Georgia’s New “Hands Free” Laws

Georgia’s New “Hands Free” Traffic Laws

In Georgia traffic offenses are a large problem. In fact, the National Safety Council reports that 1.6 million crashes each year are caused by texting and driving and it is 6x more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk. The NHTSA estimates that, sadly enough, every day 660,000 drivers use electronic devices while they are driving. These sad statistics prompted Georgia lawmakers to improve the distracted driving laws and so they enacted new laws that went into effect on July 1st 2018.

Under Georgia’s new distracted driving laws, you will want to avoid holding any type of mobile device in your hand while driving as it is now strictly prohibited. You are allowed to control music by either using voice activation or the car radio. Headsets and headphones are not permitted for music but can be used for hands free communication.

The Georgia “Hands Free” Law code reads:

Effective July 1, 2018, pursuant to 40-6-241(c), all drivers operating a motor vehicle on any highway of this state are prohibited from:

• Holding or supporting, with any part of the body, a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device.
• Writing, sending or reading any text-based communication, including a text message, instant message, e-mail or internet data.
• Watching, recording, or broadcasting a video or movie.
• The fine for a first conviction under this new law(40-6-241(c) is $50.00 with 1 point assessed against your driving record. The fine is $100.00 and 2 points for a second conviction and $150.00 and 3 points for three or more conviction. The fines for a 2nd or 3rd offense only apply when date of a 2nd or 3rd conviction takes place within 24 months of the date of the first conviction.

There is Zero Tolerance for Georgia citizens who text and drive and you will need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you or a loved one is facing a traffic offense charge of any kind, call the Law Office of Lloyd J. Matthews today at (404) 642-7350! We can assist you and will be happy to do so.