Although there is no federal (nationwide) law that prohibits texting or using a wireless phone while driving, many states have passed laws that prohibit such activities—and some municipalities (cities, towns) have also passed ordinances that restrict texting, talking, or emailing while driving. For example:

• 25 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned drivers from hand-held phone use while driving.

• 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned texting while driving for all drivers.

• 37 states and the District of Columbia prohibit all cell phone use by novice drivers.

• 23 states and the District of Columbia prohibit school bus drivers from cell phone use while driving.

For more information on state laws, visit the Governor Highway Safety Association page by copying this link and pasting it into your internet browser: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving

In Tennessee, texting while driving is prohibited for drivers of all ages under state law. Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-199 makes it illegal for any driver to use a handheld mobile phone to transmit or read a written message while the vehicle is in motion. This includes texting, emailing, and other forms of typing or sending messages on a mobile device. Additionally, Tennessee has a hands-free law, known as the 'Tennessee Hands Free Law,' which took effect on July 1, 2019. Under this law, Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-207 prohibits drivers from holding a cellphone or mobile device with any part of their body, writing, sending, or reading any text-based communication, reaching for a device in a manner that requires the driver to no longer be in a seated driving position or properly restrained by a seat belt, watching a video or movie on a cellphone, or recording or broadcasting video on a cellphone. There are exceptions for emergencies and certain official duties. Violations of these laws can result in fines and points on the driver's driving record. Novice drivers and school bus drivers are subject to additional restrictions under Tennessee law.