Government Fleet Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NYC Bans Hands-Free Phone Use in Fleet

New York City has banned the use of hands-free phone devices by city fleet drivers, except for emergency responders. The city concluded that the use of hands-free devices can lead to equally dangerous levels of distraction as non-hands free devices.

by Staff
May 16, 2016
NYC Bans Hands-Free Phone Use in Fleet

Photo via Flickr/Bruce Stokes.

1 min to read


Photo via Flickr/Bruce Stokes.

New York City has banned the use of hands-free phone devices by city fleet drivers, except for emergency responders.

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) concluded that the use of hands-free devices can lead to equally dangerous levels of distraction as non-hands free devices, according to a city release. The conclusion came as part of a city review of driver practices through its Vision Zero plan for ending traffic deaths and injuries, as well as academic research.

Ad Loading...

New York state law prohibits vehicle operation while using a cell phone or texting, but offers an exemption for the use of hands-free devices, mirroring New York state law.

“The new rule will be a focus of mandatory defensive driving and safety training going forward for all city fleet operators. We will also be rolling out a poster campaign focusing on this issue at city facilities, parking lots, and garages,” Keith Kerman, chief fleet officer, wrote in the city’s fleet newsletter.

In addition to this new rule, the fleet reported it has now installed truck side guards on 370 city trucks, with 650 installs to be completed by the end of FY-17, making it the largest rollout of this technology in the U.S. so far.

More Safety

A wildfire in a forest with firefighters and helicopters and a lot of smoke in the air.
Safetyby Jeanny RoaMay 1, 2026

Beyond the Fireline: The Critical Role of Public Fleets in Wildfire Response

Behind every wildfire response is a complex network of vehicles, data, and decisions that must work in sync under extreme pressure. Global heating trends require strong fleet coordination and reliable communications to keep crews safe and operations running smoothly.

Read More →
an AI futuristic picture with the words AI and Distracted Driving
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 6, 2026

How AI Is Transforming Public Fleet Safety - Part 1

AI-powered safety systems are helping public fleets tackle distracted driving by delivering real-time coaching and measurable behavior change behind the wheel. In part one of our Q&A, Nauto CEO Stefan Heck explains how agencies can improve safety, reduce costs, and navigate implementation challenges with AI-driven technology.

Read More →
freightliner whitepaper
SponsoredMarch 26, 2026

Reducing Risk and Improving Safety in Public Sector Fleets with Advanced Driver-Assist Technology

Public sector fleets face increasing pressure to improve safety, reduce liability, and operate efficiently. See how advanced vehicle technologies are helping agencies protect drivers, the public, and their budgets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
OperationsMarch 1, 2026

3 Ways Fleet Tech Builds Public Trust

Managing a state or local fleet comes with levels of accountability private companies don’t have. Read how modern fleet technology helps elevate visibility and safety to strengthen community trust.

Read More →
Queclink GL51CG battery-powered backup vehicle tracker shown alongside an image representing vehicle theft and recovery monitoring.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 16, 2026

Tracker Innovation From Queclink to Boost Stolen Vehicle Recovery Performance

Queclink has introduced a backup telematics device designed to support stolen vehicle recovery by activating only when a primary tracker is disabled, helping fleets and financing providers respond more quickly to theft.

Read More →
Emergency response with fire truck and 911 printed on side.
SafetyFebruary 3, 2026

First Response Fleets: 10 Takeaways for 2026

A practical look at what first response fleet leaders can apply right now, with clear guidance for making stronger decisions throughout 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Safetyby Jeanny RoaDecember 22, 2025

Holiday Travel Surge: What Government Fleet Managers Need to Know About Increased Road Risks

As year-end travel reaches record levels, fleet managers must anticipate increased road congestion and safety challenges for government vehicles and drivers.

Read More →
SafetyDecember 11, 2025

How Government Fleets Can Reduce Distracted Driving: Key Takeaways

Crashes, near misses, and costly collisions still occur every day. How agencies can better protect their drivers, roadside workers, and communities.

Read More →
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseOctober 29, 2025

New CNG Vehicle Incident Response Resource Released

The downloadable safety guide contains detailed “Vehicle Crash and/or Leak Response” instructions in addition to “Vehicle Thermal Response” instructions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close-up of a person reviewing charts and a document featuring the Samsara logo, representing research findings on disaster preparedness and operational resilience.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseOctober 21, 2025

New Samsara Data Reveals Dangerous Gap in Disaster Readiness

A new Samsara report highlights widespread gaps in disaster preparedness among public and private organizations, with most leaders lacking confidence in their ability to respond to major crises.

Read More →