Cell Phones People Law State Schools Shopping Common

In the U.S. today, cell phones are very common, so common that they have created problems. In some states, places such as law courts, schools, and churches now ask people to turn off their cell phones before entering the building. In places like movie theaters, people are asked to use their cell phones only outside theater. However, most restaurants have no restrictions on the use of cell phones and it is common to see and hear people answer their cell phones or make cell phone calls in a restaurant.

Using a cell phone while driving has been the cause of many accidents on the road. In 2001, the state of New York passed a law prohibiting, or not allow, people to drive and talk on the cell phone at the same time. However, the law does allow people to dial, or call a phone number, while driving and they can use a "hands-free kit," so they can talk on their cell phones without holding it in their hands. Other states, like California, are thinking about passing a similar law.

There are usually rules about using cell phones in schools. However, since schools are governed by each state and not by the federal, or national, government, the rules may be different from one state to another, and from one district (group of schools, usually in one city or part of a city) to another. Some schools have banned, or made a rule against, using cell phone completely. Other schools do not allow students to use cell phones in class, but they may use them in between classes or after school, even if they are still in the school building.