Many cities are banning cell phones while driving, but that doesn't mean you can't talk on the phone at all.

TODAY'S TMJ4's Scott Steele was driving down the streets of Chicago when that heart-stopping chill we all fear happened: flashing lights in the rear view mirror.

Scott was certain he hadn't done anything wrong until the kind officer reminded him that in the Windy City, it's illegal to use cell phones while driving.

It's a trend all over the world: in 33 countries and throughout the U.S. State legislatures and city councils are passing laws banning handheld bantering behind the wheel. So far, at least a dozen states have some sort of restrictions.

Still, our society has grown so dependent on mobile communications that shutting off your phone in the car could be a real problem for some people.

One great solution is a Bluetooth headset. You've probably seen people who appear to be talking to themselves while they roam around the grocery store or take a walk.

Then you notice the Bluetooth headset in their ear.

This lightweight wireless device uses something called Bluetooth technology. It's like your computer network at home or the office but in this case instead of a WAN or Wide Area Network, Bluetooth is a PAN or Personal Area Network.

It has a much smaller range so your phone still has to be relatively close, in a pocket or a briefcase for instance.

If your phone has the capability it can wirelessly sync up to the headset, allowing hands free communications.

Some costlier models are even lighter, have more features like support for voice dialing, and better battery life

The synchronization process can be a bit tedious, but once you figure things out it's pretty straight forward.

First, you find the proper settings on your phone.

Change them to scan and accept Bluetooth devices.

Then turn the headset on and wait for them to find each other.

A marriage made in heaven: a safer manner of driving, and a way to avoid the unpleasant experience of being pulled over.