Can you use a cellphone/tablet while the service/emergency brake knobs are applied

DOT defines driving as all times at the controls of a cmv. So yes, the laws against cell phone usage does include all times at the controls of a cmv. So if you are creeping along, or even stopped from a road closure you need to put the phone down.

 

You don't think you're driving if you're below a certain speed?

 

I heard of a couple drivers getting fired over it; the driver facing camera caught them after they hit a pothole on private property no less.

 

No. You would still be considered in control of the vehicle and you should still be aware of what's going on around you.

It's simple, you don't use it while operating the vehicle. Wait until you're parked.

Lately a lot of idiots think it's OK to be texting while stopped at a red light and they miss when it turns green.

 

Last year I was in a town doing about 25mph and to my right at a stop sign was an SUV.
Mom has a cell phone in front of her face, daughter in the passenger seat has a cell phone in front of her face and in the back seat a boy had a cell phone in front of his face.

Just shook my head

 

I'm not sure what you're trying to get at here, it's not that complicated.

If you plan on setting the brake just so you can use your phone in a slow moving queue you're missing the point IMO.

 

If the parking brake is applied, that can be called Off Duty even in the drivers seat. Once the brakes are released, that has to be recorded as Driving time and on private property, may be recorded as On Duty time