82 new laws to go into effect July 1 across Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. — Starting Friday, July 1, 82 new laws are going into effect across the state of Tennessee.

Some of the more notable laws include an enhanced law concerning texting and driving.

For the full list of the new laws, click here.

“Can’t help but notice every other driver down the road looking down at their phone or looking down at something. They don’t need to be looking down — all it takes is a split second,” driver Andrew Adams said.

Officials say texting behind the wheel isn’t just a fine anymore. It’s being changed to a moving violation which could result in you landing in traffic school or with points on your record.

“If you get 12 points on your license within a year you’ll lose it, so we think it’s a step in the right direction,” Madison County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Tom Mapes said.

Also going into effect Friday are new DUI laws that will toughen penalties and fines for repeat offenders as well as add new tools law enforcement can use to check if someone has had a DUI in the past.

“They could be sitting right there in their squad cars or their computers, they can check that and see what the history of this driver is, and so that is going to be a tremendous benefit to us,” Mapes said.

A new law known as the “slowpoke” law allows law enforcement to ticket slow drivers in the fast lanes of major three-lane highways, and tickets will result in a $50 fine.

Eight of the laws taking effect July 1 deal with strengthening penalties for sex offenders and increasing the amount of time an abuse victim can come forward.

“These are laws that are truly victim centered. The focus is on providing support for the victim,” executive director or WRAP Daryl Chansuthus said.