The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a final rule this week prohibiting texting on electronic devices by drivers transporting hazardous materials.


The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published Sept. 27, 2010, the same day the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a final rule that prohibits texting by commercial motor vehicle drivers operating in interstate commerce. However, the FMCSA's authority is limited to drivers operating in interstate commerce.

However, the DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration does have authority over hazmat drivers, so this rule would ensure that all hazmat drivers, intrastate or interstate, are banned from texting while driving.

There is a limited exception for emergency use that allows CMV drivers to text if necessary to communicate with law enforcement officials or other emergency services.

The rule is effective March 30.