Traffic Safety - As introduced, removes the prohibition on a person physically holding or supporting, with any part of the person's body, a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on a road or highway other than in a marked school zone or work zone; retains restrictions on activities such as texting on, reaching for, or watching or recording a video on such device while operating a motor vehicle on a road or highway. - Amends TCA Section 55-8-199.
SB 1408 would amend Tennessee law to allow drivers to physically hold wireless devices (like phones) while driving on most roads, but only outside school zones with active warning flashers or work zones with construction workers present. It maintains existing bans on texting, reaching for, or watching videos on devices while driving. Violations in school or work zones would carry a $200 fine, compared to $50 for other violations. The bill would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.
Bill status
in committee
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
House Passage
Apr 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 12, 2025
Last action Mar 19, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Feb 27, 2023 · House Apr 10, 2023
How they voted
29–0
Passed
Total votes 29
Feb 27, 2023
D
Democratic5
100% Yea
R
Republican24
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Mar 19, 2025
Committee
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Transportation and Safety Committee
lower
Mar 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 3/19/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Transportation and Safety Committee
upper
Apr 10, 2023
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (84-0)
house
Feb 27, 2023
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (29-0)
senate
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Joey Hensley
RRepublican
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