(A) The use of cellular phones and electronic devices while driving may present a hazard to the driver, other employees, and the public. This policy is meant to ensure the safe operation of town vehicles and equipment, and the safe operation of private vehicles while an employee is on work time conducting town business. This policy applies to all uses of cellular phones and communication devices, except for police officers, including, but not limited to, computers, text messaging, e-mail, electronic calendars, multi-media devices, and printers.
(B) Employees shall adhere to all federal, state, and local rules and regulations regarding the use of cellular phones and electronic devices while driving.
(C) Accordingly, employees shall not use cellular phones if such conduct is prohibited by law, regulation, or other ordinance.
(D) Employees, while driving a classified commercial vehicle, shall not send or read received text messages on personal or town-issued cellular phones.
(E) Employees should not use handheld cellular phones for business, or any purposes while driving, except for emergency personnel responding to emergency situations. Should an employee need to make or receive a business call while driving, he/she should locate a lawfully designated area to park and make or receive the call.
(F) Employees may use hands-free cellular phones to make or receive calls. Such calls should be kept short and should the circumstances warrant (such as heavy traffic or inclement weather), the employee should locate a lawfully designated area to park to continue the call.
(G) Employees, while operating commercial vehicles, as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation, shall not engage in text messaging under federal law.
(Ord. 2022-13, passed 12-21-2022)