New Georgia Hands-Free Driving Law in Georgia Effective July 1st, 2018
Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill 684, aka the Distracted Driving Bill, which took effect on July 1st, 2018. Under this bill, motorists will not be allowed to touch their phone, text, watch or record videos, or hold an electronic device.
Georgia joins Washington D.C. and 15 other states to implement a hands-free driving law. Of those states, 13 have already reported a 17.5% decrease in traffic fatalities since the driving law was passed.
What does the new Georgia hands-free driving law mean?
Let’s break down the new hands-free driving law in Georgia to see what is prohibited and what is allowed.
What is Illegal?
- Holding an electronic device. This includes your cell phone, GPS, iPod, etc.
- Watching a video or movie other than watching data related to your GPS or map app.
- Recording a video. You cannot snapchat and drive!
- Writing, reading, or sending any text-based communication. This includes texting and emailing.
What is Legal?
- Speaking or texting with hands-free technology.
- Using a GPS system or map app.
- Wearing and using a smart watch.
- Using an earpiece to talk on the phone.
- You are allowed to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, fire, crime, or hazardous road conditions.
- If you are lawfully parked, you can use your hands on your device. This does NOT include red lights, because at a red light, you are not lawfully parked.
Does the Georgia Hands-Free Driving Law Apply to Everyone?
Some people are exempt from the hands-free requirement if they are performing official duties, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, first responders, and any utility employee or contractor responding to a utility emergency.
What is the Fine for Violating the Georgia Hands-Free Driving Law?
If convicted of driving distracted, you can face up to $300 in fines with additional points on your license. Repeat offenders will face larger fines.
Distracted driving is the number one cause of vehicle deaths per year. Take your time and be aware. It’s not worth it.
Distracted Driving Accident? Get Roadside Emergency Assistance
If you are involved in a distracted driving accident, roadside emergency, or stuck on the road, call Marietta Wrecker Service at (770) 765-1941. We will rapidly dispatch a towing professional to your location around the Marietta or metro-Atlanta area as quickly as possible to help solve your roadside emergency. Marietta Wrecker Service provides quick roadside assistance and our “on-call” fleet of tow trucks and service vehicles guarantee to deliver a prompt response. Our experienced staff will provide motorist towing services near you. Always be safe, use caution, be confident, and avoid distracted driving at all costs.