GEORGIA’S NEW DISTRACTED DRIVING LAW: WHAT’S LEGAL, WHAT’S NOT?

The Hands-Free Georgia Act takes effect July 1. The law will require drivers to use hands-free technology when using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. But “hands-free” isn’t as clear cut as it sounds. Here’s a look at what would and would not be allowed.

ALLOWED

Speaking or texting while using hands-free technology

Using a GPS system or mapping app Wearing and using a smart watch Using an earpiece to talk on the phone

Using radios, CB radios, CB radio hybrids, commercial two-way radios, subscription-based emergency communication devices, prescribed medical devices, amateur or ham radios and “in-vehicle security, navigation or remote diagnostics” systems

There are circumstances where you can handle an electronic device while driving: reporting a traffic accident, medical emergency, fire, a crime or delinquent act or a hazardous road condition. You can also use your hands if you’re lawfully parked (not at a stoplight – “lawfully” means off or beside the road in an area open to parking).

Some people are exempt from the hands-free requirement if they’re performing official duties: police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, ambulance drivers, other first responders and utility employees or contractors responding to a utility emergency.

PROHIBITED

Holding or supporting, with any part of the body, a wireless telecommunications device or standalone electronic device (for example, an iPod)

Writing, sending or reading any textbased communication, including a text message, instant message, e-mail or internet data while holding your device

Watching a video or movie other than watching data related to the navigation of your vehicle (i.e., your mapping app or GPS screen)

Recording a video

Sgt. First Class Chris Stallings of the Georgia State Patrol monitors motorists in downtown Atlanta on Thursday. “Common sense is not common,” Stallings said in defense of the Hands-Free Georgia Act about to be implemented. “If it were common, we...

“Georgia’s distracted driver law is nothing more than a government cashgrab” and “an appalling overreach,” said J.R. Hoskins of Decatur.