Mobile Phone Use While Driving Policy
A comprehensive corporate policy prohibiting hands-on mobile phone use while operating any company vehicle, including provisions for hands-free exceptions, strict enforcement protocols, and graduated disciplinary actions for non-compliance.
This Mobile Phone Use While Driving Policy establishes a zero-tolerance standard for the use of handheld electronic devices while operating any motor vehicle on behalf of the company. Distracted driving is a leading cause of collisions, injuries, and fatalities in the transportation sector, and exposes the organization to significant liability, regulatory fines, and reputational harm. This policy is designed to align with the Canadian Criminal Code (section 320.14), provincial distracted driving legislation, and the U.S. DOT’s ban on hand-held phone use for commercial motor vehicle drivers. All company vehicles, including light-duty trucks, heavy trucks, vans, and equipment transporters, are subject to these rules regardless of the driver’s location or jurisdiction.
This policy applies to all employees, temporary workers, contractors, and third-party operators while driving any vehicle owned, leased, or rented by the company on public roads, parking areas, or private job sites. It also covers operators using personal vehicles for company business (e.g., reimbursed mileage). The policy extends to all forms of electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, GPS units, and two-way radios, whether for voice calls, texting, email, navigation, social media, or any other application. Exemptions are granted only for emergency calls to 9-1-1 or equivalent, or for hands-free voice-activated interfaces that require no manual interaction.
- No driver may hold, manipulate, or view a handheld electronic device while the vehicle is in motion, including when stopped at traffic lights or in congestion.
- No driver may compose, send, or read text messages or emails while operating a company vehicle, regardless of the device.
- Hands-free voice commands and Bluetooth connectivity are permitted for navigation and brief calls, provided the device is mounted securely and requires no more than a single touch to initiate or end.
- Drivers must pre-program all GPS routes, playlists, and destinations before shifting into drive. Any adjustments require pulling over to a safe, lawful parking spot.
- Fleet vehicles must display a “No Handheld Phone Use” reminder decal inside the cab. Supervisor to verify placement quarterly.
- Any violation captured via dashcam, eyewitness report, or telematics event (distraction scoring) will result in immediate retraining and progressive discipline.
- Fleet Manager: Owns the policy, conducts annual review, ensures distribution and acknowledgment signatures on file, and coordinates digital acknowledgment via SiteQueue or equivalent system.
- Driver / Operator: Responsible for reading, understanding, and adhering to this policy at all times. Must report any near-miss or incident involving phone distraction within 24 hours using the company incident form.
- Supervisor / Dispatcher: Enforces daily compliance, performs random checks of dashcam footage and telematics distraction scores, and escalates repeat offenders to Fleet Manager.
- Safety Committee: Monitors overall distracted-driving metrics, reviews incident data quarterly, and recommends policy updates or training interventions.