Texting ban applied to hauling hazmat

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on Feb. 25 said it is prohibiting texting on electronic devices by drivers while operating a motor vehicle containing hazardous materials requiring placarding.

Additionally, in accordance with requirements adopted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Sept. 27, 2010, motor carriers are prohibited from requiring or allowing drivers of covered motor vehicles to engage in texting while driving.

To read the final rule and background documents, go to www.regulations.gov; the docket number is PHMSA–2010–0221.