Subpart 26.6
Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving
Federal contractors must implement and enforce policies banning text messaging while driving during government-related work to promote safety and comply with contract requirements.
Overview
FAR Subpart 26.6 establishes requirements and policies to encourage federal contractors and subcontractors to adopt and enforce policies that ban text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles, or while driving privately owned vehicles on official government business or when performing any work for or on behalf of the government. This subpart is part of the government’s broader effort to promote safety and reduce distracted driving among personnel engaged in federal contracts.
Key Rules
- Purpose (26.601)
- Outlines the intent to reduce accidents and injuries by discouraging text messaging while driving during government-related work.
- Applicability (26.602)
- Applies to all contracts and subcontracts, including those for commercial items, where work is performed on behalf of the federal government.
- Definitions (26.603)
- Provides definitions for key terms such as "text messaging," "driving," and "official government business."
- Policy (26.604)
- Establishes the government’s policy to encourage contractors to adopt and enforce bans on text messaging while driving.
- Contract Clause (26.605)
- Requires inclusion of a specific clause in solicitations and contracts to ensure compliance with the policy.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must include the prescribed clause in applicable contracts and ensure contractor awareness.
- Contractors: Must implement and enforce policies banning text messaging while driving as required by the contract clause.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and promote safe driving practices among contractors.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to promote safety and reduce liability by minimizing distracted driving incidents during contract performance.
- Contractors must be proactive in establishing and communicating policies to their employees and subcontractors.
- Failure to comply may result in contractual remedies or negative performance evaluations.