THSO & THP Launch Operation Hands Free
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. To coincide with that, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol on Wednesday kicked off what they call “Operation Hands Free”. This month, the Highway Safety Office and the THP will partner with TDOT and local law enforcement agencies to crack down on violators of Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law. That law makes it illegal for drivers to hold a cell phone or mobile device with any part of their body.
Tennessee Highway Safety Office Director Buddy Lewis says that eight people died last year in Tennessee from crashes involving distracted driving. Lewis says six individuals have already been killed in distracted driving crashes in the first three months of 2026. All this month, the Highway Safety Office will be utilizing the digital highway message boards to remind drivers that Tennessee is hands-free.
Col. Matt Perry with the Tennessee Highway Patrol says during Operation Hands Free, troopers will have zero tolerance for drivers who take their eyes off the road. Perry says put the phone down or be prepared to face the consequences. Violation of the hands free law can result in points on your driving record.
