Drivers in Tennessee could face fines if they’re caught using hand-held cellphones behind the wheel as the new law took effect Monday.
The new distracted driving law makes it illegal to drive while holding or supporting a cellphone or mobile device with their bodies, with hands-free devices allowed. The law also bans reaching for a mobile device by getting out of a seated driving position or not correctly wearing a seatbelt.
A violation will be a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a $50 fine for a first offense, $100 for a third or higher offense or for causing a wreck, or $200 in active work or school zones. Drivers could still use hand-held devices if they are legally stopped or parked, or left their cars standing.
Tennessee joins 18 other states with hand-held cellphone use bans for drivers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The issue was fiercely contested in the Republican-led Legislature, with supporters calling the ban an important safety push and opponents calling it government overreach.
Topics Personal Auto Tennessee
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
WTW to Acquire Newfront in Deal Worth Up to $1.3B 
Zillow Deleting Home Climate Risk Scores Reveals Limits of Flood, Fire Data 
North Carolina Sting Operation Alleges Roofer Damaged Shingles to File Claim 
Brookfield Targets Global Dominance in P/C Insurance Coverage 
