A system and method is provided for limiting or disabling cellular telephone usage during operation of a motor vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a wireless transmission device and a cell phone. The wireless transmission device, which includes at least an IR modulation circuit, a processor, and a memory device, is configured to transmit a wireless signal toward a driver of the motor vehicle. The cell phone, which includes at least an IR modulation detection circuit, a processor, a memory device, a keypad, and a display, is configured to receive the wireless signal and, in response thereto, limit or disable certain features of the cell phone. This can be done by disabling certain features (e.g., cellular service, Bluetooth™, telephone calls, text messaging, emailing, its antenna, its keyboard, and/or its display) or disabling (e.g., powering down, etc.) the entire cell phone.