Are school bus drivers allowed to talk or text on their cellphone while driving?

In 2009, President Obama signed an executive order that banned federal workers from using cellphones while driving/operating government-owned vehicles and equipment. More specifically, the ban forbid the use of GPS, social media apps, the internet, etc.

In 2010, the Department of Transport brought in a federal ban, making it against the law for truckers to read text messages or send them while behind the wheel. Truckers may still talk on their cellphones. These rules and regulations apply to trucks over 10,000 pounds, local rapid transit drivers, “T” vehicles and drivers of interstate buses. Truckers caught texting may face civil or criminal fines of up to $2,750, and possibly lose their authority to drive.

As for school bus drivers, it is illegal in Texas for them to drive while texting. However, the ban does not include other onboard devices. For example, use of radios to contact dispatchers is allowed. However, school bus drivers caught on their phones can lose their jobs.

Other Texting While Driving FAQs:

• Are school bus drivers allowed to talk or text on their cellphone while driving?
• I have seen truckers using cellphones while driving. They are only taking their eyes off the road for a fraction of a second. What is the harm in that?
• I see lots of people on the road texting while driving. Is it really that dangerous?
• If I can not text while driving, what about using hands-free technology?
• My employer says it is dangerous to use a cellphone while driving, but wants me to be more productive. I can only do that if I can make and take calls while I am on the road. Does it really make any difference if I make calls and text while driving?
• Why is using my cellphone while I am driving more dangerous that talking to my passengers?