Here's how many tickets were issued across East Tennessee during the first week of the hands-free law

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On July 1, 2019, Tennessee went Hands-Free. 

Law enforcement officers across the state have enforced the new law that requires drivers to put down their phones for one week now. 

“We want to educate. We want to save lives. We want to prevent injuries,” Lt. Don Boshears with the Tennessee Highway Patrol said.  

RELATED: Law banning handheld phones while driving in TN goes into effect on July 1

But the number of citations issued may not be what you would expect.

“We are enforcing the law, but we want to be easy about it,” Boshears explained. “Every situation is different.”

Here are what the numbers look like for several departments across East Tennessee. 

Since July 1, Sevierville Police issued 4 citations and 2 warning citations. 

Deputies with the Blount County Sherriff’s Office have issued 4 warnings citations. 

Anderson County deputies have issued several warnings, but zero citations. 

Alcoa Police have decided not to issue drivers any citations until 30 days after the law was in effect. 

THP troopers in the Knoxville District issued 14 citations and 33 warnings for the new hands-free law during the first week, Boshears said.

Many local law enforcement offices told 10News they’re focusing on education first. 

RELATED: Hands-Free Tennessee: THP answers FAQs about new driving law taking effect July 1st

“It is something that we are going to enforce with either warning citations and regular court ordered citations. But we want the public to be educated on it,” Boshears said. 

10News asked for citation numbers from the Knoxville Police Department and the Knox County Sheriff's Office, but had not received them as of 6 a.m. Monday.