June 1, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
It will soon be illegal for Tennessee drivers to talk on the phone without a hands-free device.
The Tennessee General Assembly recently passed legislation that will ban the use of handheld electronic devices, including cellphones, while driving in Tennessee.
M2U02999 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
It will go into effect on July 1 with the governor’s signature.
Supporters of the bill believe it will make roads safer and save lives.
State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver voted in favor of it. State Senator Mark Pody opposed it saying there are already distracted driving laws on the books. State Representative Clark Boyd said while he missed the vote on it, he supports the new law.
You will still be able to talk on the phone using an earpiece, headphone device, or wrist . The bill would also allow a driver to start or end a phone call by using a single button or swipe on the phone. Drivers may also use voice-to-text ability and may look at their cell phones if its for navigation.
Violators would face up to a $50 fine. That amount could reach $100 if the violation causes an accident or $200 for violations in construction or school zones.
This expands already existing laws intended to keep drivers safe on the road. Teen drivers are already prohibited from talking on the phone while driving and the state already bans texting while driving. In addition, hand-held cellphone use is already banned in Tennessee school zones.
There will be some exceptions to the new law.. According to the bill summary, law enforcement, campus police, emergency services and firefighters acting in a official capacity are exempt. It also includes any citizen in an emergency situation.
Sixteen states and Washington D.C. already prohibit all drivers from using handheld cellphones, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Georgia passed a similar law last year.