Use of Hand-Held Mobile Devices by Operators of UConn Commercial Motor Vehicles

The following rules apply to all UConn personnel whose duties require a CDL and/or Passenger Endorsement.

Using a hand-held mobile device when operating any UConn Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) is not only a distraction to the safe operation of the vehicle, it is against the law.

CT Public Act § 13-271 states –

An operator of any motor vehicle who holds a hand-held mobile device to, or in the immediate proximity of, his or her ear while such vehicle is in motion is presumed to be engaging in a call which is in violation and subject to fine.

Definitions:
For the purposes of this Policy, the following definitions apply:

CMV: a mini-bus and/or transit bus that is registered as a “State Service Bus.”

Hand-Held Mobile Device: including but not limited to, cell phones, tablets, smartphones, two-way pagers, portable internet devices, MP3 players, iPods, Bluetooth devices or any headphones or ear-buds of any type, whether hand-held or hands-free.

Layover Time: operator rest or break time between trips while the vehicle’s motor is turned off, the keys removed, and the vehicle parked.

• Failure By Operators Of UConn CMVs To Adhere To Any Of The Following, Shall Result In A Violation Of This Policy

o No operator of any UConn CMV shall operate that vehicle while using a hand-held mobile device, for any purpose.

o Hand-held mobile devices are to remain off at all times. They cannot be on silent or vibrate. They must be turned off, and placed where the operator cannot reach them.

o Hand-held mobile devices may ONLY be used during layover time, or by exceptions approved, in writing, by UConn’s Transportation Manager.

o No CMV operator shall use a hand-held mobile device for any reason. This includes placing or answering phone calls, listening to music, playing games, and/or typing, reading, or sending a text message, or any other uses.

• Penalties For Violating This Policy

o First Offense: Three-day suspension

o Second Offense: Two-week suspension/Final Warning

o Third Offense: Termination from Employment

o Hand-held mobile device infractions are permanent. Infractions are never removed from your permanent record.

• All operators of UConn CMVs must be familiar with the Dispatch and/or Manager’s phone number for family members and others to reach you in the event of an emergency.
• All UConn CMVs are equipped with two-way, push-to-talk, hands-free communication devices which can be used to communicate with the operator’s dispatcher/supervisor while the vehicle is in motion and in case of emergency.

August 18, 2015