Bill banning use of hand-held devices on any Tennessee road passes House

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A bill which will fine Tennessee drivers for talking on hand-held devices on any road in the state has passed through the House.

Legislation which became law last year made it a Class C misdemeanor to talk on a cell phone without hands-free technology in a school zone. Now, Representative John B. Holsclaw Jr. has filed legislation which would expand the law to any Tennessee road, highway, or street, not just school zones.

HB164 would also make it an offense for anyone under 18-years-old to drive a vehicle and talk on a cell phone even if they are using a hands-free device.

As with the school zone law, this bill -if passed- would result in a fine of up to $100. If the act results in an accident, that fine could reach up to $200. The bill was introduced on Monday and if it passes this session would go into effect January 1, 2020.

After passing the House, the bill is slated to go before the Senate next week.