Big Apple To Take Big Bite Out of Talking Truckers
New York — Do you have trucks going into New York State? Tell your drivers to not even think about touching handhelds at stoplights or when they’re stuck in traffic.
Never mind that other drivers are allowed to. Truckers, as of this week, can’t.
Acccording to the Wall Street Journal, the Ontario Trucking Association and other sources, the New York State Assembly introduced a bill this summer outlawing all handheld and cellphone use, but the bill didn’t pass.
The new law brings New York into line with Federal rules for interstate trucking which carry fines of up to $11,000 for carriers and almost $3,000 for the drivers.
First offenders can expect to be dinged for $50 or $150.
Other states will be following suit over the next year.
Commercial drivers can still use hands-free phones, as well as two-way or CB radios.
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