ATLANTA — Georgia’s House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee passed a measure that would mandate hands-free driving law in Georgia.
Under House Bill 673, sponsored by State Representative John Carson, R-Marietta, chairman of the House Study Committee on Distracted Driving, Georgia drivers would be required to use their mobile devices on a “hands-free” basis.
Drivers would be permitted to touch their cell phones to dial, receive or end a phone call, as well as for GPS navigation. Additionally, drivers would be prohibited from holding their phones or any other electronic device, texting, internet browsing, watching or recording videos, or reaching for their phones or any other electronic device.
“Thank you to the members of the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee for thoroughly vetting this critical public safety measure, which will save countless lives,” Carson said in a news release. “Throughout this process, we’ve sought input from Georgians whose lives have been devastated by distracted driving, as well as law enforcement personnel, medical professionals and representatives from the insurance and transportation sectors; these groups overwhelmingly support HB 673. Our state needs hands-free driving legislation to protect all Georgians, and I hope that the House will favorably consider this life-saving bill.”
Anyone convicted of violating this proposed hands-free legislation would face a $300 fine. Additionally, this measure would increase the points assessed against one’s driver’s license.
The bill will now go to the House Rules Committee for approval, which is the last stage in the committee process before a bill can be eligible for a vote on the House floor by the full body of the House. If passed by the House, HB 673 would repeat the same process in the Senate.
The Cobb County cities of Marietta and Smyrna previously passed versions mandating hands-free devices in their jurisdictions.
