What follows is a final rundown of what you can and can’t do with a mobile device in your vehicle, as the Georgia hands free law goes into effect Sunday, July 1.
We noted earlier that there wasn’t going to be a grace period for enforcement of HB 673, but Cobb Police are saying they’ll be issuing warnings for the first 30 days (unless you cause an accident), with official citations starting on Aug. 1.
Police still want you to start following the law on Sunday, and this is explained in further detail near the bottom. Here’s a link to a PSA video from Cobb and Marietta police. The full law can be found at gahighwaysafety.org:
- A driver cannot have a phone in their hand or use any part of their body to support their phone. Drivers can only use their phones to make or receive phone calls by using speakerphone, earpiece, wireless headphone, phone is connected to vehicle or an electronic watch. GPS navigation devices are allowed;
- Headsets and earpieces can only be worn for communication purposes and not for listening to music or other entertainment;
- A driver may not send or read any text-based communication unless using voice-based communication that automatically converts message to a written text or is being used for navigation or GPS;
- A driver may not write, send or read any text messages, e-mails, social media or internet data content;
- A driver may not watch a video unless it is for navigation;
- A driver may not record a video (continuously running dash cams are exempt);
- Music streaming apps can be used provided the driver activates and programs them when they are parked. Drivers cannot touch their phones to do anything to their music apps when they are on the road. Music streaming apps that include video also are not allowed since drivers cannot watch videos when on the road. Drivers can listen to and program music streaming apps that are connected to and controlled through their vehicle’s radio.
Exceptions to the law are as follows:
- Reporting a traffic crash, medical emergency, fire, criminal activity or hazardous road conditions;
- An employee or contractor of a utility service provider acting within the scope of their employment while responding to a utility emergency;
- A first responder (law enforcement, fire, EMS) during the performance of their official duties;
- When in a lawfully parked vehicle—this DOES NOT include vehicles stopped for traffic signals and stop signs on the public roadway.
Commercial motor vehicle operators
- Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators can only use one button to begin or end a phone call;
- Cannot reach for a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device that it no longer requires the driver to be a seated position or properly restrained by a safety belt.
School bus drivers
- The driver of a school bus cannot use a wireless telecommunication device or two-way radio while loading or unloading passengers;
- The driver can only use a wireless telecommunication device while the bus is in motion as a two-way radio to allow live communications between the driver and school and public safety officials.
Cobb police enforcement
Again, the law goes into effect July 1st, but in an effort to educate the public, the Cobb County Police Department will be providing verbal or written warning citations for the first 30 days. However, if the violation involves a traffic crash, a citation may be issued.Effective August 1st, 2018, officers may begin writing real citations. Each jurisdiction may have their own policy for when they begin enforcement, so I would suggest that you begin adhering to the law on July 1st.
What would the fines/penalties be?
- First conviction: $50, one point on a license;
- Second conviction: $100, two points on a license;
- Third and subsequent convictions: $150, three points on a license.
On Friday Cobb Police issued this PSA reminder that’s about a minute long:
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