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Cell-Phone Laws Why the Best Cell-Phone Law in America is Not Called a Cell-Phone Law Read "10-Reasons"   or     Email This Link

Cell-Phone Legislation in the United States

Today States across America are pulling out legislation from all sides and hammering on a cell-phone driving issue that just won't go away. Cell-Phone use in the United States has exploded among teens and adults making their use a more obvious part of a much larger problem called “Distracted Driving”.

Six states have banned the use of a cell-phone while driving and made allowances for hands-free use. Many other states have limited use for drivers under 18 and those with learner's permits. Understanding the good intentions of our state legislators and being familiar with the deaths that have come as a direct result of drivers using cell-phones and text messaging, I wonder if our representatives have taken the easy road by banning cell-phones specifically?

One of the clear points of contention with cell-phone legislation is the fact that you can still do a number of other activities while you are driving and not be ticketed. Activities such as eating, brushing your teeth, looking into your glove compartment and the all-time American classic, putting on your makeup in the rear-view mirror. Arguably these activities are just as, or more dangerous than using a cell-phone, so why don't we address those as well?

Out of all the states that have cell-phone legislation, only the State of Utah has addressed the cell-phone issue with these activities in mind. The State of Utah does not have a cell-phone law; the State of Utah has a “Careless Driving” law. The Utah legislation defines careless driving as follows:

"The driver commits a moving traffic violation while being distracted by one or more activities taking place within the vehicle that are not related to the operation of a motor vehicle."

Including the following activities:

• Using a wireless telephone or other electronic device unless the person is using hands-free talking and listening features while operating the motor vehicle.
• Searching for an item in the vehicle
• Attending to personal hygiene or grooming.

The key to the Utah legislation is that careless driving is defined by being distracted by one or more activities that are not related to the operation of a motor vehicle , not specifically by using a cell-phone.

Before the rest of the United States thinks about drumming up legislation on banning cell-phones in cars, they should read the Utah legislation, and look at cell-phone use in cars as a symptom to a much larger problem know as "Distracted Driving".

Read The State of Utah Legislation