Prohibited Practices and Driver Responsibilities
CMV rules place strict responsibilities on passenger drivers. Texting while driving a CMV is prohibited, and using a handheld phone is restricted; hands-free use is limited and must not compromise safety. Distracted driving of any kind-eating, grooming, adjusting devices-is a violation of the general duty to drive safely. Know the hours-of-service basics: limits on driving and on-duty time, required rest, and the requirement to log duty status. Passenger carriers generally follow passenger-carrying HOS rules, so understand the concept of the driving limit and the need for rest breaks.
Other responsibilities: never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including some medications; ensure passengers follow safety rules; and comply with inspections and recordkeeping. You must carry required documents and present them at roadside inspections.
Traps: thinking a hands-free device is always allowed (it is limited and must not distract), assuming HOS rules do not apply to passenger operations (they do), and believing a short text at a red light is acceptable (it is not-texting is prohibited while driving a CMV). Another trap is confusing on-duty time with driving time.
Rule of thumb: if it takes your eyes or mind off the road, it is prohibited or restricted. Worked example: a dispatcher texts you while you are driving. You may not read or reply while driving; pull over safely to a legal stopping place before responding.