[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/is-texting-while-driving-illegal-in-georgia\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/is-texting-while-driving-illegal-in-georgia\/","headline":"Is Texting While Driving Illegal in Georgia?","name":"Is Texting While Driving Illegal in Georgia?","description":"In 2018, the Hands-Free Georgia Act made it illegal for drivers to hold or use a cell phone or other handheld device while operating a vehicle. This law prohibits drivers from making calls, sending or reading texts and emails, and browsing social media by handling their phones. Did...","datePublished":"2024-07-24","dateModified":"2025-11-06","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/kenbernard\/#Person","name":"Ken Bernard","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/kenbernard\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c8989e3a6ded75e4fe0fae6e90fc6dfec65eaf7676e8cefa113ad6e8e2d6c66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c8989e3a6ded75e4fe0fae6e90fc6dfec65eaf7676e8cefa113ad6e8e2d6c66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","width":300,"height":109}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/text-while-drive.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/text-while-drive.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/is-texting-while-driving-illegal-in-georgia\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=DeS49hO7t9E#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=DeS49hO7t9E","name":"How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Georgia? -  Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","description":"For more information about Car Accidents, please visit: https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-long-to-file-car-accident-claim\/\n__________________________________\nSherrod & Bernard, P.C. - Personal Injury Lawyers in Douglasville\n8470 Price Ave \nDouglasville, GA 30134\nPhone: (770) 920 - 8350\nwww.sherrodandbernard.com","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/DeS49hO7t9E\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/DeS49hO7t9E\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/DeS49hO7t9E\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/DeS49hO7t9E\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/DeS49hO7t9E\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2023-06-08T21:05:33+00:00","duration":"PT2M52S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DeS49hO7t9E","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w","name":"Sherrod and Bernard","description":"When you are in a legal bind, you need an experienced attorney you can count on to provide you with skilled representation and sound legal counsel. Every lawyer under the sun will tell you that he or she is the right person for the job, but you need a firm backed with a successful track record. You need the firm of Sherrod & Bernard, serving the Douglasville area.\n\nAfter attending the University of Georgia together, attorneys John Sherrod and Ken Bernard founded the law firm of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. in 1992. From the very beginning, the goal of our firm has been to provide each and every client with the quality personal service and skilled representation they deserve. You can count on our work ethic and our commitment to our clients.\n\nYou need a highly skilled attorney to successfully resolve your legal issues. One of our lawyers can help. Schedule a free consultation by calling our Douglasville office at 770-920-8350.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/uK-5K9pyHHwlk4D1Wclej9JOOudzsipnxVRsoc1u0fyFTl1Ykw0P1mMXhCw6PbtfZAwzpbuF_A=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=DeS49hO7t9E#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=DeS49hO7t9E#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=DeS49hO7t9E&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=DeS49hO7t9E#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":55}]]},"about":["Auto Accident"],"wordCount":1034,"articleBody":"In 2018, the Hands-Free Georgia Act made it illegal for drivers to hold or use a cell phone or other handheld device while operating a vehicle. This law prohibits drivers from making calls, sending or reading texts and emails, and browsing social media by handling their phones.Did you suffer injuries in a crash caused by distracted driving? Contact Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. at (678) 905 7854 for a free consultation to learn your legal options. A Douglasville car accident attorney from our law firm can help you understand what to expect if you decide to file a personal injury claim.What is Georgia’s Hands-Free Law?Why is texting while driving illegal in Georgia now? The change was necessary because transportation data shows an increase in auto accidents due to distracted driving. One study from the National Safety Council shows that over a 10-year period, the percentage of drivers seen manipulating handheld devices increased by 82 percent. According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 3,000 people die in accidents caused by distracted driving each year.Before the Hands-Free Georgia Act went into effect, drivers over 18 could use cell phones while driving. The only exception was that texting and driving was illegal. The new law made cell phone use illegal for anyone behind the wheel, not just minor drivers.By law, drivers cannot hold a phone or have any part of a phone touching their body while driving. Texting remains prohibited, though you can use voice-to-text. Violations can lead to traffic citations and points on your driver\u2019s license. Drivers can also be held legally responsible for any crashes they cause by texting while driving.Does the Hands-Free Law Apply to Just Cell Phones?Georgia\u2019s hands-free driving laws apply to more than just cell phones.