Georgia distracted driving bill: What’s legal and what’s not?

After several public hearings and a lot of tweaks, legislation to crack down on distracted driving cleared a state House of Representatives committee on Wednesday.

House Bill 673 would require drivers to use hands-free technology when using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. The goal is to pry our eyes away from cell phones while we're behind the wheel – behavior experts say has led to a spike in fatalities on Georgia highways and rising insurance premiums to boot.

But “hands free” isn’t as clear cut as it sounds. And some behaviors are allowed under the bill, while others aren’t. Hint: GPS apps are okay, watching a movie is not.

For a full look at what the bill would and wouldn't allow, visit the Spinning Our Wheels blog at myajc.com.

MYAJC.COM: REAL JOURNALISM. REAL LOCAL IMPACT.

The AJC's David Wickert keeps you updated on the latest in what's happening with transportation in metro Atlanta and Georgia. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:

Never miss a minute of what's happening in Atlanta transportation news. Subscribe to myAJC.com.

About the Author

Kemp cements his Senate choice, backs Dooley at UGA game

Gov. Brian Kemp on Saturday formally endorsed former football coach Derek Dooley’s campaign, surrounded by red-and-black clad fans just steps from Sanford Stadium.

OPINION

Dear Mom, one more column for the scrapbook

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's announcement it will end the print edition is the end of an era, but not the end of the news.

Congressman David Scott faces a new wave of Georgia challengers

Despite the concerns about his health and age as well as facing another tough primary contest, U.S. Rep. David Scott said he will seek another term in the House.

The Latest

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Kemp cements his Senate choice, backs Dooley at UGA game

OPINION

Dear Mom, one more column for the scrapbook

Kemp makes case for Dooley in call to GOP donors

Featured

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Georgia could restart regional energy, water reviews for data center proposals

Georgia is weighing rule changes to once again make certain data centers disclose information about their resource requirements to local planning authorities.

From Ponzi fallout to party power: Frost dynasty clings to Coweta GOP

By the end of the two-hour meeting, Brant Frost V had stepped down as Coweta County GOP chair. But in a show of his continued influence, he took on a new role.

After a decade of delays, $148M renovation to Cross Keys High begins

The $148 million project is expected to be completed in 2028. The school, which serves about 1,600 students, will remain open during construction.