Texting While Driving Laws in Georgia

Texting while driving in Georgia

Distracted driving and cell phone use while driving leads to over 1 ½ Million accidents each year. The National Highway Safety Council estimates that 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the U.S. is caused by texting and driving, with over 300,000 injuries every year. Every time you look at your phone, you’re not looking where you’re going.

Over 3,000 people die every year in traffic accidents that are attributed to distracted driving or texting and driving. Teen drivers are particularly at risk and are 4 times more likely than adults to get into car accidents or near-accidents when talking or texting on a cell phone. Even though 94% of teen drivers acknowledge texting and driving is dangerous, 35% admit to doing so anyway. In reality, that number is likely much higher. Studies show texting while driving to be SIX TIMES more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving.

The Hands-Free Georgia Act

The Hands-Free Georgia Act, which took effect on July 1, 2018, prohibits drivers from holding or using handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. The law is designed to reduce distracted driving and improve road safety by enforcing strict guidelines on how drivers can use their mobile devices.

What Is Prohibited Under Georgia’s Hands-Free Law?

According to Georgia Code O.C.G.A. §40-6-241, Drivers in Georgia cannot:

• Hold or touch a phone with any part of their body while talking.
• Write, read, or send text messages, emails, or social media posts while driving. (Voice-to-text is permitted.)
• Watch or record videos while on the road. (GPS navigation apps are allowed.)
• Touch their phone to change or program music while driving. (Music streaming is allowed if controlled through the vehicle’s radio.)

Penalties for Violating the Hands-Free Law

First Offense

• Fine: $50
• License Points: 1 point

Second Offense (within 24 months)

• Fine: $100
• License Points: 2 points

Third or Subsequent Offense (within 24 months)

• Fine: $150
• License Points: 3 points

First-time offenders may have their charge dropped by showing proof in court that they have purchased a hands-free device to comply with the law.

Contact Michael Fulcher Law Today

As cell phone use while driving becomes a national concern, the chances of being pulled over while on your phone or involved in a car accident with a distracted driver increases. If you’ve been injured by another driver on a cell phone or were pulled over while on your own cell phone and need a traffic ticket lawyer, contact Michael Fulcher Law for a free consultation.