Most people today would recognize it if they were located in a “no cell phone” zone. That’s because there are signs posted that we can clearly recognize. Some of these signs actually tell us in text that we aren’t allowed to use our mobile phones in the area. Other signs simply show us in pictures that no cell phone use is allowed. These cell phone signs have become as familiar to many of us as other common signs such as “no crossing” and “no smoking signs”. In fact, a specific logo for these signs was patented in the U.S. way back in 2003. Despite this, many people choose to ignore these signs. They would never ignore the signs not to cross the street or not to smoke in an area designated as “no smoking” but they seem to think that the “no mobile phones” rule doesn’t apply to them. It does.

Let’s review the top 10 reasons that “no cell phone” zones exist:

1. Mobile phones can interfere with important equipment. One of the most common places for us to see the “no cell phone” sign is in a hospital or doctor’s office. The reason for is that mobile phones can potentially cause electromagnetic interference that affects the medical equipment that is being used by doctors. In most cases, it’s probably not going to do any harm to people if you use your mobile phone in these areas because the risks are minimal. Nevertheless, there are some risks. In order to keep patients safe, cell phones are not allowed in these places. That’s a “no cell phone” sign that you should respect. Similarly, it’s increasingly common to see a “no cell phone” light on airplanes; this light tells you when it is (and isn’t) safe to use your mobile phone on the plane.

2. Mobile phones can be a really dangerous distraction. Another place that you may see “no cell phone” signs is along the highway. That’s because driving while talking on your mobile phone is against the law in a lot of areas. The reason for this is because it has been proven over time that drivers who are talking on their mobile phones are more likely to cause accidents on the road.

3. Mobile phone use can slow down customer service. Have you noticed that a lot of cafes and coffee shops are starting to post signs at the counter letting you know that they won’t serve you if you’re talking on your cell phone while trying to place your order? That’s because you’re distracted and you order too slowly. This slows down the line for everyone. It’s rude. Pause your conversation, complete your order and then talk on your mobile phone.

4. Mobile phone use can take away from a group’s experience. “No cell phone” signs, advertisements and announcements are increasingly common in places where a public event is about to take place. Movie theatres, live stage events and concerts are examples of this. If you ignore the “no mobile phone” signs in these areas then you probably aren’t going to do any real harm to anyone but they just may get the urge to do harm to you because they can’t pay attention to whatever it is that they paid to come see.

5. Mobile phone use is simply inappropriate in certain places. There shouldn’t have to be “no cell phone” signs in places like church or funeral homes but those signs are cropping up more and more often in places like these. The reason is that it’s just completely inappropriate to use your phone in these places for any reason at all. Step outside to place your calls.

6. Mobile phones that double as cameras or video recorders are prohibited in some places. In rare cases it isn’t actually that cell phones aren’t allowed. It’s that video recording devices are not allowed in certain areas due to security or privacy issues. Phones that have these devices on them may also be banned and this information may be relayed to you through a “no cell phone” sign.

7. Mobile phone use is restricted by certain organizations or businesses. For example, some schools are considered “no cell phone” zones. Students who talk, text or otherwise use a mobile phone on the property are at risk of having the phone taken away. Some schools post signs to remind students of this so that they know the risk that they’re taking if they choose to disobey the rules.

8. It’s not healthy to be on your phone all of the time. There are some places that ban cell phone use specifically because they want you to be able to focus on being with yourself and the people who are in the room with you. Yoga retreats are a good example of this but you even sometimes see no cell phone zones at business conferences for this same reason.

9. People need rules to keep them from being rude. What a lot of the reasons here can be boiled down to is that “no cell phone” signs exist because people need them. It would be nice if we all used our common sense and talked on our phones only in places where it was safe and appropriate to do so. Some of us do that; we use text messaging in places where quiet is desired and we turn our phones off when we’re in spaces where cell phones simply aren’t safe to use. However a lot of us don’t do that. That’s why we have no cell phone zones; to remind people that they need to use their phones appropriately.

10. Sometimes no cell phone signs let us know that there is no mobile phone service in an area. Most “no cell phone” zones are zones where cell phone use is possible but prohibited. However, there are occasionally signs posted to let you know that the area is a “no cell phone” zone precisely because there is no coverage in the area. Remote places where people commonly hike are examples of where these signs might be seen. It helps keep you safe to know that you won’t be able to use your phone if an emergency occurs.