Q: What devices are acceptable under Georgia's hands-free law for distracted driving?
I was pulled over in Georgia for distracted driving, but I was told the charge could be dismissed if I produce a device that allows for hands-free driving. What types of devices are legally acceptable in Georgia for hands-free compliance?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
In Georgia, the Hands-Free Georgia Act prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a wireless device while operating a vehicle. To comply with this law, you can use hands-free devices such as speakerphones, earpieces, wireless headphones, or in-vehicle systems that allow voice-based communication without physically handling your phone. Additionally, using GPS navigation devices is permitted, provided the device is not held or supported by your body while driving.
It's important to note that while these devices are allowed, the law prohibits writing, sending, or reading text messages, emails, or engaging with social media while driving, even if using voice-to-text technology. Watching videos or recording videos on your device is also not permitted, except for navigation purposes.
If you were cited for distracted driving but obtain a compliant hands-free device before your court date, you may present this to the court to potentially have the charge dismissed, as first-time offenders can have the charge dropped by showing they have obtained a device that allows hands-free communication.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
