Legality of Using a Mobile Phone While Driving in Different Countries Around the World In most countries, including ours, using a phone while driving is only allowed in hands-free mode. This means not holding the phone: drivers can talk through a headset or speakerphone. Portugal and Japan have strict bans on using phones while driving, while some U.S. states permit talking on the phone (even holding it), but prohibit texting. Interestingly, no country has identical laws on this issue. Contrastingly, in many African countries, as well as numerous countries in Asia and Latin America (often less developed), drivers are allowed to use their phones in any form while driving. Surprisingly, a few U.S. states and one Canadian territory also permit this practice.

In most countries, including ours, using a phone while driving is only allowed in hands-free mode. This means not holding the phone: drivers can talk through a headset or speakerphone.

Portugal and Japan have strict bans on using phones while driving, while some U.S. states permit talking on the phone (even holding it), but prohibit texting. Interestingly, no country has identical laws on this issue.

Contrastingly, in many African countries, as well as numerous countries in Asia and Latin America (often less developed), drivers are allowed to use their phones in any form while driving. Surprisingly, a few U.S. states and one Canadian territory also permit this practice.