yes, unless it is a headset with voice command dialing. I know a few people who are good drivers and have been for years and who have had major and minor accidents due to cell phones. I have had a few close calls myself.

I average driving 150 miles per day on the streets, roads and interstate system. at least every other driver is using a cellphone, while driving. most drivers cannot stay focused on their driving, for talking on a cellphone. i have stopped many drivers for speeding and the contributing factor is the cellphone. this will land you a speeding citation and a careless driving citation. One woman dropped her cellphone, while driving. she reached down to the floorboard to retrieve the phone. she grabbed the steering wheel and ran off the road into the blackberry bushes. Cellphones, in automobiles should be banned from use by the driver, while driving. the open container law is a law that should set the example for cellphones in autos. drivers cannot have an open container of alcohol in their possession, while driving. this does not apply to other occupants of the vehicle. this same example should apply to cellphones, except in emergencies.

There should be an ability test..... And maybe an Electric blue sticker on you car tags as a permit

I am against driving while talking on the cell phone if it is in someone's hand. Hands free, I am fine with for the most part. Since states require an additional certification/requirement for deaf drivers, for drivers with glasses, for motorcycle endorsements, trucks, etc, I think that there should be a simple coordination and attention test for a cell phone endorsement.

Yes, people are clearly not concentrating on driving if they are talking on a phone. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in the UK and that's a good thing, I think. However, I tend to think driving infringements aren't regulated well enough in the US. I've been living in Chicago for two years now and have seen so many people who drink drive and drive without seatbelts and don't get stopped. People I know see nothing wrong with doing either of these things, and I just think it's absurd. The campaigns to stop them seem to revolve more around not doing it because you'll be fined, rather than not doing it because you might kill yourself, or someone else, which I think is the wrong attitude entirely. Sorry, went off topic a bit there, but I just can't believe attitudes in the US towards these things and tend to think cell phone regulations would be treated the same way.

It should be prohibited because talking on them causes too many accidents.

Yes I think that it would be a good idea to have the law. Even though I like to talk on my cell phone when I drive( and I think I can do it pretty good) still it is a distraction.

No. To me it's no more or less distracting than having another passenger in the car you're talking to.

Yes, there should be a law that says only hands free devices can be used. They get the driver out of control of the car. I have had several almost accidents with people that are gabbing on the phone and not paying attention to where they are going.

As someone who rides a motorbike and has almost been clipped a dozen times, nearly ALL of which involved people on cell phones...YES, YES, YES.

In the UK it is illegal to use your mobile while driving,if caught its a £60.00 fine.

I think there should be fines for handhelds,I've seen a lot of unsafe driving because of those.

well sorda. cell phones can cause serious accidents

YES!!! my favorite is "how would you drive with that phone shoved up your ass?"

My favorite bumper sticker reads "Hang up and Drive" At night I almost was run over crossing a street as a pedestrian at an intersection. The silly young girl in her SUV was busy gabbing away while making a right hand turn. If it wasn't for my quick judgment, I'd be road sausage. They should be given a ticket like they do in NY state. However, they should be allowed to talk at a red light or if traffic is so dreadfully slow since this wouldn't pose much of a vehicular threat. See link: http://www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us/media/phon-bro.htm

No. Drivers should not be prohibited from using mobile phones, but they should not be allowed to use them while driving.

Drivers using cell phones should be prohibited. If you need to talk on the phone, pull off the road to converse. That way you can divert your attention to that all important phone call, and not put the rest of us at risk with your distracted driving. Also Talking to a passenger can also be distracting. But the passenger can at least tell when the driver needs to focus, like in heavy traffic, bad weather, and most know to shut up at that point. Someone on the phone doesn't know what's going on in the car. Nobody needs to be hooked up to a phone 24 hours a unless your the president of the united states. they are not only putting their life in danger, but other people's life also. it's difficult talking on the phone and driving and the same time. most dont know what they are doing while driving they are concentrated on the conversation most of the time. Hang up and drive!

This is your 10th duplicate to day http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/287353 Yeah sure, make it illegal. I got on my cellphone recently and actually paid attention and I was worse. My dad was too (who has a pilot's liscense and is very, very alert). The problem is when you get in a bad situation, most people feel it's rude to just stop talking and throw the phone down as you would (stop talking) with somebody else who is IN the car, because they know the situation. It just happens. I've been there and I just saw it happen.

I can't wait for the California law banning cellphone use while driving to take effect in July 2008. Apparently they needed to give the citizens of California almost 2 full years to obtain bluetooths. I guess for some, the recovery period after having the phone surgically removed from their ear is lengthy and painful.

I think one good accident will teach them a lesson.

In both my home country and the country I live in they are breaking the law, so I think they are doubly stupid - first for risking an accident and second for risking a fine.

Wrong! may aswell have a can of lager in your hand if you crashed!

