When is it permissible to drive with a cell phone in hand?

Driving with a cell phone in hand is considered unsafe and often illegal, as it can distract drivers from paying attention to the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Many jurisdictions have laws prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving to encourage safer driving practices.

Using a cell phone, even when stopped at a red light, can lead to distractions and a lack of situational awareness, which can be dangerous. The safest practice is to avoid handling a phone entirely while driving. Although certain uses like navigation may be allowed in some areas, it is generally recommended to use hands-free devices or to pull over safely to use a phone. Therefore, the best and most broadly applicable answer is that it is never permissible to drive with a cell phone in hand.