OMG - Tennessee texting ban begins

Wednesday a new Tennessee law puts the brakes on drivers sending text messages while behind the wheel. Local law enforcement says the texting ban sends a strong message, but could be difficult to enforce.

"You are still allowed to use the phone while you're driving and you cannot always tell if someone is texting or making a call," said Tom Spangler, Chief Deputy with the Knox County Sheriff's Office. "The biggest thing we'll be looking out for is if there's a long period of time of being on that phone.

Spangler said the law does not delineate between using a cell phone to send text messages, receive text alerts, check email, or use a phone's web browser.

"The law has very good intentions but will hopefully get some additional clarification in the future. If you want to split hairs, any of that can fall under this new law since you would be doing the same thing as texting by pushing keys for something other than phone calls," said Spangler. "The main point of the law is to make sure people are paying attention to the road."

The law does not permit drivers to send messages while at a complete stop at a red light. Spangler said if someone absolutely must send a text message while driving, the driver should pull off the road and park the car first.

"If you are at a red light, you are still operating that vehicle and need to be paying attention when the light turns green," said Spangler.

Many parents at the Verizon store at Turkey Creek in west Knoxville said the new texting law has a nice ring to it

"As the father of an almost 16-year-old girl, I think it is a really good idea as she gets ready to get her license," said Mike Axon. "She has enough distractions just trying to figure out how to navigate the car down the road."

Lauren Fields, a 16-year-old from Knoxville, said she regularly texts while driving.

"I need my cell phone, I can't drive without it," said Fields. "I'll be like holding onto the top of the steering wheel with my cell phone in both hands so my eyes are also on the road. My Mom yells at me when she finds out, but I still do it anyway. I think people will still do it, but just be more careful about it."

Spangler said the penalty for texting and driving is a $50 fine plus court costs. However, it is not classified as a moving violation.

"It will not put any points on your license. It is basically like a parking ticket or a red light camera ticket," said Spangler.

Spangler said the new texting ban does provide probable cause for officers to stop a vehicle.