Starting January 1, 2018, it will be a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $50 for a person to knowingly operate a motor vehicle in Tennessee in any marked school zone in this state, when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation, and talk on a hand-held mobile telephone while the vehicle is in motion. However, the offense is not committed if the telephone is equipped with a hands-free device, for drivers 18 years of age and older. A driver under age 18 is breaking the law talking either using a hands-free or handheld while driving through an active school zone.