Cellphones Prohibited

Written By James R. Cook, II (J.R.)

Handheld Cellphones

Prohibited Usage

With the beginning of the 2018-19 school year beginning; I wanted to update you on a new law that went into effect this past July. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-8-207 now prohibits the use of a handheld cellphone while in a marked school zone while the indicators of such are flashing. This simply means you need to utilize some type of hands free device while being in the school zone while the lights are flashing. The ramifications of disobeying said law is a $50 fine and court costs. Of course, what I normally encounter when the police pull over citizens for a minor traffic offense is the police's authority to investigate for further criminal conduct generally increases.

Keeping School Zones Safe

If all you are ticketed for is the illegal use of a handheld cellphone while in the school zone, it will not go on your driving record as far as points are concerned; however, the court cost and fine are more of a hassle no one truly needs. Ultimately, the goal is to have us all be more careful within the school zones. Please exercise safety when you approach the school zones tomorrow and the rest of the school year. Safety actually begins with our individual decisions to behave in a safe manner and drive slow and attentive when the indicators are on. Please share this info and be careful. Good luck with new school year. 

James R. Cook, II (J.R.)

James R. Cook, II ("J.R.") is a family law and civil litigation attorney licensed to practice law in both State and Federal court. J.R. earned his undergraduate degree from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia and his Juris Doctorate degree from the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia. While attending law school, J.R. served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate representing the best interest of children in child custody cases; earned extensive training in negotiation, mediation and arbitration; and completed 150+ hours of community service.

J.R. has been recognized by numerous legal organizations for his outstanding family law accomplishments, including being named a Top 10 Family Law Attorney by Attorney and Practice Magazine, a Top 10 Attorney Under 40, and the Avvo Client's Choice Award for five (5) consecutive years. J.R. practices almost exclusively in the area of family law and has extensive experience handling high and low asset divorces, complicated custody disputes, adoptions, and other family law related matters. He understands how stressful, intimidating and complicated lawsuits may be; therefore, it is his goal to make sure every client receives aggressive, dependable and fair representation.

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