JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
I enjoy my cell phone as much as anyone else but all too often, I see Airmen and civilians using their cell phones while driving on base.
It is no secret that using a handheld electronic device without the hands-free method while driving a vehicle on Joint Base Charleston is prohibited. Some folks may have not "gotten the memo," so I will break it down. Get caught and here are the consequences:
1st Offense: Three points on your base driving record and an 18-calender-day suspension of driving privileges on any installation
2nd Offense: Four points on your base driving record and a 90-calender-day suspension of driving privileges
3rd Offense: Five points on your base driving record and a one-year suspension of driving privileges
Put the phone down while driving on base. If a text or call is that important, pull into a parking lot or onto a side street, flash your hazards and answer the call or text while parked. Safety is key! It is difficult to pay close attention to the road when you are focused on what is happening on your phone.
Also, it is a violation of AFI 36-2903 to walk while talking on a cell phone while in uniform unless it is for an emergency or official business. Put the phone away while walking or stop, step off to an indiscrete area and take the call.
Bottom Line: Put the phone down while driving around the installation or walking in uniform.