Bans on Mobile Devices

Fourteen states ban drivers from holding electronic devices, while others have bans specific to teen drivers. Tennessee's Hands-Free Law, also known as Public Chapter No. 412, went into effect on July 1, 2019, and prohibits drivers 18 and older from holding, reaching for, or supporting a phone while driving. The law also makes it illegal for drivers to:

• Write, send, or read any text-based communication

• Record or broadcast video on a cellphone or mobile device

• Use a device while driving except with hands-free or voice-to-text technology

Penalties for violating cell phone distraction laws include:

• Class C misdemeanor charges

• 3 demerit points on a person’s driving record for each violation

• Fines: $50 for the first violation, $100 for more than 2 violations or a violation involving an accident, or $200 for violations in work zones or school zones
  

Explore state laws related to #DistractedDriving here: https://www.iihs.org/topics/distracted-driving