Cell phone, seatbelt policies to be strictly enforced in '08

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Capling
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Drivers on base may want to think twice before making that next phone call behind the wheel or not fastening their seatbelt.

Starting Jan. 1, the 325th Security Forces Squadron is going to be strictly enforcing an already mandated Department of Defense policy which prohibits the use of cell phones while driving a vehicle on a military installation.

"Talking on cell phones while driving vehicles on base is an unsafe practice that jeopardizes our greatest combat asset...our people," said Brig. Gen. Tod Wolters, 325th Fighter Wing commander.

DOD Instruction 31-201(I) restricts the use of cell phones while driving to only while using a hands free device. The instruction further states that use of any other portable headphones, earphones, or listening devices that are not hands-free kits for cell phones, are prohibited while driving.

The rule also applies to operators of government vehicles.

According to the Maj. Paul Quigley, 325th SFS commander, personnel caught in violation of the instruction will be issued an Armed Forces traffic ticket, which instructs the violator to report the citation to their supervisor or first sergeant within 24 hours or the next duty day.

The major also said a three point driving record penalty will be assessed.
If an individual accumulates 12 points on their base driving record, their base driving privileges will be revoked for a year and they will face the possibility of driving privileges being permanently revoked.

The 325th SFS has concurrent jurisdiction of U.S. Highway 98 and can enforce Florida laws on all drivers traveling the highway, but cannot enforce military regulations such as the cell phone policy. However, their exclusive jurisdiction begins 10 meters off of the highway where drivers can be ticketed for the cell phone regulation.

"Seatbelt violations are going to be cited in a different way," Major Quigley said. "Seatbelts are a secondary offense. If you are pulled over for a primary offense like speeding or running a stop sign, you will be cited for both. This is enforced the same way on Highway 98."

The point system for military personnel who violate the seatbelt law is currently under review, but civilians may incur an additional fine if cited, according to the major.