Tips for Adapting to Georgia’s Hands-Free Law

• January 17, 2025
• Attorney David Mann
• Car Accidents Distracted Driving

In 2018, Georgia enacted the Hands-Free Georgia Act, which outlawed holding a cell phone while driving. Drivers are not allowed to write, read or send any text-based communication, watch a video on a phone, or broadcast videos while behind the wheel.  The law does permit drivers to access the phone to make a phone call, hang up a call, or use the GPS navigator.

This blog post will summarize tips for adapting to Georgia’s hands-free law and how to keep yourself and others safe while you are driving.

Tips For Safe Driving

Now that it is against the law to use a handheld mobile device while driving in Georgia in most situations, what can Georgians do to drive more safely with an electronic device? Below are some pointers to review.

• Use a Bluetooth-Enabled Device – Most automakers offer support for Bluetooth for their vehicle’s infotainment. It is easy to pair a cell phone with your car through the settings/option menu on many modern vehicles. Once it has been done, you should have hands-free connectivity in your car. When you make or accept a phone call, you will use the microphone and speakers in the car. You will not need to touch your cell phone.
• Set the Phone To Auto-Answer – Before you leave on your trip, set the cell phone to auto-answer. If a call comes when you are driving, it will just answer automatically. There is no need to take your hands off the wheel.
• Secure Phone on Dashboard If Using GPS – People often need to glance at their cell when getting driving directions, but you should have yours secured to the dashboard, windshield or air vent.
• Put Phone Away If You Do Not Need It – People are on their phones all the time these days. The temptation to pick it up while behind the wheel is strong. Those who are hooked on their cell phones could be better off stowing the phone where it cannot be reached.
• In An Accident on Your Cell? The Police Can Find Out – These days, Georgia police will check your cell phone records after a car accident to see if you were using a cell phone. If you were, it is possible you could face serious charges. You also could be held liable in civil court in a personal injury lawsuit, if someone was hurt because of your negligence.

Fines For Not Driving Hands-Free

If you are caught driving with a cell phone in your hand, you could face the following fines:

• 1st conviction – $50 and 1 point assessed against the driver’s license
• 2nd conviction – $100 and 2 points
• 3rd conviction – $150 and 3 points.

While this may not seem like a steep fine, you should understand that this law was put into place to provide safety to you as well as other drivers.  It is not a victimless crime.  When you are distracted while driving a car, you can cause serious injuries to others on the road.