Street Fighter, anyone?
Tomorrow it becomes illegal to text and drive in TN. But future technology will have the ability to transcend the language of this bill. (i.e. Wifi in Ipod Touch - selecting song while it is acting as a "wireless electronic communication device")
HB0107
HOUSE BILL 107
By Lundberg
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55,
relative to using text messaging services while
operating a motor vehicle.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 8, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following language as a new section:
Section 55-8-19_.
(a) For the purpose of this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) “Mobile telephone” means a cellular, analog, wireless or digital
device that provides for voice communication and for data communication
other than by voice; and
(2) “Personal digital assistant” means a wireless electronic
communication device that provides for data communication other than by
voice.
(b) No driver shall operate a motor vehicle on any highway while using a
hand held mobile telephone or a hand held personal digital assistant to transmit
or read a written message while such vehicle is in motion; provided, that a driver
does not transmit or read a written message for the purpose of this subsection
(b) if such driver reads, selects or enters a telephone number or name in a hand
held mobile telephone or a personal digital assistant for the purpose of making or
receiving a telephone call.
(c) A violation of any provision of this section is a Class C misdemeanor,
subject only to imposition of a fine, not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00), and court
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costs, not to exceed ten dollars ($10.00), including, but not limited to, any
statutory fees of officers. No state or local litigation taxes shall be applicable to a
case prosecuted under this section.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2009, the public welfare requiring it.
