Administrative driving suspension policy goes into effect Sept. 1 Published Aug. 21, 2007 By Lois Walsh EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Effective Sept. 1, drivers talking on their cell phones, speeding or littering are just some traffic violations that will lead to a suspension of on-base driving privileges. The 96th Security Forces Squadron is enforcing an administrative driving suspension policy. Anyone using a cell phone without a hands-free device will receive a seven-day suspension for the first violation, 30-day suspension for a second violation and a six-month suspension for a third violation. Three points are assessed against driving records for failure to obey this policy. Using a cell phone in the speaker mode is also prohibited. "There is no question that cell phone usage without a hands-free device causes accidents," said Lt. Col. Timothy Meserve, 96 SFS commander. "While not all accidents can be avoided, this policy should make driving a lot safer." The policy of hand-free cell phone use while driving should not come as a surprise to drivers. In March 2006, Air Force Materiel Command notified drivers on its bases that they will be cited by security forces for talking on cell phones without hands-free devices. The policy went into effect here on Apr. 4, 2006. Law enforcement officials have been issuing tickets to offenders for more than a year. The Air Force also implemented cell phone restrictions as part of the Department of Defense's Joint Traffic Guidance. Cell phone use while driving was categorized as a moving violation in Air Force Instruction 31-218(I). It prohibits the use of other portable headphones, earphones or other listening devices while operating a motor vehicle. "The safety of our personnel is paramount and driving while talking on a cell phone increases the risk of accidents," said Col. Dean Clemons, 96th Air Base Wing commander. "We should all look at our behavior as it relates to safety and work hard to eliminate the negative factors that put ourselves and others at risk." Colonel Meserve said that once the policy goes into effect, there is no leeway. In case of emergency, drivers should safely pull off the road before using their cell phone, or call the person back once the vehicle is safely parked. "A decrease in driving skills occurs when talking on a cell phone," Colonel Meserve said. "Enforcing this policy will ultimately lead to fewer accidents." The DAF police will also be on the lookout for any driver ignoring any base policy on moving violations. The violations and their corresponding penalties are: Violation Suspension 16 MPH or more over the speed limit. 30 days Speeding in base housing 1-10 MPH over limit 7 days Speeding in base housing 11-20 MPH over limit 30 days Speeding in base housing 21 MPH over limit 6 months Racing 6 months Fleeing and/or attempted to elude police 6 months Possessing, using and/or transporting 1 year illegal drugs (or other intoxicating substances, i.e. "huffing") while operating a motor vehicle. Littering (may include cigarette butt) 7 days from a vehicle Failure to utilize a child restraint 30 days Failure to wear a seatbelt. 1st Violation: 7 days 2nd Violation: 30 days 3rd Violation: 6 months Illegally parking in a handicap space 1st Violation: 7 days 2nd Violation: 30 days 3rd Violation: 6 months Using a cellular telephone without a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle 1st Violation: 7 days 2nd Violation: 30 days 3rd Violation: 6 months