Yes

It is in Australia but that doesn't stop them

I don't see how talking on a cell phone is any more distracting than talking to another passenger in the car, especially with handsfree. So no.

It is in Australia but that doesn't stop them

It is in Australia but that doesn't stop them

No.

This is a very tricky question because I think a person should be allowed to have a cell phone in their car and be able to use it while they are parked or at a long stop light, however, I do not want to see someone driving and using a cell phone.

As long as the person is using a handsfree device then NO. It should not be illegal, unless you make it illegal to talk to other passengers in the car also.

I think it should be a ticketable offense. Red lights and slow bumper to bumper traffic are the only exceptions where cops should be told to go easy on motorists. How many times have I seen soccer moms driving huge clunky SUVs gabbing away on their cells, making a right turn in a busy intersection without even bothering to look and see if any pedestrians are crossing. It is scary especially when you multiply this common example through the course of time.

On the freeway? Yes.

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES !!!!

yes.

Yes :)

Yes!! There have been so many times that I have caught people being idiots on the road and soon finding out it's because they are on their cellphones!! A lot people just aren't meant to do two things at once...

Yes x's infinity..... It is dangerous and should lead to ticketing in the very least!

yes

Yes. In New Jersey, it is illegal.

Is drinking and driving illegal? Both have the same results. Injuries!

yes, what is worst then someone driving and talking on their cellphone, so people in scooters talking on their cellphone cause they can ride on the sidealks where at least cars are on the street.

It's illegal in Connecticut, but the cops never stop anyone for it.

Yes. i issued a speeder a citation for going 86 in a 55 mph zone. i also issued him a citation for careless driving, by talking on a cellphone. He was paying more attention to his phone conversation, rather than the speed of his automobile. He admitted this was true.

It is and rightly so in the UK!

I think it's dangerous, stupid, and selfish. Unless it's an emergency, no, your chit-chat is NOT more important than the lives you're risking! I've seen several different studies (including a Mythbusters test) that show that someone who's yakking on the cell phone, *even in hands-free*, drives as badly as someone who's legally drunk. If drunk driving is illegal (rightly so, I think), then other impairments that make you as dangerous a driver as being drunk does should be illegal as well.

ABSOLUTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The driver is not only putting their life in danger, they are harming everyone else on the road as well. With kids and usually the radio on, there are alreay way to many distractions, let alone trying to watch out for these "phone junkies" that run red lights and stop signs because they just "didn't see it"

It is in Chicago, where I live.

Stupid, selfish, dangerous.... I've nearly been hit too many times by cell-phone-yakkers who were just TOO busy jabbering way to care about that 4000 or so pounds of car they're "driving" drifting from lane to lane, running stop signs/red lights, nearly hitting pedestrians, etc. Add to that the number of studies demonstrating that even in hands-free, a cell phone impairs a driver's performance as much as being legally drunk does...

These people are stupid. Maybe they want to be dead early. (head shaking)

Because they have something to say?

Tehy don´t realize the danger when you loose your concentration, ie. when talking on the cell.

Because they can in most states. In Washington, we are now required to use a hands free while driving. In addition, texting while driving is now also illegal.

Either they are unaware of or do not care of the danger. Tests have proven that your mind cannot process information correctly when doing both. Period, end of story. I see it all the time in New York City, people making mistakes on the road while they talk on their cell. I was a professional driver, I drove a city bus in Manhattan. I know the road, I also drove APC's and other vehicles in the Army. I drove trucks, vans, big cars, small cars and just about everything except a big rig and a motorcycle.

it is a bad habbit - they think i have time to talk while i am on my way to ______

I think the new law in California has actually added to people talking on their phones more. I was actually talking to a friend last night and she told me: "I used to never talk on the phone in my car and now, I do it every chance I get. Damn the man." =P

Because they're idiots who don't care how dangerous it is.

Drives me crazy! I think it makes them feel important. Cell phones are definately abused - they should be used for emergencies - ONLY! People are on them in the mall, groceries stores, school programs, etc.

They think they are saving time. They'll give up a whole lot if they have an accident. And, if they get killed they just wasted all of it.

Can see that most people think it should be illegal... So why do so many peolpe still drive and talk on the cell phone?

MOST DEFINATELY !! I'd be in favor of a MINIMUM $250 Fine plus court cost for a FIRST OFFENSE ... Might save a liffe in the process with these idiots NOT paying attention .

yes and it is illegal in calif.

