Federal Leadership On Reducing Text Messaging While Driving
Federal Employees Ordered to Stop Texting While Driving
What it does
Federal agencies must adopt and enforce policies prohibiting text messaging while driving on official business or using government-supplied devices.
Real-world impact
- Bans texting while driving in government vehicles or during official business.
- Requires agencies to adopt compliance measures and possible disciplinary actions.
- Encourages contractors and grant recipients to ban texting while driving.
Topics
Summary
This order bans federal employees from text messaging while driving government vehicles, driving privately-owned vehicles on official business, or using government‑supplied electronic devices while driving. Agencies must adopt policies, carry out education and outreach, ensure compliance (including discipline), notify the Secretary of Transportation within 90 days, and may exempt workers in law enforcement, protective, or national security roles.
It also asks contractors and grant recipients to adopt similar bans to improve safety and reduce disruptions that affect government contracting. The goal is to save lives, reduce injuries, and show federal leadership on road safety.
Questions, answered
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications. Try:
- “What agencies are affected by this order?”
- “How does this order change existing policy?”
- “What are the practical implications of this order?”