You can get a ticket for temporarily stopping and texting at a red light, under Georgia’s Hands-Free Law.

In Georgia, you can get a ticket for using your cell phone or tablet while stopped at a red light. 

Under Georgia’s Hands-Free Law, drivers cannot touch their phones, not even to activate or program a music streaming app, while on the road—only when “lawfully parked.” Currently, the statute dealing with texting has no “moving” requirement in order to be in violation of the law.

Get a ticket as a result of texting at a red light? You need an experienced Savannah, Georgia, traffic attorney.

Georgia’s Texting at a Traffic Light Law

Georgia’s Hands-Free Law took effect July 1, 2018. Under this law, the use of all wireless communication devices and stand-alone electronic devices is prohibited, even at a stoplight. This includes the use of iPads, iPods, tablets, computers, mp3 players, and hand-held GPS devices.

Let’s take a closer look at Georgia’s Hands-Free Law:

• Drivers may not hold their phone in their hand or use any part of their body to support their phone.
• Drivers may not write, send, or read text messages, e-mails, social media, or internet data content.
• Drivers may not watch videos while on the road unless for navigation or as part of a continuously running dashcam.
• Headsets and earpieces may not be worn for any other reason than communication.

Commercial drivers may use one button to begin or end a phone call. However, they are prohibited from reaching for their phones or devices if doing so requires them to be improperly restrained by a seat belt or requires the driver to no longer be seated in the proper position.

Exceptions to Georgia’s No Texting at a Red Light Law

• Drivers reporting an emergency, accident, or acting as an emergency responder.
• Public utility workers or contractors working within the scope of their duties while responding to an emergency.
• Law enforcement, firefighters, or other first responders performing official duties.

Other exceptions that allow for safer use of handheld devices:

Drivers may use headsets, Bluetooth devices, earpieces, or watches to talk on the phone. 

Drivers may also touch their phones to answer or end a call or to dial a number, as long as the driver is not holding or supporting the phone.

Penalties for Texting at a Stoplight in Georgia

First conviction: $50.00 and 1 point assessed against your driver’s license. 

Second conviction: $100.00 and 2 points assessed against your driver’s license.

Third and subsequent convictions: $150.00 and 3 points assessed against your driver’s license. 

The fines for a 2nd or 3rd offense only apply when the date of a 2nd or 3rd conviction takes place within 24 months of the date of the first conviction. First time offenders can have the charge dropped by showing the court they have obtained a device that allows them to talk on a phone with hands-free technology or devices.

Work With a Top Savannah Traffic Lawyer

Not touching your phone while stopped at a red light seems simple enough—but people make mistakes. If you get a ticket for texting at a red light in Georgia, I can help.

Contact me today at 912-656-5996 or go online to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.