DOT bars commercial bus and truck drivers from texting, $2,750 fine

Under new federal guideline, drivers of commercial trucks and buses will be prohibited from texting. The new guidelines were issued by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today.

“We want the drivers of big rigs and buses and those who share the roads with them to be safe,” LaHood said in a statement. “This is an important safety step, and we will be taking more to eliminate the threat of distracted driving.”

“The prohibition, which applies to drivers of interstate buses and trucks over 10,000 pounds, is effective immediately,” the department said in a statement. “Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.”

– By: Omar Rana