges, for . . .
For a third or subsequent conviction of any combination of offenses in this Table in a separate incident within a 3-year period while operating a CMV, a person required to have a CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) and a CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV Commercial Motor Vechicles for . . .
For a third or subsequent conviction of any combination of offenses in this Table in a separate incident within a 3-year period while operating a non-CMV, a CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV, if the conviction results in the revocation, cancellation, or suspension of the CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) holder’s license or non-CMV driving privileges, for . . .
(1) Speeding excessively, involving any speed of 24.1 kmph (15 mph) or more above the posted speed limit
(2) driving recklessly, as defined by State or local law or regulation, including but, not limited to, offenses of driving a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property
(3) making improper or erratic traffic lane changes
(4) following the vehicle ahead too closely
(5) Violating State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) arising in connection with a fatal accident
(6) driving a CMV Commercial Motor Vechicles without obtaining a CDL
(7) driving a CMV Commercial Motor Vechicles without a CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) in the driver’s possession1
(8) driving a CMV Commercial Motor Vechicles without the proper class of CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) and/or endorsements for the specific vehicle group being operated or for the passengers or type of cargo being transported
(9) Violating a State or local law or ordinance on motor vehicle traffic control prohibiting texting while driving2
1 Any individual who provides proof to the enforcement authority that issued the citation, by the date the individual must appear in court or pay any fine for such a violation, that the individual held a valid CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) on the date the citation was issued, shall not be guilty of this offense.
2 Driving, for the purpose of this disqualification, means operating a commercial motor vehicle, with the motor running, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays. Driving does not include operating a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business with or without the motor running when the driver has moved the vehicle to the side of, or off, a highway and has halted in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary.
(d) Disqualification for railroad-highway grade crossing offenses. Table 3 to §383.51 contains a list of the offenses and the periods for which a driver must be disqualified, when the driver is operating a CMV Commercial Motor Vechicles at the time of the violation, as follows:
(e) Disqualification for violating out-of-service orders. Table 4 to §383.51 contains a list of the offenses and periods for which a driver must be disqualified when the driver is operating a CMV Commercial Motor Vechicles at the time of the violation, as follows:
Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31136, 31301 et seq., and 31502; secs. 103 and 215 of Pub. L. 106–159, 113 Stat. 1753, 1767; and 49 CFR Code of Federal Regulations Code of Federal Regulations 1.73.
§ 384.301: Substantial Compliance — General Requirements
New subpart (e) would give states no more than 3 years to implement the new CDL Commercial Driver's License (a license required to drive any vehicle that weighs over a certain amount, carries hazardous waste, or carries over fifteen passengers) disqualification rules.
(2) Exception. A State must come into substantial compliance with 49 CFR Code of Federal Regulations 383.123 not later than September 30, 2006.
(e) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in effect as of [INSERT EFFECTIVE DATE]) as soon as practical, but not later than [INSERT DATE 3 YEARS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE].
Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 508, 13301, 13902, 31133, 31136, 31144, 31151, 31502, 31504; sec. 204, Pub. L. 104–88, 109 Stat. 803, 941 (49 U.S.C. 701 note); sec. 114, Pub. L. 103–311, 108 Stat. 1673, 1677; sec. 217, 229, Pub. L. 106–159, 113 Stat. 1748, 1767, 1773; and 49 CFR Code of Federal Regulations Code of Federal Regulations 1.73.
§ 390.3: General Applicability
Proposed changes to subsection (f)(1) would remove the current exemption for school bus drivers employed by a private operator, for purposes of the texting ban only.
(b) The rules in part 383, Commercial Driver’s License Standards; Requirements and Penalties, are applicable to every person who operates a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in §383.5 of this subchapter, in interstate or intrastate commerce and to all employers of such persons.
(c) The rules in part 387, Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers, are applicable to motor carriers as provided in §387.3 or §387.27 of this subchapter.
(1) Every employer shall be knowledgeable of and comply with all regulations contained in this subchapter which are applicable to that motor carrier’s operations.
(f) Exceptions. Unless otherwise specifically provided, the rules in this subchapter do not apply to— (1) All school bus operations as defined in §390.5 (except for the provisions of §§ 391.15(e) and 392.80) ; . . . Back to Top
New definitions would be added for the terms “electronic device” and “texting.”
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this definition, an occurrence involving a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business operating on a highway in interstate or intrastate commerce which results in:
Electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a cellular telephone; personal digital assistant; pager; computer; or other device used to input, write, send, receive, or read text.
Part 391—Qualification of Drivers and Longer Combination Vehicle (LCV) Driver Instructions
Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 504, 508, 31133, 31136, and 31502; sec. 4007(b) of Pub. L. 102–240, 105 Stat. 2152; sec. 114 of Pub. L. 103–311, 108 Stat. 1673, 1677; sec. 215 of Pub. L. 106–159, 113 Stat. 1767; and 49 CFR Code of Federal Regulations Code of Federal Regulations 1.73.
§ 391.2: General Exceptions
New language in subparts (a), (b), and (c) would remove the current exemption for farm and apiary operations, for purposes of the texting ban only.
(a) Farm custom operation. The rules in this part (except for § 391.15(e)) do not apply to a driver who drives a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business controlled and operated by a person engaged in custom-harvesting operations, if the commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business is used to—
(b) Apiarian industries. The rules in this part (except for § 391.15(e)) do not apply to a driver who is operating a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business controlled and operated by a beekeeper engaged in the seasonal transportation of bees.
(c) Certain farm vehicle drivers. The rules in this part (except for § 391.15(e)) do not apply to a farm vehicle driver except a farm vehicle driver who drives an articulated (combination) commercial motor vehicle, as defined in § 390.5. (For limited exemptions for farm vehicle drivers of articulated commercial motor vehicles, see § 391.67.)
