Glorious summertime! A season of long days full of sunshine, just begging you to get out and hit the lake, go to the beach, or just ride with the top down. More people travel during summer than any other season. In Georgia, the main concern with automobile travel is the new “Hands Free Law”, also known as House Bill 673. This law was passed by the Georgia General Assembly, signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal, and took effect this month. I wanted to give citizens a quick run-down on what you can, and can’t do.

A driver can’t:

• 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, or if the phone is connected to the vehicle or an electronic watch.  GPS navigation devices are allowed.

• Wear a headset or earpiece for listening to music or other entertainment. Headsets and earpieces can only be worn for communication purposes.

• 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

• Write, send or read any text messages, e-mails, social media or internet data content

• Watch a video unless it is for navigation.

• Record a video (continuously running dash cams are exempt)

• Hold or support, with any part of the body, a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device (for example, an iPod).

A driver can:

• Speak or text while using hands-free technology.

• Use a GPS system or mapping app.

• Wear and use a smart watch.

• Use an earpiece to talk on the phone.

• Use radios, CB radios, CB radio hybrids, commercial two-way radios, subscription-based emergency communication devices, prescribed medical devices, amateur or ham radios and “in-vehicle security, navigation or remote diagnostics” systems.

• Handle your electronic device while driving to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, fire, a crime or delinquent act, or a hazardous road condition.

A driver can also use their hands if they’re lawfully parked. This does not include while stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic. “Lawfully parked” means that your vehicle is off the roadway, stopped, and out of gear.

First responders, utility employees, and contractors responding to a utility emergency are exempt from the hands-free requirement if they’re performing official duties.

There is no grace-period. While many officers will write warnings at first, there is no requirement for them to do so. For those who get cited, first-time offenders get one point on their license and a $50 fine. The second offense is two points and $100 and the third is three points and $150.

Most smartphones can now be operated by voice by simply saying “Hey, Siri”, or “Hey, Google.” For most drivers, the solution is simply installing a cradle in their vehicle to hold the phone while they drive.

If you have any questions about the new law, or any other law, feel free to contact my office at 229-431-3259.