LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – For the average driver, the new state law concerning cellphones requires that  drivers are to put down  phones.  House Bill No. 164 bans drivers from using cellphones and other hand-held devices while driving in Tennessee.  However, the bill includes some exemptions.  Law enforcement and First Responders have exemptions.

Section (D) of the bill does not apply to the following persons: 

(1) Officers of this state or of any county, city, or town charged with the enforcement of the laws of this state, or federal law enforcement officers when in the actual discharge of their official duties;
(2) Campus police officers and public safety officers, as defined by $ a9- 7-118, when in the actual discharge of their official duties;
(3) Emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters, both volunteer and career, when in the actual discharge of their official duties;
(4) Emergency management agency officers of this state or of any county, city, or town, when in the actual discharge of their official duties;
(5) Persons using a wireless telecommunications device to communicate with law enforcement agencies, medical providers, fire departments, or other emergency service agencies while driving a motor vehicle, if the use is necessitated by a bona fide emergency, including a natural or human occurrence that threatens human health, life, or property;
(6) Employees or contractors of utility services providers acting within the scope of their employment;
(7) Persons who are lawfully stopped or parked in their motor vehicles or who lawfully leave standing their motor vehicles.

Read the entire bill HERE.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/07/2019-6AM)

3 Replies to “Law enforcement and first responders exempt from new cellphone law”

  1. I don’t think that’s right,they have c-b’s and it would still be putting lived at risk if they were on their cell phones and something happened.the driver is not supposed to be distracted by no means.most of them ride with partners.

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