GBEFASTAFF USE OF DIGITAL WIRELESS
COMMUNICATIONS OR ELECTRONIC
DEVICES WHILE OPERATING
A MOTOR VEHICLE
GBEFAAn employee may not operate a motor vehicle on a street or highway while conducting any District business if the person does either of the following:
A. physically holds or supports with any part of the person's body either of the following:
1. portable wireless communication device, except that a person may use a portable wireless communication device with an earpiece, headphone device or device worn on a wrist to conduct a voice-based communication.
2. a stand-alone electronic device.
B. writes, sends or reads any text-based communication, including a text message, instant message, e-mail or Internet data, on a portable wireless communication device or stand-alone electronic device.
This does not apply to either of the following:
A. the use of a voice-based application or Bluetooth device to direct the writing, sending, reading or other communicating of any text-based communication.
B. the use of a portable wireless communication device or stand-alone device when used in a hands-free manner for:
1. navigation of the motor vehicle; or
2. use of a global positioning system; or
3. obtaining motor vehicle information or information related to driving a motor vehicle.
This also does not prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle while using a device, including a device that is accessible through an interface that is embedded in a motor vehicle, that allows communication without the use of either of the driver's hands, except to activate or deactivate a function of the device.
When it is safe to do so, an operator may use a portable wireless communication device:
A. to report illegal activity, report a safety hazard, or summon emergency/emergency medical help.
B. that was permanently or temporarily affixed to the motor vehicle to relay information in the course of the operator's occupational duties between the operator and either: i) a dispatcher, ii) a digital network or software application service.
C. that is in hands-free or voice-operated mode while parked on the side/shoulder of the road or stopped.
"Portable wireless communication device:"
A. means a cellular telephone, a portable telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a stand-alone computer, a global positioning system receiver, video game or a substantially similar portable wireless device that is used to initiate or receive communication, information or data.
B. does not include a radio, citizens band radio, citizens band radio hybrid, commercial two-way radio communication device or its functional equivalent, subscription-based emergency communication device, prescribed medical device, amateur or ham radio device or in-vehicle security, navigation or remote diagnostics system.
"Stand-alone electronic device" means a portable device other than a portable wireless communication device that stores audio or video data files to be retrieved on demand by a user.
The Superintendent will develop training to implement this policy.
Adopted: November 18, 2020
LEGAL REF.:
A.R.S.
15-341
15-514
28-914
28-963
28-3164
CROSS REF.:
EEAE - Bus Safety Program
EEAEA - Bus Driver Requirements, Training, and Responsibilities
​EEAG - Student Transportation in Private Vehicles
EEB - Business and Personnel Transportation Services
GBEA - Staff Ethics
GBEB - Staff Conduct
GBEBB - Staff Conduct With Students
GCQF - Discipline, Suspension, and Dismissal of Professional Staff Members
GDQD - Discipline, Suspension, and Dismissal of Support Staff Members
IJNDB - Use of Technology Resources in Instruction
JIC - Student Conduct