House Bill 673
Georgia's Hands-Free Law
Passed by the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal. The Hands-Free Law took effect on July 1, 2018.
No phone in hand
A driver cannot have a phone in their hand or use any part of their body to support their phone.
Hands-free calls OK
Drivers may make or receive calls using speakerphone, earpiece, wireless headphone, vehicle connection, or an electronic watch.
No texting or social
A driver may not write, send, or read text messages, emails, social media, or other internet data content.
GPS navigation OK
GPS navigation devices and navigation videos are allowed.
No watching video
A driver may not watch a video while driving (other than navigation).
No recording video
A driver may not record video. Continuously running dash cams are exempt.
Streaming audio is OK
Listen to streaming music - but you cannot touch the phone to activate or program apps. Set it up before you drive, or use the vehicle's controls.
No music app tapping
Drivers cannot touch their phone or device to activate or program music streaming apps while on the road.
Exceptions
- Reporting a traffic crash, medical emergency, fire, criminal activity, or hazardous road conditions.
- An employee or contractor of a utility service provider responding to a utility emergency within their employment.
- A first responder (law enforcement, fire, EMS) performing official duties.
- When in a lawfully parked vehicle - this does NOT include vehicles stopped at traffic signals or stop signs on the public roadway.
Phone calls
Hands-free only
Texting
Voice-to-text only
Video
Navigation only
Music
Set before you drive