New rules for cell phone use by truck drivers go into effect January 3rd 2012

Here are the highlights on the final ruling on cell phone use from the FMCSA. 

1	Q: What is the effective date of the Mobile Telephone rule?
	A: The effective date of the rule is January 3, 2012.
2	Q: Are wired or wireless earpieces allowed?
	A: Yes. Hands-free use of a mobile telephone is allowed using either a wired or wireless earpiece, or the speakerphone function of the mobile telephone. Wireless connection of the mobile telephone to the vehicle for hands-free operation of the telephone, which would allow the use of single-button controls on the steering wheel or dashboard, would also be allowed.
3	Q: Is Push-to-Talk allowed?
	A: No. A driver’s use of the Push-to-Talk function on a mobile telephone violates the prohibition against holding the phone. This includes the continuous holding of a button that is necessary to use a Push-to-Talk feature through a mobile telephone, even when the driver is using a connected microphone or wireless earphone.