Employees are increasingly exposed to traffic and longer commute times, and some employees drive during the course and scope of their employment. Hands-free technology makes it possible to conduct business from a vehicle safely. As such, Georgia employers should be aware of recent changes to state law regarding the use of hands-free technology by drivers. Vehicle use policies may need to be updated to ensure compliance with state law.
In 2010, in an effort to prevent distractions caused by texting while driving, the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 360, the ‘Caleb Sorohan Act for Saving Lives by Preventing Texting While Driving Act.’ This 2010 Act added a new Section 40-6-241.1 to the Georgia Code that made it a criminal offence to write, send, or read a text on a mobile phone (or other wireless communications device) while driving.
In the years that followed, law enforcement complained that the law was difficult to enforce because it was difficult to ascertain whether a driver was unlawfully texting or otherwise lawfully using his or her phone. Further, the widespread use of in-vehicle and accessory hands-free devices have made it possible and safe to communicate while operating a vehicle without physically touching a mobile phone.
As a result, in the 2017-2018 legislative session, the General Assembly passed the ‘Hands-free Georgia Act’ (amending Section 40-6-241 and repealing Section 40-6-241.1 of the Georgia Code). The Hands-Free Georgia Act relates to the duty of drivers to exercise due care in the use of mobile telephones and radios.
From 1 July 2018, the following actions using wireless communication devices or stand-alone electronic devices are prohibited while driving:
Under the new law, the devices cannot be held or supported by any part of the body. However, an earpiece, headphone, or watch can be used to conduct voice-based communication.
The devices cannot be used to write, send, read text or Internet data, or record or broadcast a video. However, voice-to-text can be used. Further, the devices can be used simply for vehicle navigation or GPS purposes. Further, drivers are not prohibited from using devices in these ways when they are lawfully parked (not temporarily at a stop light or sign), engaged as first responder or emergency or utility services personnel, or reporting emergencies, accidents or hazards.
Operators of commercial vehicles are also allowed to use no more than a ‘single button’ on a wireless communication device (stand-alone devices are excluded) to start or end a call. Further, they are prohibited from reaching for devices in a manner that requires them to no longer be in a seated driving position or properly restrained by a seatbelt.
‘Wireless communication device’ generally means a mobile phone, but includes all devices used to initiate or receive communication, information or data. Examples are personal digital assistants (PDA), stand-alone computers, tablets, iPads and global positioning systems (GPS). ‘Stand-alone electronic device’ means devices that store audio or video data files to be retrieved on demand by a user. Examples are iPods, iPads, or tablets.
The penalty for the first conviction of this offense is USD 50.00, and a third conviction carries a maximum penalty of USD 150.00. A first-time offender who produces a hands-free device or proof of purchase of such a device in court can (in certain circumstances) be acquitted.