Holding cell phones while driving ban begins July 1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF/WVLT) -- A Tennessee bill allowing law enforcement to ticket drivers seen holding their cell phones in their hands while driving will take effect July 1.

The law bans any use of a cell phone held in hand while driving, including hand-held calls, music control and navigation. The law would be an expansion on the current offense for talking on a handheld device while driving in a school zone.

The law allows law enforcement to issue citations for $100, with a possible increase to $200 if a crash is involved.

Exceptions include drivers using the phone for navigation while it is in their cup holder or attached to the vehicles' dash.

There are some devices you can use and still be connected thanks to Bluetooth features found on most phones. Using it with your car stereo could require an upgraded radio system. Those can be installed at a shop like American Radio.

"Basically when they get in the vehicle its automatically going to pair," store manager Curtis Crowe said. "The phone can be in a purse, or pocket, and once you get a phone call, its going to pop up on the unit answer it and talk hands free."

Cheaper models can be installed for around $200, but fancier models can fully integrate your phone into you car with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay