Will A Cell Phone Ban Hamper DC?

The District of Columbia has joined two states in enacting a ban on the use of handheld cell phones while driving. The cell phone ban went into effect on the streets of the nation’s capitol city in July 2004. Will the cellular phone bans hamper life in this city of high-powered people who feel the need to be constantly connected?

The new DC cell phone ban prohibits drivers from holding a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Three exceptions to the law allow drivers to hold the telephone while they are turning the telephone off, dialing or making an emergency call. Similar cell phone bans went into effect in New Jersey the same day.

Drivers caught violating the cell phone bans in DC will be fined $100 for each offense. Police do not have to wait for the driver to break another traffic law before they can pull them over and cite them for holding a cell while driving.

Proponents of the ban on cell phone use note that even if Washington DC, people should be able to function just fine without using handheld phones while they drive. Hands-free headsets and earpieces are not covered by the ban.

New York was the first state to enact bans of cellular phones in 2001. Since then, New York law enforcement officials have issued 270,000 tickets for violations. One study showed the New York law initially curbed the use of handheld cell phones by drivers, but numbers are creeping back up.

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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.