WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1555

Traffic Safety - As introduced, imposes state and local litigation taxes on a person who violates the prohibition against using a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device while operating a motor vehicle; removes the ten-dollar cap on court costs imposed for such violations. - Amends TCA Section 55-8-199.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Slater

Tennessee bill adds litigation taxes and removes $10 court cost cap for cell phone driving violations to increase financial penalties and discourage distracted driving.

Sponsor(s) Added.
#trafficsafety
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1555

Legislative bill overview

HB 1555 increases financial penalties for distracted driving violations in Tennessee by imposing state and local litigation taxes on drivers caught using wireless devices while operating vehicles. The bill also removes the existing $10 cap on court costs for these violations, allowing courts to assess higher fees.

Why is this important

Distracted driving is a documented traffic safety hazard that contributes to accidents and fatalities. This bill uses financial disincentives to encourage compliance with existing cell phone laws. The removal of cost caps may significantly increase the total financial burden on violators, affecting low-income drivers disproportionately.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive impact: Higher penalties and uncapped court costs may disproportionately burden lower-income drivers who cannot afford larger fines, while wealthier individuals may absorb costs more easily
  • Revenue generation vs. safety motivation: Critics may argue the bill functions primarily as a revenue source for the state and localities rather than as a genuine safety measure, since deterrence studies show marginal returns beyond moderate penalty levels
  • Enforcement equity: Questions about whether enforcement will be applied uniformly across communities, potentially creating disparate impact based on policing patterns in different neighborhoods

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.