The accident rate for 'distracted driving' is approximately equal to that for drunk driving. Therefore the state has an interest in curbing the bad habits that drivers get into. Here in Saskatchewan Canada, it is illegal to operate any electronic device while driving a motor vehicle. This includes fiddling around with the stereo in your car, fiddling with your GPS, etc. You cannot use a cell phone in any capacity - take a call, take a picture, text, or email, while the vehicle is in motion. If you need to do those things, pull over. Now, the penalties for failure to comply with the law are steep, but fair. Its a $285 fine for the first offense. The second offense, your vehicle is impounded for a week. This does not mean you can't drive - you can certainly rent a car during that period. I'm not 100% clear what happens on subsequent offenses - I imagine they'll increasingly treat you as they would an impaired driver, which you clearly are if you cannot follow a simple, very clear law.