§ 391.15: Disqualification of Drivers
New subsection (e) would add violation of the new texting ban in § 392.80 to the offenses that could result in disqualification from operating a CMV.
(a) General. A driver who is disqualified shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle. A motor carrier A person providing motor vehicle transportation for compensation. The term includes a motor carrier’s agents, officers and employees shall not require or permit a driver who is disqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
(b) Disqualification for loss of driving privileges. (1) A driver is disqualified for the duration of the driver’s loss of his/her privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business on public highways, either temporarily or permanently, by reason of the revocation, suspension, withdrawal, or denial of an operator’s license, permit, or privilege, until that operator’s license, permit, or privilege is restored by the authority that revoked, suspended, withdrew, or denied it.
(2) A driver who receives a notice that his/her license, permit, or privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business has been revoked, suspended, or withdrawn shall notify the motor carrier A person providing motor vehicle transportation for compensation. The term includes a motor carrier’s agents, officers and employees that employs him/her of the contents of the notice before the end of the business day following the day the driver received it.
(c) Disqualification for criminal and other offenses —
(1) General rule. A driver who is convicted of (or forfeits bond or collateral upon a charge of) a disqualifying offense specified in paragraph (c)(2) of this section is disqualified for the period of time specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, if—
(i) The offense was committed during on-duty time as defined in §395.2(a) of this subchapter or as otherwise specified; and
(ii) The driver is employed by a motor carrier A person providing motor vehicle transportation for compensation. The term includes a motor carrier’s agents, officers and employees or is engaged in activities that are in furtherance of a commercial enterprise in interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce;
(i) Driving a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business while under the influence of alcohol. This shall include:
(A) Driving a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business while the person’s alcohol concentration is 0.04 percent or more;
(ii) Driving a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business under the influence of a 21 CFR Code of Federal Regulations 1308.11 Schedule I identified controlled substance, an amphetamine, a narcotic drug, a formulation of an amphetamine, or a derivative of a narcotic drug;
(iii) Transportation, possession, or unlawful use of a 21 CFR Code of Federal Regulations 1308.11 Schedule I identified controlled substance, amphetamines, narcotic drugs, formulations of an amphetamine, or derivatives of narcotic drugs while the driver is on duty, as the term on-duty time is defined in §395.2 of this subchapter;
(3) Duration of disqualification —
(i) First offenders. A driver is disqualified for 1 year after the date of conviction or forfeiture of bond or collateral if, during the 3 years preceding that date, the driver was not convicted of, or did not forfeit bond or collateral upon a charge of an offense that would disqualify the driver under the rules of this section. Exemption. The period of disqualification is 6 months if the conviction or forfeiture of bond or collateral solely concerned the transportation or possession of substances named in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section.
(d) Disqualification for violation of out-of-service orders —(1) General rule. A driver who is convicted of violating an out-of-service order is disqualified for the period of time specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
(2) Duration of disqualification for violation of out-of-service orders —
(i) First violation. A driver is disqualified for not less than 90 days nor more than one year if the driver is convicted of a first violation of an out-of-service order.
(iv) Special rule for hazardous materials and passenger offenses. A driver is disqualified for a period of not less than 180 days nor more than two years if the driver is convicted of a first violation of an out-of-service order while transporting hazardous materials required to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq. ), or while operating commercial motor vehicles designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver. A driver is disqualified for a period of not less than three years nor more than five years if, during any 10-year period, the driver is convicted of any subsequent violations of out-of-service orders, in separate incidents, while transporting hazardous materials required to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, or while operating commercial motor vehicles designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver.
(e) Disqualification for violation of prohibition of texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business —
(1) General rule. A driver who is convicted of violating the prohibition of texting in § 392.80(a) of this chapter is disqualified for the period of time specified in paragraph (e)(2) of this section.
(2) Duration. Disqualification for violation of prohibition of texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business —
(i) Second violation. A driver is disqualified for not less than 60 days if the driver is convicted of two violations of § 392.80(a) of this chapter in separate incidents during any 3-year period.
(ii) Third or subsequent violation. A driver is disqualified for not less than 120 days if the driver is convicted of three or more violations of § 392.80(a) of this chapter in separate incidents during any 3-year period.
Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 13902, 31136, 31151, 31502; and 49 CFR Code of Federal Regulations Code of Federal Regulations 1.73.
This new proposed section would prohibit covered CMV Commercial Motor Vechicles drivers from texting while driving, and prohibit motor carriers companies from allowing or requiring their drivers to text while driving. A new definition of driving would clarify that idling at a traffic signal is included, while idling on the side of the road is not.
Subpart H–Limiting the use of electronic devices
§ 392.80 Purpose, scope, and general requirement
§ 392.80 Subpart H–Limiting the use of electronic devices
Purpose, scope, and general requirement
§ 392.80 Prohibition against texting
(b) Motor Carriers. No motor carrier A person providing motor vehicle transportation for compensation. The term includes a motor carrier’s agents, officers and employees shall allow or require its drivers to engage in texting while driving.
(c) Definition. For the purpose of this section only, driving means operating a commercial motor vehicle, with the motor running, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays. Driving does not include operating a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business with or without the motor running when the driver has moved the vehicle to the side of, or off, a highway and has halted in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary.
(d) Exceptions. (1) The provisions of § 390.3(f)(1) of this chapter (school bus operations) are not applicable to this section.
(2) Texting is permissible by drivers of a commercial motor vehicle Any vehicle owned or used by a business when necessary to communicate with law enforcement officials or other emergency services.
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