Nevada has now joined the ranks of several other states that limit cell phone usage while driving. The new law, effective October 1, 2011, but not to be enforced until January 1, 2012, generally makes it unlawful to talk or text on a cell phone while driving without the use of a hands-free device. Here are the details.

What The Law Prohibits

The new law makes it unlawful to type or read text messages, emails, or instant messages while driving a vehicle. It also makes it unlawful to make or receive phone calls while driving unless the individual uses a hands-free device. There appears to be an exception for entering in someone's phone number to initiate the call, but the law's language is not entirely clear, and there will likely be some disagreement over how it is enforced.

There are also exceptions to cover emergency situations and for police officers, firefighters, and ambulance drivers. Also, for those who have cars from the future, there is an exception "if the motor vehicle is driven autonomously through the use of artificial-intelligence software."