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South Korea Bans Cell Phones While Driving

By Associated Press

Seoul, South Korea — South Korean drivers were banned from using hand-held mobile phone equipment beginning last weekend. Drivers caught using a cell phone while driving a car will face a $46 fine, the National Police Agency said in a statement.

Police will allow exceptions for drivers using hand-free devices, such as headphones and speakerphones, or drivers in emergency situations.

“The purpose of this rule is to prevent drivers from distracting their attention from driving,” said Chung Soo-il, an official at the National Police Agency.

“The first month, we will focus more on educating people about the new law and the actual ban will go into effect beginning in August,” he added.

More than half of 44 million South Koreans use cell phones.