Tennessee’s Hands Free Law goes into effect July 1. The law is intended to reduce the injuries and fatalities surrounding distracted driving. Local law enforcement and business leaders are working to educate the general public on the new law and urging everyone to take the “Hands Free Pledge”.

According to officials in 2018, there were over 24,600 crashes involving a distracted driver in Tennessee. Tennessee has the highest rate of distracted driving deaths in the nation according to a recent study. Tennessee is nearly five times the national average.

In the past 10 years, there have been over 8,100 crashes related to distracted driving in Montgomery County alone.

Five Items Included in Hands Free Law:
(a) hold a cellphone or mobile device with any part of your body
(b) write, send, or read any text-based communication
(c) reach for a cellphone or mobile device in a manner that requires the driver to no longer be in a seated driving position or properly restrained by a seat belt,
(d) watch a video or movie on a cellphone or mobile device
(e) record or broadcast video on a cellphone or mobile device.

Clarksville Police Department answered questions for the community regarding the new requirements.

Can I answer my phone at all?
According to officials, a driver is permitted to use an earpiece, headphone device, or device worn on a wrist to conduct voice-based communication. The driver may use one (1) button on a cell phone or mobile device to initiate or terminate voice communication.

Voice-based communication may also be used to send a text message. Many vehicles feature hands-free calling options. See the vehicles equipped with hands free capabilities from Wyatt Johnson.

What is the penalty?
Violation of the Hands Free Law is a Class C misdemeanor. Fines include $50 for the first offense, $100 for third time or higher or if the violation results in a car crash. Ticket can reach $200 if the violation occurs in a work zone while workers are present or in a marked school zone while flashers are in operation.

Are there exceptions?
In the event of an emergency, a driver is permitted to use a cellphone or other wireless device to communicate with first responders. This includes law enforcement agencies, medical providers, fire departments, or other emergency service agencies while driving a motor vehicle. The use must be necessitated by a bona fide emergency, including a natural or human occurrence that threatens human health, life, or property.

For more information on the Hands Free Law, see the official website.