The Department of Transportation has issued a press release outlining new rules regarding the use of handheld cell phone by interstate truckers and bus drivers.

In September, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) made a recommendation that using handheld or hands-free cell phones be banned for all U.S. commercial drivers.  The ruling would impact nearly 4 million drivers nationwide and was widely opposed by the trucking industry.

The NTSB lacks regulatory authority, so it can only make recommendations based on advice and investigations into safety issues. According to the NTSB, the restrictions on cell phones would help reduce the number of crashes caused by distracted driving. Today's announcement was made by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.  The agencies, both units of the U.S. Department of Transportation, said drivers who are reaching for or dialing a hand-held device poses safety risks.

In the DOT press release, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, “When drivers of large trucks, buses and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly. I hope that this rule will save lives by helping commercial drivers stay laser-focused on safety at all times while behind the wheel."

The final rule prohibits commercial drivers from using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a commercial truck or bus. Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses. Additionally, states will suspend a driver's commercial driver's license (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations. Commercial truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000.

"This final rule represents a giant leap for safety," said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. "It's just too dangerous for drivers to use a hand-held cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle. Drivers must keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and head in the game when operating on our roads. Lives are at stake."

Many large companies, including Wal-Mart and Peter Pan bus lines already prohibit drivers from using hand-held phones.