Nevadans, keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and put down your cell phone. Nevada Senate Bill 140, which bans the use of handheld mobile devices while driving, is now in effect.

There are still ways for mobile fanatics (drivers) to legally stay connected. In 2001, when New York became the first state to ban handheld devices while driving, Bluetooth headsets became popular. Bluetooth technology allows electronic devices to communicate wirelessly. Integrated Bluetooth is now present in all smartphones. You can even use Bluetooth to stream music wirelessly, connect to the Web, transfer files, and more.

Noble Studios’ executives Jarrod Lopiccolo and Michael Thomas were recently quoted in the Reno-Gazette Journal (RGJ), indicating: “The use of portable Bluetooth devices appear to be on the way out because the technology is being built inside mobile phones and a lot of cars. Headphone speakers are much more convenient and common. In-car speakerphones are also an option.”

If you are shopping for a Bluetooth headset, Noble Studios’ developer Arun Karnati recommends the Plantronics M50. “This device has really cool features. It blocks noise and wind from calls. It works well with all Bluetooth supported phones and talk time is good. It can stream music and podcasts from your smartphone, which most of the headsets can’t do,” said Karnati. “The Plantronics M50 has everything I want. You can sync the device with two phones and answer calls from either. If you have an iPhone, it displays a headset battery meter. I’d give a 5-star rating. Finally, I wouldn’t spend more than $80 for a hands-free device and the Plantronics M50 is $50 and worth every penny.”

Until January 1, officers will issue warnings to drivers caught using a handheld device. After that, fines will range from $50 to $250 and with subsequent violations.

For more advice, read the RGJ article about the best simple, midrange and high-end hands free devices.