Bill to Ban Motorists from Holding Cellphones While Driving Moves Forward

phone and driving

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.