Heads up… or should we say, “Hands Off!” The Hands-Free Tennessee law, which requires drivers to put down their phones and focus on the road, takes effect today.
As of Monday, July 1, 2019, this new law makes it illegal for Tennessee drivers to operate a cell phone with their hands (or any other part of their body) while driving.
The “hands free” law, officially known as Public Chapter No. 412, makes it illegal for a driver to:
- (a) hold a cellphone or mobile device with any part of their body,
- (b) write, send, or read any text-based communication,
- (c) reach for a cellphone or mobile device in a manner that requires the driver to no longer be in a seated driving position or properly restrained by a seat belt,
- (d) watch a video or movie on a cellphone or mobile device, and
- (e) record or broadcast video on a cellphone or mobile device.
According to handsfreetn.com, a driver is allowed to use an earpiece, headphones, or a device worn on the wrist to conduct voice-based communication in the car. Additionally, voice-based communication may be used to send a text message.
Under the new law, a driver may use one (1) button on a cell phone or mobile device to initiate or terminate voice communication… but that’s it.
You can read the complete PC0412 bill here.
It is also important to know that violation of the hands free law is a Class C misdemeanor. A traffic citation based on this violation is considered a moving traffic violation. Fines for violations include:
- $50 – First-time offense
- $100 – Third-time offense or higher; violation results in a car crash
- $200 – Violation occurs in a work zone while workers are present; violation occurs in a marked school zone while flashers are in operation
It is possible for drivers to accumulate 3 points on their driving record for each violation.
Go to handsfreetn.com for all the details on the state’s new law, including a helpful “Frequently Asked Questions” list.
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