Georgia’s Hands-Free Law: What, Why and How

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Georgia’s “Hands-Free” mobile phone law has been effect since July 1, and many people are still trying to figure out how to comply with it. Some of the law’s provisions involve terms about mobile phones and systems in cars that older adults may not entirely understand.

What the Law Says

Here are the key points of Georgia’s hands-free law:

■ Drivers cannot have a phone in their hands or use any part of their body to support their phone.

■ Drivers can only use phones to make or receive calls by using a speakerphone, wireless headphone or if phone is connected to vehicle’s sound system (radio) or an electronic watch through Bluetooth technology.

■ Headsets and ear pieces can only be worn for communication purposes – NOT for listening to music.

■ GPS navigation devices are allowed.

■ Drivers cannot read or send any textbased communication using a keypad. You can listen to text-to-voice messages and respond by voice. No reading. No typing.

Gene Rubel

These prohibitions still are in effect when you are stopped for a red light or stop sign. They are NOT in effect when your car is parked. Penalties for violating the hands-free law are:

■ First conviction — $50 and one point on license

■ Second conviction — $100 and two points

■ Drivers cannot watch a video unless it is for navigation.

■ Drivers cannot record a video or take pictures through their phones while driving.

■ Music apps are permitted as long as they are programmed before travel starts.