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Georgia News

Driving through Atlanta? Put down your cellphone

Georgia’s new hands-free law means you can’t hold your cellphone while driving

Doug Turnbull gives you the basics on the new traffic law going into effect July 1.
By Brian O'Shea
June 29, 2018

Georgia’s new cellphone law will affect July 4 holiday travelers who normally drive through Atlanta on their way to Florida, the Great Smoky Mountains or other Southern destinations.

What does the law mean to you? If you are driving through Atlanta, put down your phone. For that matter, if you are driving through Georgia, put down your phone, use a hands-free device and limit the things that you do with a cellphone while the car is in operation.

The new law takes effect Sunday.

Things to know about Georgia’s hands-free cellphone law

ExploreWhat’s legal, what’s not for drivers using cell phones?
ExploreAdvice from driving safety advocates on the hands free law
ExploreGadgets and holders to help you follow the new phone law
ExploreWarning: There is no grace period

RELATED: Listen to a WSB Radio podcast with answers to driver's questions about Hands-Free Georgia Act

On Reddit: AJC’s David Wickert AMA about Georgia Cellphone Law

Atlanta traffic updates for your drive

If you are driving through Atlanta, get live traffic reports around the clock from News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB.

Outside Atlanta, you can listen online with the WSB Radio app.

For updated traffic information from the state of Georgia, dial 511 or visit www.511ga.org/

LATEST ATLANTA TRAFFIC NEWS: Get news about wrecks, stalls and road projects that may slow you down from the AJC.

July 4 starts early in Atlanta with the annual AJC Peachtree Road Race from Lenox Square to Piedmont Park. This photo shows the starting line from the 2017 race.

Credit: Branden Camp

icon to expand image

Credit: Branden Camp

Things to do July 4th week in Atlanta

ExploreEditor’s picks: 27 things to do July 4th week in Atlanta
ExplorePlaces to Watch the AJC Peachtree Road Race
ExploreRoad closings: Driving to and around the AJC Peachtree Road Race
ExploreWhere to watch fireworks in downtown Atlanta and surrounding communities
ExplorePlaces to buy fireworks near Atlanta
ExploreMore things to do in Atlanta from the AJC calendar

About the Author

Brian O'Shea is a senior digital producer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He works with the newsroom to identify topics of interest to Atlanta readers and also works with voter guides and election results. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and The Ohio State University Kiplinger Program in Public Affairs Journalism.

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