Cell Phone Laws – Turn It Off!

While most Americans carry cellular phones, many people believe that there should be a law against using cell phones in public venues. The City of New York apparently thinks so too, and has gone ahead to pass cell phone laws that address not only public safety but also public courtesy. Effective in April 2003, the city’s new cell phone law bans the use of cell phones during public exhibits and performances.

The New York City ordinance was proposed in response to complaints about cellular phones ringing during theatre performances. Cell phone laws are making it illegal to use cellular phones in any theatre, library, museum, gallery, concert hall or any other indoor or outdoor venue where performances are taking place.

It's doubtful that New York City cops will be spending any extra time writing tickets to people who use their cellular phone or let it ring during a public performance though. The new law carries a fine of $50 and is mainly intended to give theatre owners some leverage against obnoxious patrons who insist on using cell phones.

Following the United States lead, Canada is debating legalizing devices that could silence cell phones within a limited area, by blocking signals from cell phone towers. Theatres, concert halls and even churches may be allowed to use the jammers to keep cell phones silent in their buildings. While this new cellular phone law is intended to stop discourteous behavior, some critics feel that laws allowing signal jammers would likely raise safety concerns as well as concerns about regulating the devices.

Also see; cell phones and the law.

Author Notes:

Jack Adams contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com. A cellular phone industry resource that features service plan comparisons, cellular phone reviews and articles.