September 08, 2004

By: Wendy Whittaker
Website: http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com

Don’t Use Your Cell Phones While Driving In Poland

As of September 2004, two states and the District of Columbia had laws against using cell phones while driving. The US is way behind the rest of the world in enacting such laws. The use of cell phones while driving is banned in 45 countries. Most of theses laws distinguish between using a handset or hands-free phones.

New York became the first US state to pass a law that prohibits using a cellular phone while driving. The NY law was enacted in 2001 and imposes a $100 fine for using a hand-held phone while driving. Since then, New York law enforcement officials have issued 270,000 tickets to drivers for cellular phone violations.

Washington DC and New Jersey enacted similar laws in July 2004. The laws prohibit drivers from holding a cell phone while driving. Drivers caught violating the ban are fined $100 for each offense.

Other states have laws that address using a cell phone while driving in certain situations. In seven states it is illegal for school bus drivers to use cell phones. In Maine, minors and those just learning to drive may not use a cell phone while behind the wheel. Some cities have local ordinances against using a cell phone while driving.

Internationally, Norway and Poland seem to have some of the toughest laws on the books. In Norway the fine for using a cell phone while driving is $600 per offense. In Poland, fines can go as high as $1,000.

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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.