Tennessee Bill Aims to Increase Penalties for Hands-Free Violations

Proposed legislation would raise court costs for first-time offenders under the state's Hands Free Tennessee law.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A new bill making its way through the Tennessee General Assembly would increase the penalties for drivers caught using their phones while behind the wheel. The proposed legislation would raise the court costs for first-time offenders under the state's Hands Free Tennessee law from $10 to up to $50, depending on the offense.

Why it matters

The bill's sponsor says the higher penalties are intended to make drivers think twice before picking up their phones while driving, addressing ongoing concerns about distracted driving and public safety on Tennessee roads.

The details

Under the current Hands Free Tennessee law, the first offense for holding a phone while driving carries a $50 fine and a $10 court fee. Senate Bill 1591 would change that, increasing the court costs to 50% of the total traffic fine, which could raise the fee to between $25 and $50 depending on the violation. The bill's author, State Sen. Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), says the extra revenue would also benefit the state's victim's relief fund.

  • The bill is currently making its way through the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • If passed and signed into law, the new penalties would go into effect on July 1, 2026.

The players

Senate Bill 1591

Proposed legislation that would increase the court costs for first-time offenders under Tennessee's Hands Free law.

Ferrell Haile

Republican state senator from Gallatin, Tennessee, and the author of Senate Bill 1591.

Heidi Campbell

Democratic state senator from Nashville, Tennessee, who has expressed support for the bill.

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What they’re saying

“Ten dollars does not cover court costs at the local level, and this bill raises the current $10 cap to 50% of the routine costs of other moving violations.”

— Ferrell Haile, State Senator (wkrn.com)

“I have always been concerned about the $50 cap. It was done at a time when $50 meant something. It is ridiculous that we have not fixed that.”

— Heidi Campbell, State Senator (wkrn.com)

What’s next

If the bill passes the Tennessee General Assembly, it will then go to the governor to be signed into law.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation aims to strengthen Tennessee's distracted driving laws by increasing the financial penalties for first-time offenders, with the goal of deterring more drivers from using their phones behind the wheel and improving road safety across the state.