No driver may use a hand-held mobile telephone or engage in texting while driving a CMV, according to 49 CFR 392, Subpart H. The only occasion where either is permissible is when drivers are communicating with law enforcement officials or other emergency services.
Penalties for texting or using a hand-held mobile phone can reach $2,750, as adjusted for inflation, for drivers and $11,000, as adjusted for inflation, for employers who allow or require drivers to text or use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Second and third offenses result in driver disqualifications for 60 and 120 days, respectively. States will suspend a driver’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations.