Governor Nathan Deal recently signed House Bill 673, requiring Georgia drivers to use hands-free technology while using electronic devices when operating a vehicle. The bill will go into effect July 1, 2018 and is under the Hands Free Georgia Act. The new law is commonly being referred to as the \u201cAnti-Texting Law\u201d<\/p>\n
In Georgia, it is already illegal to text while behind the wheel \u2013 but drivers are still allowed to hold their phones. This makes it difficult for law enforcement officers to determine whether drivers are calling or sending a text. The new Hands-Free Georgia Act will no longer allow drivers to have a phone in hand or supported by their body, or in any way that may be distracting.<\/p>\n
Not only will it be illegal to use a phone while in motion, but it will also be illegal to use a phone while at a red light or at stop sign. Drivers will be allowed to dial phone numbers and use GPS navigation, but only if the phone is in a holder, console or on the seat \u2013 not on the person. As long as you are behind the wheel, you must use hands-free technology to use a phone until legally parked. The law prohibits any text-based communication, including sending or reading emails, as well as watching or filming videos. Hands-free technology is now required to use a mobile device in a Georgia vehicle.<\/p>\n
Certain services (fireman, police officers, and emergency medical personnel) will be able to use radios for emergency-based communication services.<\/p>\n
Distracted driving has historically been a major problem on Georgia roadways and has caused many accidents, including fatalities. In 2017, over 1,500 people died on Georgia roadways. Smart phones and electronic devices was a major factor in many of those crashes. Not only does distracted driving reflect calls and texts, but also photos, videos, music and social media activity. Jones & Swanson urges drivers to be mindful of the new law to help keep the roadways safe for all.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Georgia’s Governor Nathan Deal recently signed legislation that will be effective in July that makes it easier for law enforcement officials to identify Georgians who are texting and driving.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1997,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15,22,23,30,37,49,60],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-1996","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-auto-accidents","8":"category-bus-accidents","9":"category-car-accident","10":"category-distracted-driving","11":"category-georgia-laws","12":"category-personal-injury","13":"category-texting-accidents","14":"entry"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n