Can You Use Your Phone at a Red Light in Tennessee?
No, you cannot hold or use your phone at a red light—even when stopped.
Under Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law (T.C.A. § 55-8-199), it is illegal for drivers to hold or physically support a mobile device with any part of their body while operating a vehicle. This prohibition applies even when the vehicle is stopped at a red light or stop sign.
What’s Allowed
- Hands-free use only: You may use your phone through a hands-free system (e.g., Bluetooth, dashboard mounts, or voice commands).
What’s Not Allowed
- Holding your phone: Even if you’re stopped at a red light, holding your phone to talk, text, or navigate is prohibited.
Is Texting While Driving Illegal in Tennessee?
Yes. Texting while driving is prohibited in Tennessee. Drivers are not allowed to write, send, or read any text-based communication while operating a vehicle.
Permitted Scenarios
- Hands-free texting: Using voice-to-text features is allowed, provided you do not hold the device.
Prohibited Scenarios
- Manual texting: Typing or reading messages by hand while driving, even when stopped at a red light, is illegal.
Penalties for Violating Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law
Violating the Hands-Free Law is considered a Class C misdemeanor and is treated as a moving traffic violation.
Fines and Points
- First offense: $50 fine.
- Third offense or if violation results in a crash: $100 fine.
- Violation in work or school zones: $200 fine.
- License points: 3 points added to your driving record per violation.
Tennessee Distracted Driving Statistics
- Frequency of crashes: It’s reported that a crash involving a distracted driver occurs approximately every 43 minutes in Tennessee.
- Historical data: In 2018, Tennessee reported over 24,600 crashes involving distracted drivers, averaging 67 crashes daily, learn more.
- National comparison: Research shows Tennessee has been among the states with the highest rates of distracted driving deaths.
Learn More:
Tennessee Hands-Free Law: T.C.A. § 55-8-199
Tennessee Highway Safety Office: Hands-Free Act
FAQs
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving involves any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system.
Can I Use My Phone While Driving for Navigation or Calls?
Yes, but only through hands-free methods. You can use GPS or make calls if the device is mounted and operated without holding it. Voice commands are recommended.
Is It Okay to Use My Phone When Parked?
Yes. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, If your vehicle is lawfully parked in a safe location, you may use your phone, including for texting or calls.
What If I Drive Into Another State?
Laws vary by state. Some states may have stricter or more lenient laws regarding mobile device use while driving. Always familiarize yourself with the local laws of the state you are driving in.
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