The use of mobile phones has grown exponentially over the last decade, with just about every adult in the U.S. owning at least one. As new technology was introduced like text messaging and cameras, mobile phone owners found new uses for their cell phones. However, these new uses have also led to growing concerns on how people use their cell phones especially teenagers and while driving. These concerns have led to many new mobile phone laws with more on the way.

Mobile Phone Laws: Texting

The mobile phone laws that affect the most people are texting laws. Currently text messaging while driving is illegal in thirty-five states along with Washington D.C. and Guam. Seven other states do not allow text-messaging will driving for those under the age of 18.

Mobile Phone Laws: Talking On A Cell While Driving

Phone laws are a bit more lenient. Only nine states have banned drivers from using handheld mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle. With the exception of Maryland, talking on the phone while driving is a primary enforcement. In other words, a police officer may pull you over for talking on the phone without another traffic violation taking place.

While the other forty-one states do not ban cell phone use by drivers completely, many have restrictions. Thirty states and Washington D.C. currently ban drivers under the age of 18. Nineteen states ban the use of mobile phones by school bus drivers.

Mobile Phone Laws: Sexting

A new set of mobile phone laws is becoming popular in many states that involve explicit pictures and videos sent via text. This is often referred to as “Sexting.” According to a recent poll, about 20% of females have sent nude or semi-nude images to another person. Most of the time it is sent to a boyfriend, but it sometimes it sent to someone a female wants to date.

The problem with sexting is that it violates a federal law, which states that it is illegal to create explicit images of a minor. However, this law does not exempt minors who create and send photos or video of themselves. Therefore, minors who take and send pictures of themselves are subject to numerous charges including child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and many more.

In Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin, there have all been cases where prosecutors have gone after the creators of the photos. Based upon the current law, the accused could face up to life in prison and will be required to be included on the registered sex offender list.

These mobile phone laws are meant to protect minors from being abused and to prevent child pornography from being sent. However, these laws are widely opposed, at least in the case of an underage girl sending a photo to an underage boyfriend.

Mobile Phone Laws: Search And Seizure

A more recent federal mobile phone law passed gives police the ability to search through a mobile phone without needing a search warrant. While the law does not explicitly mention mobile phone laws, law enforcement agencies believe them to be included. This was recently affirmed by a federal court of appeals that ruled that a mobile phone is similar to a diary, which can be read without a warrant.

This law is proving to be widely unpopular among people. Most see it as an invasion of their personal property and want the law to be repealed. However, it does not seem likely that it will be repealed anytime soon.

Mobile Phone Laws: Radiation

The final recent law passed through by legislators is a mobile phone radiation law. If you are not aware, mobile phones produce small amounts of radiation, and prolonged use is believed to be harmful for users. While the evidence is not clear, there is enough of it that has some states taking action and passing mobile phone radiation laws.

States like California, Maine, and New Mexico have passed legislation that requires mobile phone manufacturers to state the levels of radiation released by each phone.

Other cities like San Francisco, Philadelphia and Berkeley, CA all have legislation in the works that have similar requirements for mobile phone sellers. Other cities and states currently have panels and hearings scheduled to discuss cell phone radiation and how it affects users.

As mobile phones continue to advance, new mobile phone laws are likely to be passed. In fact, a large amount of legislation is likely to be passed during this year regarding mobile phone privacy laws, specifically how companies can collect your data and use it.