Starting Thursday, drivers with an instruction permit, probationary license or fewer than three years of driving experience will no longer be allowed to use a cell phone while behind the wheel, according to the Fond du Lac Reporter. Violations will cost drivers up to $40 dollars for the first offense and up to $100 for a subsequent offense. Minnesota also bans novice drivers from all cell phone usage while driving in the state.

However, the Star Tribune reports it remains unclear whether the bill bans cell phone use only when passengers are in the cab, or at all times. Taxi companies say if it's at all times, they strongly oppose the rule.

A new law takes effect in Wisconsin on Thursday that bans drivers with an instruction permit or probationary license from “using a cellular or other wireless telephone except to report an emergency.” The law is primarily aimed at teens, whose leading cause of death nationwide is traffic crashes, and distracted driving leads to many of those crashes, public safety officials say.

Current cell phone contracts often prohibit users from filing lawsuits. That means anyone with a complaint can only settle it through arbitration. Democratic Sens. Al Franken and Richard Blumenthal say that doesn't always give cell phone users enough protection.

Your cellular network sends messages from their towers to your phone. Hackers - or law enforcement - can use those messages to keep track of where you are. The U of M researchers say they've let cell companies know and have suggested changes.