Georgia’s Hands-free Act for distracted driving set to take effect next month

Earlier in May, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed a new law prohibiting drivers from holding their phones while driving.

The Hands-Free Georgia Act, which hopes to keep drivers alive and focused while on the road, goes into effect July 1st. Drivers have less than a month’s time to prepare themselves in how they are going to safely and legally operate their cars and phones while driving.

The law prohibits people from holding their phones or having it in their laps.

Hands Free Law (HB 673) mandates:

 

  • Drivers (any age, any license type) are not allowed to hold or support a phone for any reason.
  • Drivers may not text, e-mail or use the Internet.
  • Drivers may not watch or record movies or videos.
  • A phone can only be used with headphones, a wireless device, phone holder or mounted device.

Exceptions:

  • Voice-based communication automatically converted to a written message
  • Navigation/GPS
  • Continuous recording/broadcasting such as dash cams

Penalties:

  • 1st conviction – 1 point and $50.00 fine
  • 2nd conviction – 2 points and $100.00 fine
  • 3rd or more convictions – 3 points and $150.00 fine

The National Highway Traffic Administration estimated more than nearly 3,500 people died nationwide in 2015 as a result of in distracted-driving crashes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates distracted driving kills nine people daily across the country and injures another 1,000.

The new law won’t just ban holding phones and other devices, but will also ban people from supporting them with any part of their body, such as wedging a phone between the ear and shoulder.

The new law will not apply to voice-based communications that are converted to a text message or the use of the device for navigation.

Motorists will still be able to use cellphones when driving to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, fire, actual or potential criminal act, or hazardous road conditions that pose an immediate safety threat.

Most newer vehicles come with wireless communication options, and drivers also can use wireless headphones or smart watches.

Law enforcement officers and other first responders, as well as public utility employees will still be allowed to use devices when responding to an emergency.

Drivers who need to make or receive a phone call should pull into a parking lot or find a place to legally park, according to police.