Mobile Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in Georgia
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Georgia defines distracted driving as anything that distracts you from driving safely. This includes using mobile devices to surf the web, talk, text or chat.
Some of these distractions include:
- Conversation with passengers
- Food or drink
- Watching a movie
- Reading the GPS system
- Radio tuning
Sending text messages while driving in Georgia is considered a distraction and is considered a traffic violation. Drivers of all ages are not allowed to send text messages while driving, even with a speakerphone. Drivers under the age of 18 are generally prohibited from using a mobile phone. The only exceptions to this law are drivers who have parked and emergency personnel responding to emergencies.
The police officer can stop you for texting and driving without any other reason. They can write you a ticket that comes with a fine.
Fines
- $150 and one point on your license
Exceptions
- Drivers who have parked can use their phones or text messages.
- Emergency personnel responding to an incident can send text messages and use their mobile phones.
If you are driving and need to make a phone call, you can do so without any penalty if you are over 18 years of age. A speakerphone is not required. However, texting and driving is prohibited for drivers of all ages. The only exceptions are listed above. If you need to make a phone call, it's best to pull over to the side of the road, because distracting yourself from driving is dangerous. Nearly 2010 percent of all road traffic fatalities in 10 were due to distraction from driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Also, if you get into an accident and injure someone, you may be held liable for the injuries you caused.
