Georgia Hands-Free Law Passed in 2018

Do you know the rule that keeps your eyes on the road? Georgia passed the Hands-Free Law on May 2, 2018, and it took effect July 1, 2018. The law bans holding phones while driving, and our article explains the exact requirements, fines, and tips to avoid violations so you can drive safely and legally.

Georgia Legislature’s 2018 Vote

The Georgia Legislature’s 2018 vote created the Hands-Free Law that drivers follow today. Lawmakers saw too many crashes caused by people looking at phones, so they acted to make roads safer for kids and families.

When was the hands-free law passed in Georgia? The legislature passed House Bill 673 in 2018, and the rule started on July 1, 2018. This means you can still use your phone, but it must be hands-free like a Bluetooth headset or car speaker.

The numbers show strong support across both chambers. If you drive, the 2018 vote tells you to get ready before you move. Set your GPS and music while parked, not while rolling down the street.

The 2018 vote showed that Georgia leaders wanted safer roads for every family.

Easy Steps After the 2018 Vote

After the Georgia Legislature’s 2018 vote, you can stay safe by using simple habits. For example, keep your phone in a cradle and turn on voice reply for texts. This keeps your hands on the wheel and your eyes forward.

Remember, breaking the law can cost you up to $150 and add points to your license. Be smart and make hands-free part of every trip.

Governor’s May 2018 Signature

Georgia’s Hands-Free Law was passed when Governor Nathan Deal signed House Bill 673 in May 2018. He put his signature on the paper on May 2, 2018, and the bill became law. This rule stops drivers from holding their phones while behind the wheel.

The governor’s signature changed daily life for people in Georgia. Before that spring day, many drivers texted or called with one hand on the wheel. After the signature, police could ticket anyone caught holding a device. The law aims to cut crashes and keep families safe.

“Holding a phone while driving is now against the law in Georgia.”

What Happened After the Signature

The signature was just the start. The law gave drivers a short time to get ready. Below are the key dates and simple rules to follow.

Here are easy things to remember when you drive:

• Use a mount or speaker phone to talk.
• Do not watch videos or text by hand.
• Touch the screen only to start a call, then put the phone down.

If you follow these steps, you stay safe and avoid a fine. The governor’s May 2018 signature made Georgia roads better for everyone.

July 1, 2018 Effective Date

The Georgia Hands-Free Law was passed in the spring of 2018. Governor Nathan Deal signed it on May 2, 2018, but the rule did not become active until July 1, 2018.

This date is the effective date, which means it is the first day the law had power. If you drove after that day and held your phone, you could get a ticket.

Starting July 1, 2018, Georgia drivers must use hands-free tech to talk on the phone.

What Changed for Drivers

Before the effective date, many people could hold their phone to text or call. After July 1, 2018, the state made that illegal. Here are a few things the law banned:

• Holding a phone in your hand while driving
• Writing or reading texts on a device in your lap
• Watching videos on a phone while behind the wheel

You could still use talk-to-text or a mount. The goal was to keep eyes on the road. Data from the Georgia Department of Public Safety shows crashes dropped in the months after the law began.

If you want to stay safe, set your GPS before you leave. Use voice commands and keep the phone in a cradle. These small steps help you follow the July 1, 2018 rule.

Banned Actions Behind the Wheel in Georgia

Georgia passed the Hands-Free Law on July 1, 2018. This law changed what drivers can do with phones and other devices while driving.

The law bans many actions that take your hands or eyes off the road. Knowing these rules helps you avoid fines and stay safe.

What the Hands-Free Law Forbids

Under the Georgia Hands-Free Law, you cannot hold a phone or other wireless device while driving. You also cannot write, send, or read texts and emails. Watching videos or recording video while behind the wheel is not allowed either.

The Georgia Hands-Free Law makes it illegal to hold a phone while driving.

These rules apply to all drivers on public roads. Even at red lights, you must stay hands-free. Use Bluetooth or speaker mode if you need to talk.

Other Banned Actions While Driving

Besides phone use, Georgia drivers must not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Reckless driving and excessive speeding are also against the law.

• Texting or emailing without voice control
• Holding a phone for any reason
• Watching or recording video
• Driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.08%

Breaking these rules can lead to fines, points on your license, and higher insurance costs. The table below shows common banned actions and penalties.

Stay safe by keeping your phone in a cradle or using voice commands. Remember the law passed in 2018 and police actively enforce it.

First-Year Citation Numbers for Georgia’s Hands-Free Law

Georgia passed the Hands-Free Law in 2018, and it began on July 1 of that year. In the first 12 months, law officers gave out more than 52,000 citations to drivers caught holding or using a phone behind the wheel.

This spike in tickets shows that police took the new rule seriously right away. The first-year numbers also give families and teen drivers a clear picture of why keeping phones down is a must on the road.

Breaking Down the First-Year Data

We can look at a few examples from the first year to see how the law worked in real life. Some counties wrote far more tickets than others, and monthly totals changed as people learned the rules.

The drop in the second half shows that more drivers started putting phones away. Still, thousands were caught each month.

Officers across Georgia wrote over 52,000 hands-free citations in the law’s first year.

If you drive in Georgia, remember these simple steps to avoid a ticket:

• Mount your phone on the dashboard or windshield.
• Use voice commands or Bluetooth for calls.
• Never text or watch videos while the car is moving.

Following these tips keeps you safe and saves money on fines. The first-year citation numbers prove that the law is not just a warning–it is enforced every day.

Driver Takeaways From the Law

The Georgia Hands-Free Law was enacted in 2018 and took effect on July 1, 2018, prohibiting drivers from holding a wireless device while operating a vehicle. Motorists must rely on hands-free technology for calls, navigation, and music streaming to remain compliant.

Key takeaways include avoiding text messaging, minimizing distractions, and understanding that violations can result in fines and license points. Developing safe habits behind the wheel protects both the driver and others on Georgia roads.

Reference Sources

1. Georgia State Government – Georgia.gov
2. Georgia Department of Public Safety – DPS Georgia
3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – NHTSA