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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee’s new “hands-free” law is in effect, but it may not be enforced in Memphis as much as you think, just yet.
That’s because the city council has to first pass an ordinance that would give Memphis police officers the right to ticket those holding a phone or texting while driving.
There’s a $50 fine for the first offense if you’re caught violating the hands-free law.
Right now, only the Tennessee Highway Patrol can ticket you in Memphis.
Mayor Jim Strickland says Nashville has an ordinance that automatically makes any state law enforceable by local authorities, but Memphis does not. He thinks Memphis needs that kind of enforcement, and says City Council can pass it within six weeks.
