Tennessee Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering Tennessee

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

• AlabamaConditional

  Alabama bans texting and distracted use while driving. Just holding the phone is not banned statewide on its own — distracted driving has to be observed (Ala. Code 32-5A-350.1).

  Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · Full Alabama rule →

• ArkansasConditional

  In Arkansas, texting and social-media use while driving is banned for all drivers (A.C.A. 27-51-1504). Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless device at all; drivers 18–20 are hands-free only. All drivers — including adults — are additionally barred from using a wireless device when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present (27-51-1605) and in a highway work zone (27-51-1606).

  Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: ardot.gov · Full Arkansas rule →

• GeorgiaRestricted

  Georgia bans handheld use for all drivers under the Hands-Free Georgia Act — hands-free is required instead (O.C.G.A. 40-6-241).

  Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: gahighwaysafety.org · Full Georgia rule →

• KentuckyConditional

  Kentucky bans texting while driving but not handheld calls. You can't write, send, or read a text-based communication while driving (KRS 189.292). Adults may still hold the phone to talk.

  Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →

• MississippiConditional

  Mississippi bans texting while driving but not handheld calls. Miss. Code 63-33-1 bars texting and social media use on a handheld phone while driving. Adults may still hold the phone to talk.

  Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: billstatus.ls.state.ms.us · Full Mississippi rule →

• MissouriRestricted

  Under Missouri's Siddens Bening Hands Free Law, handheld use is banned for all drivers — hands-free only. Enforcement began January 1, 2025. RSMo 304.822 bars holding an electronic communication device.

  Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →

• North CarolinaConditional

  North Carolina bans texting and email while driving for all drivers: no typing or reading messages (N.C.G.S. 20-137.4A(a)). Most adults may hold a phone to talk, but drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all while moving, even hands-free, except to reach emergency services or their own parent, guardian or spouse (20-137.3(b),(d)); school bus drivers may not use one while the bus is moving except to communicate in an emergency (20-137.4(b),(d)); commercial drivers face the federal handheld ban (20-137.4A(a1)).

  Verified Sep 9, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina rule →

• VirginiaRestricted

  Virginia requires hands-free driving: it is unlawful to hold a handheld personal communications device while driving. The rule has been in place since 2021 (Va. Code 46.2-818.2).

  Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →