Except for bus drivers and novice drivers, there is no prohibition on cell phone use while driving in Georgia. Georgia prohibits all drivers from texting while driving.
Cell Phone Use
There is no handheld cell phone prohibition for drivers. Novice drivers in Georgia - drivers younger than 18 – are prohibited from all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) while driving. Read about the novice driver ban.
Texting
All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. The law prohibits drivers from using a cell phone, text messaging device, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer, or similar wireless device to write, send, or read text data while driving. The ban applies to text messages, instant messages (IM), email, and Internet data. The law creates exceptions for emergency personnel, drivers responding to emergencies, and drivers who are fully parked.
Read the text messaging law.
Bus Drivers
Bus drivers are prohibited from handheld and hands-free cell phone use while driving.
How is it Enforced?
Offenders are subject to a $150 fine and one point against their driving record.
Georgia’s cell phone and texting laws are considered “primary” laws. A primary law means that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to witness some other violation. That is, the officer sees you texting and issues a citation. A secondary law refers to the fact that an officer can only pull you over and issue a ticket if the officer has witnessed some other violation – for example, you ran a stop light while texting.
