Driving in Georgia? Put down the phone!

Effective July 1, all drivers holding a Class C license, which is for drivers of vehicles weighing less than 26,000 pounds and is the license held by the majority of drivers, are banned from reading, writing or sending any type of text message or e-mails on a wireless telecommunications device while driving in the State of Georgia.  The prohibition includes cell phones, text messaging devices, and any other device that receives wireless communication with another person but excludes CB radios and navigation systems.  Drivers who are ticketed for violating the law will face a $150.00 fine and lose a point on their driver’s license. 

There are exemptions for drivers reporting a crime, traffic accident, medical emergency, serious road hazard or other emergency situation as well as exemptions for emergency responder and law enforcement personnel.  Additionally, the new law does not apply to drivers who are in a parked car so if you are driving and you need to read, write or send a text message or email, or read something on the internet on your wireless communication device, then you need pull over and park your vehicle before engaging in this activity.

Under a separate law, teenagers under 18 who hold a Class C license are also banned from talking on or using a wireless communication device for any reason while driving.  Teen drivers caught violating this law will also be subject to a $150.00 fine.  If a teenager is charged twice while violating the law, he or she will be restricted to a Class D license for a period of one year.  The Class D license is the provisional license for a Class C vehicle where the driver is not allowed to operate a vehicle between midnight and 6 a.m. and is restricted at all times as to what passengers may be in the vehicle.