ATLANTA – State Representative John Carson (R-Marietta), Chairman of the House Study Committee on Distracted Driving, today announced that the Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 673 last night, the Hands-Free Georgia Act, by a vote of 151-20. This measure would create a hands-free driving law in Georgia.
“I’m proud that my House colleagues overwhelmingly approved of the Hands-Free Georgia Act, which will surely decrease automobile accidents, prevent loss and save lives,” said Rep. Carson. “Most anywhere you go, drivers are distracted by their cell phones, and this is resulting in preventable crashes, bodily injury and fatalities. This measure would help ensure Georgia drivers are focused on the road, rather than being distracted by cell phones or other electronic devices.”
HB 673 would prohibit drivers from holding, supporting or reaching for a wireless telecommunication device or a stand-alone electronic device while operating a vehicle. Additionally, this measure would ban drivers from texting, internet browsing or watching or recording videos; however, drivers would be permitted to use GPS navigation and voice-to-text features on their devices.
Anyone convicted of violating this proposed law would be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined. Moreover, first-time offenders would receive a 2-point deduction on their driver’s license, with staggered points for repeat offenders.
This hands-free law would not apply while a vehicle is lawfully parked, while reporting an emergency or a hazardous road condition or to utility service providers, law enforcement officers or first responders operating within the scope of their employment.
The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.
For more information on HB 673, please click here.
For more information on the House Study Committee on Distracted Driving, please click here.
Representative John Carson represents the citizens of District 46, which includes portions of Cherokee and Cobb counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Vice Chairman of the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee, Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee and Secretary of the Insurance Committee. He also serves on the Intragovernmental Coordination and Ways and Means committees and is a member of the Military Affairs working group.
###