Low RiskFARGeneral

52.226-8Encouraging Contractor Policies To Ban Text Messaging While Driving.

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.226-8 — Encouraging Contractor Policies To Ban Text Messaging While Driving.. This clause is part of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and may be included in government contracts as a solicitation provision or contract clause.

Official Regulation Text

52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies To Ban Text Messaging While Driving. As prescribed in 26.605, insert the following clause: Encouraging Contractor Policies To Ban Text Messaging While Driving (MAY 2024) (a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Driving —(1) Means operating a motor vehicle on an active roadway with the motor running, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light, stop sign, or otherwise. (2) Does not include operating a motor vehicle with or without the motor running when one has pulled over to the side of, or off, an active roadway and has halted in a location where one can safely remain stationary. Text messaging means reading from or entering data into any handheld or other electronic device, including for the purpose of short message service texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, obtaining navigational information, or engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication. The term does not include glancing at or listening to a navigational device that is secured in a commercially designed holder affixed to the vehicle, provided that the destination and route are programmed into the device either before driving or while stopped in a location off the roadway where it is safe and legal to park. (b) This clause implements Executive Order 13513, Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging while Driving, dated October 1, 2009. (c) The Contractor is encouraged to— (1) Adopt and enforce policies that ban text messaging while driving— (i) Company-owned or -rented vehicles or Government-owned vehicles; or (ii) Privately-owned vehicles when on official Government business or when performing any work for or on behalf of the Government. (2) Conduct initiatives in a manner commensurate with the size of the business, such as— (i) Establishment of new rules and programs or re-evaluation of existing programs to prohibit text messaging while driving; and (ii) Education, awareness, and other o

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.226-8 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.226-8)

Compliance Checklist

  • The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in all subcontracts that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation 2.101 on the date of subcontract award.

Flow-Down to Subcontractors

Flow-down required

This clause must be included in subcontracts with no subcontractors where the subcontractor will perform work covered by this clause. Typically appears in contract Section Section I.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This summary is for informational purposes only and reflects the BidStride Research Team's plain-English interpretation of the regulation. It is not legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Always consult the official Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) text and qualified legal counsel for compliance decisions.