Admit it. Sometimes, you hold your phone while driving, glancing down to switch music or maybe to peek at a social media notification. Most of us have been there. 🤦‍♀️

But, beginning July 1, it will be illegal to hold a cellphone while driving.

📱That means

No texting (which was already illegal).
No holding your phone to the ear while talking
No picking up your phone to look at Google maps.
No holding for just a second because you really needed to hear that song, send that clever tweet or snap a picture of that breathtaking sunset.

📱The law

Drivers are prohibited from holding or “physically supporting” a phone while driving.
The law applies to people 18+ because younger drivers are already prohibited from using phones while driving.
Law enforcement, first responders + utility workers are excluded.
People making an emergency call are also excluded. (The Tennessean)

📱Penalties

The first penalty for those caught using a phone while driving is $50.
If it’s your third offense or you have a wreck, the fine is $100.
If you’re in a work zone with crews present or in a school zone when the warning lights are on the fine is $200. (The Tennessean)

📱 What is allowed

Use of an earpiece, headphone device or wrist device
Drivers can use one button to begin or end a conversation through a hands-free device
You can also send text messages with voice-to-text as long as you aren’t holding the phone (NewsChannel 9)

📱 By the numbers

Last year, there were more than 24,600 crashes in Tennessee that involved a distracted driver.
That’s an average of 67 crashes a day.
In Hamilton County, there have been nearly 10,000 crashes that involved distracted driving in the past 10 years. (HandsFreeTN.com)

📱Poll

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