Tennessee Hands-Free Law: What a Citation Really Means for Your Driving Record
Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law is aggressively enforced, and many drivers don’t realize how serious a hands-free citationcan be until it’s already on their record.
This isn’t just about texting anymore—and it’s definitely not just a warning ticket.
What Is Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law?
Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law prohibits drivers from:
Holding a cellphone or mobile device while driving
Texting, emailing, or scrolling while behind the wheel
Watching videos
Using a phone without hands-free technology
Reaching for a phone in a way that takes the driver out of a seated, restrained position
If your phone is in your hand while the vehicle is in motion—or even stopped at a light—you can be cited.
What Happens If You Get a Hands-Free Citation?
A hands-free citation in Tennessee is a moving violation, not a harmless slap on the wrist.
Consequences may include:
Fines and court costs
Points on your driving record
Increased insurance premiums
Impact on commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs)
Potential use against you in civil or criminal cases
For drivers under 18, penalties are even more severe and may include license suspension.
Can a Hands-Free Citation Affect Other Cases?
Yes—and this part surprises people.
A hands-free violation can:
Be used to establish fault in an accident case
Strengthen a DUI or reckless driving allegation
Impact probation or bond conditions
Affect employment for drivers who rely on a clean record
What starts as a traffic stop can snowball quickly.
Can You Fight a Hands-Free Citation in Tennessee?
Absolutely—depending on the facts.
Common defenses may include:
The phone was not being held (mounted or hands-free)
The device was used for GPS navigation
The officer did not clearly observe the alleged violation
The stop itself was improper
The citation lacks sufficient detail
Every case is fact-specific, and details matter more than most people realize.
Why You Shouldn’t Automatically Pay the Ticket
Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt. Once paid, it’s almost always final—and the points and insurance consequences follow.
Consulting a traffic or criminal defense attorney before paying can help determine whether:
The citation can be dismissed
Charges can be reduced
Points can be avoided
Court appearances can be handled on your behalf
Cited for a Hands-Free Violation in Tennessee? Get Legal Advice.
If you’ve received a hands-free citation in Tennessee, don’t assume it’s harmless. Protecting your driving record now can save you time, money, and bigger problems later.
📞 Contact our office today for a consultation and learn your options before paying the ticket.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change, and the application of law depends on specific facts. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for legal counsel. Reading this post does not create an attorney–client relationship. Contacting our office through this website, blog, or email does not create an attorney–client relationship unless and until a formal written agreement is signed. This blog discusses Tennessee law and procedures. Laws differ from state to state, and even county to county. If your case is outside Tennessee, consult a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction. This post may be considered attorney advertising under Tennessee law. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts. Please do not send confidential information through this blog or website. Any information submitted through this site is not protected by attorney–client privilege.
