# Philadelphia Cell Phone Ban

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 No matter where you drive throughout Philadelphia, chances are you’re going to see a motorist on the phone. With a statewide effort in place to ban cell phone use while behind the wheel, Philadelphia’s law is showing signs of success. [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/26023938/sp1011germantownindividualbehindthewheel3-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2010/03/01/philadelphia-cell-phone-ban-2/sp1011germantownindividualbehindthewheel-4/)Driving and texting behind the wheel The ban, which targets the use of a wireless telephone while driving, has been enforced by Philadelphia Police since Dec.1 of last year. Lt. Frank Vanore of the Philadelphia Police Department says the ban has been effective, "We think it’s a good law, were enforcing this one now. It’s a few months in and we’ve written over 3,000 of them." Philadelphia joined an increasing number of communities across the country in April of last year in prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. Drivers who are caught violating the recent ban can receive a $75 to $300 ticket, according to the Philadelphia Police. [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/26023937/sp1011germantownindividualwarningsign3-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2010/03/01/philadelphia-cell-phone-ban-2/sp1011germantownindividualwarningsign-4/)Pamphlets warning of the new ban The strict fine has supporters such as Luis Rodriguez, a Philadelphia contractor who hasn’t just witnessed distracted drivers, but was the victim of one, "I’ve seen plenty of accidents with my own eyes with people on the cell phone. I got hit one time from a person being on the cell phone so I think it’s a good idea." The Pennsylvania House of Representatives thinks it’s a good idea as well. Last month, the House passed legislation that would ban texting and handheld cell phone use by motorists. According to a study by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Philadelphia County in 2008 had 106 car accidents as a result of handheld phones, compared to eight crashes that occurred with hands free devices. Since the ban was enforced late last year, wireless retailers like Guna Shanm say they’ve seen an increase, "We’ve seen a good number of people buying accessories when it comes to Bluetooths and headsets which has been good and is a reflection of the new law that has come out." [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/26023936/sp1011germantownindividualtraffic2-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2010/03/01/philadelphia-cell-phone-ban-2/sp1011germantownindividualtraffic-3/)Traffic on Broad Street Despite the bans overwhelming support, Brandon Diehl of York, Pa., remains skeptical over its effectiveness, "There’s a ton of distractions that people have. I don’t know if them banning it will really change anything." A statewide ban on cell phone use still has to make its way through the senate before it can become a law. However, Lieutenant Vanore hopes the ban would go after more than just talking on the phone, "I see people doing their makeup, eating, doing all kinds of crazy things in the car, and not paying attention to what they’re doing."