Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 8.

This bill expands the current offense for talking on hand-held mobile telephones while driving within marked school zones to talking on such devices on any road or highway while driving. This bill also makes the prohibited use of a mobile telephone with a hands-free device by a minor a Class C misdemeanor.<br /> <br /> Under present law, with exceptions for certain officers, emergency personnel, and persons using a mobile telephone in the event of an emergency, it is a:<br /> <br /> (1) Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of up to $50.00, for a person to knowingly operate a motor vehicle in any marked school zone in this state, when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation, and talk on a hand-held mobile telephone while the vehicle is in motion; however, the offense is not committed if the telephone is equipped with a hands-free device, for drivers 18 years of age and older; and<br /> (2) A delinquent act, punishable only by a fine of up to $50.00, for a person under the age of 18 to operate a motor vehicle and talk on a mobile phone that is equipped with a hands-free device while the vehicle is in motion.<br /> <br /> This bill expands the prohibition of (1) above to talking on such devices on any road or highway and revises (2) above from a delinquent act to a misdemeanor offense. Under this bill, it will be a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of up to $50.00, for a person of any age to operate a motor vehicle on any road or highway and talk on a hand-held mobile telephone while the vehicle is in motion; however, the offense is not committed if the driver is 18 years of age or older and the telephone is equipped with a hands-free device.<br /> <br /> This bill will take effect on January 1, 2020.<br /> <br />