Based on a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, approximately two-thirds of the people within the United States own a smart cellular phone. In fact, cellular phones have become a necessity for many people which accounts for its significance and influence in modern day living. However, there are certain laws and regulations within the U.S. and Canada which govern the use of mobile phones. You have to be aware of these in order to avoid inconveniences at any point and to spare yourself from having to pay fines for unintentionally breaking the law.
Here is a rundown of the laws and regulations that govern the use of mobile phones within the U.S. and Canada;
Ant-Distraction Law when driving
The use of cellular phones is strictly prohibited when driving. Texting and making calls while driving are considered as major distractions. Moreover, using the cellphone is also the main culprit behind the 4 million road accidents that happen every year within North America. So if you’re thinking about texting your girlfriend/boyfriend while on the road, or calling the chat lines to entertain yourself while stuck in traffic, think again to avoid getting into trouble.
And lastly, try to minimize using the hands-free mode when taking calls because hands-free doesn’t necessary mean risk-free. Unless it’s important, your calls would have to wait until you’re no longer behind the wheel.
The use of Selfie Sticks
Selfie sticks probably offer the best and most convenient solution to take a shot at a perfect angle and background. However, there are some theme parks and tourist destinations that ban or prohibit the use of these retractable devices. Some of these top and famous attractions are;
- All Disneyland theme parks
- Modern Museum of Art in New York
- Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
- Coachella Music Festival in California
- Seattle Art Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago
- Getty Center in Los Angeles
- Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio
- Lollapalooza Music Festival in Chicago
Selfie sticks are also banned in some tourist destinations and museums within Canada. If you’re planning to go on a trip where you intend to take lots of pictures using a selfie stick, check for the regulations first to avoid getting fined and reprimanded.
Law that prohibit texting while walking
Do you have plans of traveling to Fort Lee, New Jersey? Do you leave anywhere near this area? If you’re in any of these situations, you should be aware that texting while walking is strictly prohibited in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Being aware of this law can save you $85 worth of jaywalking fine. You are also expected to follow this law at all costs and regardless of where you are in order to save yourself from accidents.
Places where the use of cellphones are prohibited
The use of cellphones is prohibited in courthouses, hospital intensive care units, some banks and churches. They are also not allowed in areas where radio transmissions are strictly restricted to avoid interference with military intelligence operations and other researches. Usually, there are no cellular towers available in such areas and cellular service is unavailable or highly limited.
Other circumstances that may impose laws regarding the use of cellular devices are; during national and presidential elections in the U.S., while in line at the customs department and airport immigration; and some other restricted areas all across airports within the U.S. and Canada.
As citizens or visitors of these countries, you must be fully aware of the laws and regulations concerning the use of cellphones. It is only by being aware that you can save yourself from inconveniences, fines and various compromising situations.