Legislation that would ban motorists from holding cellphones while driving has advanced in the Tennessee House, reports Associated Press.
Lawmakers voted Wednesday and the bill passed 53-38. The bill still needs to clear the Senate before reaching the governor’s desk.
This bill is an expansion of a bill that is already in effect which bans talking on handheld devices while driving in a school zone. This new bill would mean it is an offense to talk on a handheld device on any road, highway or street.
If approved, violators would face up to a $100 fine. That amount could go up to $200 if the violation results in an accident. The bill would take effect in 2020.
Sixteen states and the District of Columbia now prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cellphones, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Georgia passed a similar law last year.