Bill banning drivers from holding their phones while driving advances in Tennessee House

April 17, 2019 at 1:03 p.m. | Updated April 17, 2019 at 1:04 p.m.

by Associated Press

A Chattanooga motorist holds an iPhone 4S while driving on Thursday. The National Transportation Safety Board declared last week that texting, emailing or chatting on a cellphone while driving is too dangerous to be allowed and urged all states to ban any cellphone use behind the wheel except for emergencies.
A Chattanooga motorist holds an iPhone 4S while driving on Thursday. The National Transportation Safety Board declared last week that texting, emailing or chatting on a cellphone while driving is too dangerous to be allowed and urged all states to ban any cellphone use behind the wheel except for emergencies.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Tennessee House has advanced legislation banning motorists from holding cellphones while driving.

House lawmakers voted 53-38 on Wednesday after debating the measure at length. Supporters argued the bill is needed to enhance safety while critics warned the bill was a potential government overreach. The bill still must clear the Senate before it can go to the governor's desk.

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.

Currently, hand-held cellphone use is banned in Tennessee school zones.

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