Law enforcement reminds motorists the Tennessee Hands Free Law. Below are the specifics of Public Chapter No. 412. It makes it illegal for a driver to:

(a) Hold a cell phone or mobile device with any part of the body,

(b) Write, send, or read any text-based communication,

(c) Reach for a cell phone or mobile device in a manner that requires the driver to no longer be in a seated position or properly restrained by a seatbelt,

(d) Watch a video or movie on a cell phone or mobile device, and,

(e) Record or broadcast a video on a cell phone or mobile device.

A violation of this law is a Class C misdemeanor, with fines as follows:

• $50 first time
• $100 third time offense or higher, or where the violation results in a crash
• $200 if the violation occurs in a work zone while workers are present, or if the violation occurs in a marked school zone while flashers are in operation

Hands-free devices are allowed, including earpieces, headphone devices, or a device worn on the wrist to conduct a voice-based communication. Dashboard mounts are also allowed.