Updated April 18, 2019

A bill to ban the use of cell phones for texting while driving passed through the Tennessee House this week.

This would also ban other uses of cell phones, including hand-held calls, music control or navigation if the phone is being held.

Tennessee Bill HB 164 would allow law enforcement to ticket drivers who are seen holding their cell phones in their hands while driving.

The driver could be pulled over and given a citation for $50.

According to law enforcement,  this does not apply to people who are using their phone for navigation and have it in their cup holder or attached to the vehicle’s dash.

Supporters of the bill say this is about protecting drivers on the road and combating the problem of texting while driving.

Now,  the bill has to move through the  Senate before Governor Bill Lee can sign it.