Misinformation about traffic laws is relatively common. Many people share their own interpretations of the law, which may not have a basis in actual statutes. Like almost every other state in the country, Georgia has a law prohibiting texting while driving. Many motorists assume that they are in compliance with this law, but that assumption could be inaccurate. The law actually has a much broader impact than motorists may initially realize.
Drivers who have violated the hands-free driving statute may ultimately be responsible for any collisions that they cause. People involved in collisions may need to learn about state statutes to hold others accountable for unsafe conduct that leads to preventable collisions.
What does state law prohibit?
The hands-free statute in Georgia makes it illegal to hold a phone to compose or read a text message while driving. In fact, drivers cannot have their phones or similar mobile devices touching any part of their bodies while they are driving. Additionally, they cannot use hands-free technology to read or send written messages. They cannot post to social media using hands-free software either. While voice-to-text software is permissible, any attempt to type or read a text message is a clear violation of the law.
Additionally, the law prohibits watching videos while driving, even if stopped at a light. The only exception to this is the video produced by navigational software or a GPS device to dramatize a route. Motorists cannot use devices manually to record video footage while driving, although the law has an exception in place for dash cams that continuously run.
Even music streaming services can violate the law if they play videos while the vehicle is in motion. Motorists may need to alter their settings to ensure that videos do not automatically play while they stream music, creating a visual distraction.
What are the possible penalties?
A single hands-free ordinance violation can cost $50 in fines and may add a single point to a motorist’s driver’s license. A second offense carries a $100 fine and two points, while a third can lead to a $150 fine and three points. Additionally, those who violate traffic ordinances and then cause crashes are typically liable for those collisions. The people affected by the crash can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the distracted driver.
Learning more about traffic laws can be beneficial for those who believe that a distracted driver caused a wreck that resulted in harm. They may have grounds to hold that unsafe motorist accountable for the wreck accordingly.