Using Electronic Devices While Driving in Georgia

Using electronic devices while driving in Georgia:

Effective July 1, 2010, a new Georgia law prohibits all drivers from using cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices for text messaging, sending instant messages, e-mails or accessing the Internet while driving a motor vehicle.

Additionally, the law forbids drivers age 17 and younger from talking on cell phones or using other wireless devices while driving.
Exceptions will only be made for drivers who are lawfully parked, or who are using an electronic device to report an emergency.

If convicted, all violators will receive a $150.00 fine and 1 point against their driver’s license. A conviction for violators age 18 or over is punishable as a misdemeanor. Violators age 17 and younger will receive a double fine if they are also involved in a vehicle accident at the time of the violation.

Special restrictions affecting Georgia’s teenage drivers:

There are specific restrictions affecting students that can severely impact parents and their teenage drivers. Driver age 17 and younger may risk suspension of his or her license by dropping out of school, or by receiving 10 or more unexcused absences during a school year.

Drivers age 17 and younger may also risk license suspension by threatening or harming a school employee, harming another student/person, or pleading guilty to certain criminal acts.

Finally, teenagers 17 and younger also risk losing their driving privileges if caught on school property with a weapon, drugs, or alcohol. In addition to the civil and criminal penalties provided for possessing weapons, drugs, or alcohol on school property, the student will also face a license suspension for one year or until the teen turns 18.