Fox News Article – May 11, 2009 Here is a list of the current laws that each state has on the books concerning text messages and cell phone calls while driving. Alabama: No Laws Alaska: Illegal for all drivers with the enforcement being primary, meaning that a police officer can pull over a driver for sending a text message even if he isn’t breaking any other traffic laws. Arizona: Only bans school bus drivers from speaking on their cell phone Arkansas: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement California: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement Colorado: No Laws Connecticut: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement Delaware: Illegal for novice drivers with a GDL to send texts or make phone calls with primary enforcement. Also illegal for school bus drivers to make phone calls. D.C.: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement Florida: No Laws Georgia: Only bans school bus drivers from speaking on their cell phone Hawaii: No Laws Idaho: No Laws Illinois: Only bans school bus drivers and those under 19 from speaking on their cell phone Indiana: Only bans those under 18 from talking or texting on a cell phone Iowa: No Laws Kansas: Only bans those with a learners license from talking or texting on a cell phone Kentucky: Only bans school bus drivers from speaking on their cell phone Louisiana: Illegal for all drivers with secondary enforcement, meaning a driver can only be pulled over for a different traffic violation and then ticketed for cell phone usage Maine: Only bans those under 18 from talking or texting on a cell phone Maryland: Only bans those under 18 from talking or texting on a cell phone Massachusetts: Only bans school bus drivers from speaking on their cell phone Michigan: No Laws Minnesota: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement Mississippi: Only illegal for those with a learner's license to text while driving Missouri: No Laws Montana: No Laws Nebraska: Illegal for all drivers with secondary enforcement Nevada: No Laws New Hampshire: No Laws New Jersey: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement New Mexico: No Laws New York: Only bans school bus drivers from speaking on their cell phone North Carolina: Only bans school bus drivers and those under 19 from speaking on their cell phone North Dakota: No Laws Ohio: No Laws Oklahoma: No Laws Oregon: Only illegal for those with a learner's license to text while driving Pennsylvania: No Laws Rhode Island: Only illegal for school bus drivers and those under 18 to talk on cell phones while driving South Carolina: No Laws South Dakota: No Laws Tennessee: Only illegal for school bus drivers and those under 18 to talk on cell phones while driving Texas: Only illegal for school bus drivers and those under 18 to talk or text on cell phones while driving Utah: Illegal for all drivers with secondary enforcement Vermont: No Laws Virginia: Illegal for all drivers with secondary enforcement Washington: Illegal for all drivers with secondary enforcement West Virginia: Only illegal for those with a learner's license to talk or text on cell phones while driving Wisconsin: No Laws Wyoming: No Laws

Fox News Article – May 11, 2009 Here is a list of the current laws that each state has on the books concerning text messages and cell phone calls while driving. Alabama: No Laws Alaska: Illegal for all drivers with the enforcement being primary, meaning that a police officer can pull over a driver for sending a text message even if he isn’t breaking any other traffic laws. Arizona: Only bans school bus drivers from speaking on their cell phone Arkansas: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement California: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement Colorado: No Laws Connecticut: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement Delaware: Illegal for novice drivers with a GDL to send texts or make phone calls with primary enforcement. Also illegal for school bus drivers to make phone calls. D.C.: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement Florida: No Laws Georgia: Only bans school bus drivers from speaking on their cell phone Hawaii: No Laws Idaho: No Laws Illinois: Only bans school bus drivers and those under 19 from speaking on their cell phone Indiana: Only bans those under 18 from talking or texting on a cell phone Iowa: No Laws Kansas: Only bans those with a learners license from talking or texting on a cell phone Kentucky: Only bans school bus drivers from speaking on their cell phone Louisiana: Illegal for all drivers with secondary enforcement, meaning a driver can only be pulled over for a different traffic violation and then ticketed for cell phone usage Maine: Only bans those under 18 from talking or texting on a cell phone Maryland: Only bans those under 18 from talking or texting on a cell phone Massachusetts: Only bans school bus drivers from speaking on their cell phone Michigan: No Laws Minnesota: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement Mississippi: Only illegal for those with a learner's license to text while driving Missouri: No Laws Montana: No Laws Nebraska: Illegal for all drivers with secondary enforcement Nevada: No Laws New Hampshire: No Laws New Jersey: Illegal for all drivers with primary enforcement New Mexico: No Laws New York: Only bans school bus drivers from speaking on their cell phone North Carolina: Only bans school bus drivers and those under 19 from speaking on their cell phone North Dakota: No Laws Ohio: No Laws Oklahoma: No Laws Oregon: Only illegal for those with a learner's license to text while driving Pennsylvania: No Laws Rhode Island: Only illegal for school bus drivers and those under 18 to talk on cell phones while driving South Carolina: No Laws South Dakota: No Laws Tennessee: Only illegal for school bus drivers and those under 18 to talk on cell phones while driving Texas: Only illegal for school bus drivers and those under 18 to talk or text on cell phones while driving Utah: Illegal for all drivers with secondary enforcement Vermont: No Laws Virginia: Illegal for all drivers with secondary enforcement Washington: Illegal for all drivers with secondary enforcement West Virginia: Only illegal for those with a learner's license to talk or text on cell phones while driving Wisconsin: No Laws Wyoming: No Laws

I think it is a good idea to prohibit talking on cell phones while driving. Speaking on cell phones even with hand free facilities can be distractions to the drivers and hence posing dangers to themselves and others.