Bill Banning Use of Cell Phone while Driving Moves Forward

A bill banning most cell phone use while driving could soon be one of Tennessee’s new rules of the road. The measure unanimously passed the House Transportation Committee Tuesday with little opposition.
A few years back, Rep. John Holsclaw successfully passed a cell phone use ban for drivers in school zones. Now he wants to ban all handheld cellphone usage on every road in the state.
“Tennessee, sad to say ranks No. 1 in deaths due to distracted driving,” said Holsclaw, citing an analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
The bill allows for hands-free devices to be used while driving.
Violators would have to pay a $50-dollar fine if cited, but not right away. First-time offenders would be sent to driving school.