\u00a0Even without hands-free technology, drivers cannot:Read, write, or send emails while drivingUse camerasWatch or record videosScroll their social media feedsThere are some notable exceptions. Checking a GPS or navigational tool screen is allowed. Streaming music is OK as long as you can\u2019t see any images on the screen or touch the phone to change the music selection. Continuously running dashcams are also permitted in Georgia.Is It Illegal to Even Have the Phone in My Hand While Driving?You cannot touch a cell phone while driving except to call 911. Drivers can talk on the phone using hands-free methods, like answering the phone via their car\u2019s voice controls.Can You Text at a Red Light in Georgia?Drivers cannot text at a red light or stop sign while stationary. The texting and driving ban applies to drivers operating a motor vehicle. Even when stopped at a red light, the driver still controls the car and should remain aware of their surroundings.Cell phone use is allowed when the vehicle is parked in a driveway, parking lot, or other parking space or when the ignition is turned off.Can You Use Voice-to-Text While Driving?Yes, voice-to-text is allowed if the driver does not have to touch their phone to use it. If they can initiate \u201ctype\u201d and send the text with their voice, that is allowed under the Hands-Free law.What Happens if a Texting Driver Hit Me?Consult a Georgia car accident lawyer if a texting driver hit and injured you in a collision. You could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and additional crash-related expenses. An attorney can assist you in filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver\u2019s insurance company and gather strong evidence to support your claim.Examples of evidence include:Phone records from the at-fault driver showing they sent and received texts in the moments before the crashVehicle details about the at-fault driver\u2019s car, such as whether it was capable of voice controls and talk-to-textMedical recordsPay stubs, tax records, and employer documentation to demonstrate lost wagesPhotographs of the accident and your injuriesTraffic and dashboard camera footage showing that the other driver caused the auto accidentEyewitness testimonyExpert witness testimonyAfter building your claim, your lawyer will send a demand letter to the at-fault driver\u2019s insurance company asking for compensation. The insurer can accept, deny, or make a counteroffer.Typically, the initial settlement offer is far lower than what you deserve. If so, your lawyer will engage in settlement negotiations asking for full and fair compensation from the insurance company. If settlement talks fail, you can decide whether to take your car accident case to trial.What Types of Compensation Are Possible in a Texting and Driving Accident Claim?Injured people may be entitled to compensation for various losses after a distracted driving accident in Georgia. This money is generally divided into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.Economic damages compensate you for your tangible losses that have specific monetary value, including:Medical expenses, including the cost of any surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medication, ongoing medical care, and assistive devices you needLost wages and benefits resulting from your temporary or permanent inability to workLost future earning capacityThe costs associated with fixing or replacing damaged property, including your vehicleNon-economic damages include compensation without a specific dollar amount, such as:Pain and sufferingEmotional distressLoss of enjoyment of lifeLoss of consortium (companionship experienced by your partner after the accident)Contact a Georgia Car Accident LawyerTexting and driving is not only illegal. It can lead to serious injuries. Taking legal action can help you recover compensation to recoup your losses after a car accident, but don\u2019t expect the insurance company to make a fair payout and close your case quickly. The Douglasville car accident attorneys at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. can stand up for your rights and demand the money you deserve.Everything starts with a free case review. During your consultation, a lawyer will perform an initial evaluation, discuss your legal options, and explain the personal injury claims process.Our attorneys have over 85 years of combined experience seeking compensation for accident victims. Let us use that knowledge and dedication for you. Call or contact us today for your no-cost consultation.Visit Our Georgia Car Accident Law Offices"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Is Texting While Driving Illegal in Georgia?","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/is-texting-while-driving-illegal-in-georgia\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]