Put down the phone and pay attention to the road. That’s the message Georgia lawmakers and law enforcement officials are sending to Peach State drivers.
Georgia’s new hands-free cell phone law goes into effect July 1st. The law prohibits using hand-held cell phones while driving.
State lawmakers passed the Hands-Free Georgia Act earlier this year in response to concerns over distracted driving.
There’s been a significant increase in motor vehicle crashes, fatalities, and injuries across the state, according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Those increases have mainly been in rear-end crashes, single-car crashes and wrecks involving drivers 15 to 25-years-old.
Law enforcement attributes the increase to drivers not paying attention.
In the 15 other states where hands-free laws are in effect, GOHS says there was a 16% drop in traffic fatalities in the two years after the law passed. Traffic fatality rates dropped even further in subsequent years.
Washington D.C. and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands also ban drivers from using hand-held cell phones.
The law is pretty specific about what sort of cell phone devices and communications are allowed while driving in Georgia. Here’s an overview of the new law:
What’s banned?
- A driver cannot have a phone in their hand or use any part of their body to support their phone. Drivers can only use their phones to make or receive phone calls by using speakerphone, earpiece, wireless headphone, in-vehicle hands-free audio system or an electronic watch. GPS navigation devices are allowed.
- Headsets and earpieces can only be worn for communication purposes and not for listening to music or other entertainment.
- A driver may not send or read any text-based communication unless using voice-based communication that automatically converts message to a written text or is being used for navigation or GPS.
- A driver may not send or read any e-mails, social media or other internet content.
- A driver may not watch a video unless it is for navigation.
- A driver may not record a video (continuously running dash cams are exempt).
Commercial Operators
- Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators can only use one button to begin or end a phone call.
- Cannot reach for a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device that it no longer requires the driver to be a seated position or properly restrained by a safety belt.
School Bus Drivers
- The driver of a school bus cannot use a wireless telecommunication device or two-way radio while loading or unloading passengers.
- The driver can only use a wireless telecommunication device while the bus is in motion as a two-way radio to allow live communications between the driver and school and public safety officials
What’s allowed?
GOHS says the intent of the Hands-Free Georgia Act is not to make purchasing a hands-free device/accessory mandatory, but rather to emphasize that the law prohibits a driver from holding or supporting a mobile phone.
If you choose not to purchase additional equipment, a phone can be left on a vehicle’s console, a front seat, etc., if otherwise operated in accordance with the law. However, state and local law enforcement recommend you purchase and use a hands-free device if you plan on using your phone while driving.
Here’s a list of some of the devices and options available to help you go ‘hands-free’:
- Wired Headset with Microphones – These headsets are physically connected to your chosen cell phone through some sort of wire. In general, there are two kinds of wired headsets: 1) the first style includes a “boom” style microphone that extends from the earpiece; and 2) the other style has an in-line microphone where the mic is placed along the cord.
- Bluetooth Wireless Headset/Earpiece – Bluetooth headsets have an advantage over their wired counterparts in that the Bluetooth headsets are wireless. Most cellular phones, especially smart phones, have Bluetooth technology, which is makes usability simple and accessible.
- Bluetooth Speakerphones – Bluetooth speakerphones remove the discomfort of wearing a headset all day for drivers. Many of these speakerphones come with a clip so that they can be attached to a car visor, heat vent or car cigarette adapter. Just remember, that when not driving alone, your conversations can be heard by everyone in the vehicle.
- Other Ways to Go Hands-Free – One of the most popular types of cell phone hands-free devices is an in-vehicle communication system built into the stereo system of many new vehicles. These operate in much the same way as the separate bluetooth speakerphones described above, except the audio is sent out through the car’s speakers. If you do not have this option available, you can use the speakerphone function which is built right into most phones.
- Use the “Do Not Disturb” option in your phone’s settings.
- Don’t use your phone while driving.
No grace period
When the Hands-Free Georgia Act takes effect July 1, the Georgia Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement have the option to issue warnings for violations as part of the effort to educate and to help motorists adapt to the new law. Officials say citations can and will be issued starting July 1, for any violation of the Hands-Free Georgia Act.
There is not a 90-day grace period provision in the Hands-Free Georgia Act.
Penalties for violating the law are as follows:
- First conviction: $50, one point on a license;
- Second conviction: $100, two points on a license;
- Third and subsequent convictions: $150, three points on a license.
Questions regarding the Hands-Free Georgia Act may be submitted online to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety at https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/contact/.
