Truck drivers and cell phones

Gus Philpott
Woodstock Advocate
June 21, 2012

What's the law about handheld cell phones and drivers of large trucks and buses?

Late last fall U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a final rule that prohibits drivers of interstate trucks and buses in motion from using handheld cell phones. Think anybody knows about this law?

How would a driver learn of this law? Ever seen any signs?

Today I saw a driver of a large gravel-hauler moving south on Route 47 across Lake Avenue in heavy traffic and thought about the danger of holding a cell phone during a conversation.

How about a $2,750 fine? That'll get a driver's attention.

But then you have to define "interstate" travel. Is the gravel-hauler traveling down Route 47 engaged in "interstate" business?

Does Illinois have its own laws on this topic?