Starting July 1, Georgia drivers can no longer hold phones while they drive, unless making an emergency call.
🛣️📵🚙
“The biggest misconception is that Georgia drivers will not be able to use their phones. What the law says is that you physically cannot hold it or support it.” – Rep. John Carson, R-Marietta, co-author of this seismic new bill that amended the 2010 anti-texting law.
Drivers are allowed to use GPS, voice-to-text features, and can make and receive phone calls hands-free. Single-ear headphones and Bluetooth pieces are acceptable aids for this. If a driver doesn’t have a Bluetooth-capable car or device, using an earbud with a mic on it (like the ones that come with most phones) is a good workaround. The bill also still allows for use of in-car navigation, communication and entertainment systems.
Drivers can use music streaming apps as they drive, but are not allowed to activate the apps or change the music through their phones as they drive.
Penalties for breaking the law aren’t steep. First-time offenders get one point on their license and a $50 fine. The second offense is two points and $100 and the third is three points and $150.
Under the law, drivers are also prohibited from watching and recording videos while they are driving, with the exception of GPS videos and continuously running dash cams.
For more information on the law and FAQ, visithttp://www.headsupgeorgia.com/handsfree-law/
