House Bill 673- “Hands Free Law”
House Bill 673 also
known as the “Hands Free Law” was passed by the Georgia General Assembly
and signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal. The Hands Free Law will
take effect on July 1, 2018. The following is a brief description what
the law states and some frequently asked questions. A link to the
complete law can be found at www.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:
1. Reporting a traffic crash, medical emergency, fire, criminal activity or hazardous road conditions.
2.
An employee or contractor of an utility service provider acting within
the scope of their employment while responding to an utility
emergency.
3. A first responder (law enforcement, fire, EMS) during the performance of their official duties.
4. 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
1. Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators can only use one button to begin or end a phone call
2.
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
1.
The driver of a school bus cannot use a wireless telecommunication
device or two-way radio while loading or unloading passengers.
2.
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
ENFORCEMENT
When the Hands-Free law takes effect July 1, the Georgia Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement have the option to issue warnings for violations as part of the effort to educate and to help motorists adapt to the new law. However, citations can and will be issued starting July 1 for any violation of the Hands-Free Law, including those where the violation involves a traffic crash. There is not a 90-day grace period provision in the Hands-Free Law.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is this law needed in Georgia?
Our
state has seen significant increases in vehicle traffic crashes,
fatalities and bodily injury. The vast majority of these increases have
been in rear-end crashes, single-car crashes and crashes by drivers from
15 to 25-years-old. State and local law enforcement have stated that
these incidents are a clear indication of driver inattention. The 15
states that have passed hands-free driving laws saw a 16 percent
decrease in traffic fatalities in the two years after the law was
passed. In addition, traffic fatalities were reduced even further in
subsequent years.
Could I still talk on my phone while driving?
Yes,
as long as it is done hands-free. Drivers would be able to use their
phone’s speakerphone, Bluetooth technology, an earpiece, a headphone or
other device to allow them to communicate on a hands-free basis.
Could I touch my cellphone to dial a number or receive or end a call?
Yes. The law would simply prohibit drivers from holding or supporting the phone.
Would I be required to purchase a hands-free accessory, such as a mount or bracket?
No.
The proposed law simply states that a driver cannot hold or support a
mobile phone. A phone can be left on a vehicle’s console, a front seat,
etc. However, for the safety of all Georgians, state and local law
enforcement recommend the purchase and use of a hands-free device if
using a mobile phone while driving.
My vehicle does not have Bluetooth technology/capability. How could I comply with the law?
Many
online retailers offer a Bluetooth adapter for vehicles without
Bluetooth or similar technology built into the vehicle. These adapters
can be found at local retailers or online by searching “Bluetooth
hands-free car kit” in an internet search engine.
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.
Could I listen to online radio apps while driving? (Updated information)****
A
driver cannot touch their phone to activate or program a radio app
while they are on the road (the road includes being stopped for traffic
signals and stop signs). A driver can activate a radio app before
getting on the road and listen to the programming. A driver can also
listen to programming from their app if it is connected and controlled
by the vehicle's stereo (radio), and the driver is not touching their
phone while driving. We caution drivers that music streaming apps that
also include video do violate the new law which specifically prohibits
drivers from watching videos. The rule of thumb here is you can listen
to your radio app as long as you do not touch your phone when driving
on the road AND it's use does not distract the driver in any manner in
the safe operation of their vehicle.
Could I listen to music stored on my mobile phone, thus not requiring an internet connection?
Yes, as long as the driver is not holding or supporting the phone.
Could I talk to someone via video telephony apps, such as FaceTime or Skype, if doing so “hands-free?”
No.
The proposed hands-free driving law states that a driver shall not
“record or broadcast a video” on any mobile phones, iPads, computers,
etc. while operating a vehicle.
