Cellphone Bans
Due to the reality of cellphones causing automotive accidents, many countries have imposed a partial or total ban on the use of this mobile communication device while driving for safety purposes. Apart from the cellphone ban, fines are also imposed for drivers not following the law.
Countries that totally disallow the use of mobile phones while driving include Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil (since 2001), Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland (since 2003), France, Germany (since 2001), Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India (since 2001), Ireland, Isle of Man (since 2000), Israel, Italy, Japan (since 1999), Jersey (since 1998), Jordan (since 2001), Kenya (since 2001), Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia (since 2001), Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea (since 2001), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand (since 2000), Turkey, Turkmenistan (since 2003), United Kingdom (since 2003), United States of America and Zimbabwe (since 2001).
Meanwhile, countries that partially ban cellphone use include Canada (since 2002), Mexico and Pakistan. The issue is still being debated in Botswana in Africa and New Zealand.
In the U.S., only 21 states have carried out a ban on the mobile phone. These are Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia.