Can you text at a red light? Here’s what Georgia law says

Chelsea Madden
·2 min read

At 55 miles per hour, sending or reading a text is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed, according to the CDC.

Distracted driving impacts more than 400,000 Americans per year. Using an electronic device while driving is the most common form of distracted driving, especially talking on the phone or texting while driving.

According to Forbes, 396 people were killed as a direct result of accidents caused by texting and driving in 2020. That’s more than one per day that year.

A few years before, in 2016 and 2017, there were 496 and 450 deaths associated with texting and driving, respectively.

Hands-Free Law

Georgia’s Hands-Free Law (House Bill 673) went into effect in July 2018 and makes the following illegal:

  • A driver may not write, send or read any text messages, e-mails, social media or internet data content

  • A driver may not watch a video unless it is for navigation.

  • A driver may not record a video (continuously running dash cams are exempt)

The law also states that drivers cannot hold their phone or have their phone touching any part of their body while driving.

Drivers can use speakerphone, earpieces, wireless headphones, Bluetooth connection or an electronic watch while operating a vehicle. GPS navigation devices are also allowed.

So, can I text at a red light?

The Georgia Hands-Free law prohibits use of phones while in a moving vehicle, including texting at a red light.

The only exception to this rule is one of the following:

  • Reporting a traffic crash, medical emergency, fire, criminal activity or hazardous road conditions.

  • An employee or contractor of a utility service provider acting within the scope of their employment while responding to a utility emergency.

  • A first responder (law enforcement, fire, EMS) during the performance of their official duties.

  • When in a lawfully parked vehicle—this doesn’t include vehicles stopped for traffic signals and stop signs on the public roadway.

What happens if I am caught texting and driving?

If you are pulled over and ticketed for texting while driving in Georgia, here’s what happens:

  • Your first time, you’ll be fined $50 and receive one point on your license;

  • The second conviction will come with a $100 fine and two points on your license; and

  • For your third or subsequent convictions, there will be a fine of $150 and three points on your license.

Have more questions? Email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com