What Are Georgia’s Cell Phone Driving Laws?

By Grant Law Office on August 4, 2011

Many distracted driver accidents in Georgia, and across the nation, are caused by drivers who insist on using their cell phone to talk, text, read, or go online, while they are driving. As cell phones became more and more popular, and distracted driving accidents became more prevalent, many states deemed it necessary to restrict cell phone use while driving.

As of July 2011, ten states have banned using a hand-held cell phone while driving, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These states include California, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, New York, Oregon, New Jersey, Washington, Utah, and the District of Columbia. In addition, 30 states and the District of Columbia have restricted cell phone use by novice drivers. The District of Columbia and 19 states have also prohibited school bus drivers from all cell phone use.

Text messaging is probably the most dangerous activity performed on a cell phone while a person is driving. In recognition of this fact, 34 states and the District of Columbia have banned text messaging for all drivers. Seven states ban novice drivers from texting and three states ban school bus drivers from texting.

Georgia’s cell phone driving laws are as follows:

• Hand-held cell phone ban: NO
• Young drivers all cell phone ban: YES, all drivers under 18 years old
• Bus drivers all cell phone ban: YES, school bus drivers only
• Texting ban: YES, all drivers
• Type of violation: PRIMARY

Any cell phone use while driving in Georgia is considered a primary offense, which means that a law enforcement officer may cite a driver solely for the cell phone offense. If it was a secondary offense, a law enforcement officer would only be able to cite the driver for a cell phone violation if they are first being cited for a separate traffic offense.

Cell phone laws are in place to help keep a drivers’ attention on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Georgia cell phone car crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., our skilled Atlanta accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and determine the best course of legal action for your specific situation. Contact us today for a consultation at 404-995-3955.