Several states have recently passed cell phone laws prohibiting drivers from using their hand held cell phones while driving. If residents of those states wish to place or take a phone call while driving, they cannot hold the phone to their ear; a hands free device must be used. If caught without such a device, there may be a hefty fine. Proponents of such laws say that hands free devices allow drivers to keep both hands on the wheel, so they can pay more attention to the road than to their phone.

Most people looking for a hands free solution for their cell phone choose a Bluetooth earpiece. This wireless solution simply clips over the ear, allowing you to speak without holding the phone. To use a Bluetooth device, just associate it with any Bluetooth capable cell phone. Today, most new cell phones, as well as many used cell phones, are Bluetooth capable.

Although new cell phones are widely available with Bluetooth capabilities, older used phones may lack Bluetooth technology. Still, wired “hands free” kits are available for the majority of used cell phones, making communicating while on-the-go a possibility no matter what model of phone you have. These corded ear buds look and work the same as a Bluetooth device, except that they attach to the cell phone using wires, like the headphones for a CD player or IPod. Often, these corded options are the least expensive hands-free option for cell phones. They will usually fit your cell phone whether you have a used Sprint phone, a used AT&T phone, a used Blackberry or any other cell phone.

You don’t need the latest and greatest cell phone to be able to adapt to hands-free laws, or to choose to use a hands-free option for your own reasons. There is no reason not to have a hands-free option for convenience even if your state does not yet require it while driving.

Another choice if you are looking for a way to make your refurbished cell phone hands free is to use a plug and play kit for your car, which usually draws power from your cigarette lighter. This tiny attachment contains a microphone and speaker, and can be attached to your dashboard, air conditioning vent, or another area in your car. Unlike a Bluetooth headset, you need not attach anything to your ear when using a car kit. While some of these are wireless and rely on Bluetooth technology, others can be attached with a wire to your cell phone.