Politics
Politics

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

What's legal and what isn't in the Georgia distracted driving bill? Ga. 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 . But “hands free” isn’t as clear cut as it sounds. The bill prohibits anyone from handling a “wireless telecommunication device” whi
By
Feb 23, 2018

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

David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.

Follow David Wickert on facebookFollow David Wickert on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins' Senate campaign used Sen. Jon Ossoff's Senate portrait (center) to create an AI-generated video of Ossoff talking about his vote not to end the government shutdown. The video was reposted to Collins' campaign account on X (left). (Screenshot)

Credit: Handout and screen grabs

OPINION

Jon Ossoff warned about deepfakes. Now he is one.

A Mike Collins campaign video uses AI to make Sen. Jon Ossoff say outlandish things. A proposed state law would rein in such uses of AI in campaigns.

Georgia’s Democratic members of Congress pan shutdown deal

The U.S. Senate has signed off on legislation to end the government shutdown, and the House is scheduled to follow despite objections from Democrats.

DOJ asked for 2020 election records. Fulton County responded: By ignoring it.

Fulton County faces pressure to hand over documents from the 2020 election, but the county isn't budging.

The Latest

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins' Senate campaign used Sen. Jon Ossoff's Senate portrait (center) to create an AI-generated video of Ossoff talking about his vote not to end the government shutdown. The video was reposted to Collins' campaign account on X (left). (Screenshot)

Credit: Handout and screen grabs

OPINION

Jon Ossoff warned about deepfakes. Now he is one.

Georgia’s Democratic members of Congress pan shutdown deal

Special election set in December for two state House seats

Featured

The DeKalb school district is suing to recover money spent on cellphone lockers, plus money spent on implementing social media guidelines and hosting associated events, lost teaching time and to hire extra school counselors. (The New York Times file)

Credit: NYT

DeKalb school district reveals $4M social media addiction problem

The district is suing social media companies to get them to pay for addressing students' addiction to apps like Instagram. The companies argue they aren't to blame.

Atlanta airport sees continued cancellations because of shutdown

More than 115 flight cancellations were recorded on a quieter frigid Tuesday morning, far below Saturday's surge of 370.

For Ossoff and Georgia Democrats, the shutdown fight is the message

The fight over the federal government shutdown has allowed Georgia Democrats, like U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, to show that they have the grit to stand up to Republicans.