In a new Tennessee law that began Monday, drivers in Tennessee could face a greater penalty risk for driving while distracted.
The law will increase the number of points charged for distracted driving citations.
The so-called Eddie Conrad Act was named after a middle Tennessee businessman who was killed after being hit by a distracted driver in 2020.
The new law affects young drivers the most. People under the age of 18 will get seven points for a second offense, which is enough to have their license suspended for up to a year.
Anyone 18 or older will get four points for a first or second offense and five points for a third offense.
Adult distracted drivers can also face a class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $50.
The new law also includes stricter punishments for holding, reading on, or reaching for an electronic device while driving.
It could be enough to have someone’s license suspended for up to a year.
