Can Cell Phone Laws Curb Rudeness?

Many people are of the opinion that there out to be a law against cellular phone use in public venues. New York City has taken that opinion to heart and passed new cell phone laws that address not public safety but public courtesy. The city’s cellular phone laws went into effect in April 2003.

The New York City ordinance bans the use of cell phones during public exhibits and performances. The cellular phone law was proposed in response to complaints about phones ringing during theatre performances. The law makes it illegal to use cell phones in any theatre, library, museum, gallery, concert hall or any indoor venue where performances are taking place.

The fine for violating New York’s cell phone ban is $50. So will New York City cops spend all their time writing tickets to people who use their phone or let it ring during a public performance? New York City Councilman Philip Reed doesn’t think so. The cell phone law, he said, is intended to give theatre owners some leverage against obnoxious patrons who insist on using cell phones.

Canada is considering a different type of cell phone law to stop discourteous behavior. The country is debating legalizing devices that could silence cell phones within a limited area by blocking signals from cell phone towers. Theatres, concert halls and even churches could use the jammers to keep cell phones silent in their buildings. Laws allowing signal jammers would likely raise safety concerns as well as concerns about regulating the devices.

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About The Author:

Wendy Whittaker is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com. A cellular phone industry resource featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of cellular phone and service plans.