What the new hands-free law says about using Pandora, Spotify Georgia Headlines June 8, 2018 Macon Telegraph 0 A tip sheet circulating about new driving regulations in Georgia has opened up a Pandora’s box of confusion about internet radio use.
House Bill 673- “Hands Free Law”
House Bill 673 also known as the “Hands Free Law” was passed by the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal. The Hands Free Law will take effect on July 1, 2018. The following is a brief description what the law states and some frequently asked questions. A link to the complete law can be found at www.gahighwaysafety.org.
- A driver cannot have a phone in their hand or use any part of their body to support their phone. Drivers can only use their phones to make or receive phone calls by using speakerphone, earpiece, wireless headphone, phone is connected to vehicle or an electronic watch. GPS navigation devices are allowed.
- Headsets and earpieces can only be worn for communication purposes and not for listening to music or other entertainment.
- A driver may not send or read any text-based communication unless using voice-based communication that automatically converts message to a written text or is being used for navigation or GPS
- 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)
- Music streaming apps can be used provided the driver activates and programs them when they are parked. Drivers cannot touch their phones to do anything to their music apps when they are on the road. Music streaming apps that include video also are not allowed since drivers cannot watch videos when on the road. Drivers can listen to and program music streaming apps that are connected to and controlled through their vehicle's radio.
- The hands-free law does NOT apply to the following electronic communication devices and the following devices can be used by the driver when on the road: radio, citizens band radio, citizens band radio hybrid, commercial two-way radio communication device or its functional equivalent, subscription-based emergency communication device, prescribed medical device, amateur or ham radio device, or in-vehicle security, navigation, or remote diagnostics system.
Exceptions to the law are as follows:
- Georgia’s Hands Free Law turns a year old on July 1st. Under Georgia’s Hands-Free Distracted Driving Law, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241, you can be ticketed for using a “wireless telecommunications device” of any kind while driving, if the device is touching any part of your body, or for the use of a stand alone electronic device in the same manner.
- House Bill 673- “Hands Free Law” House Bill 673 also known as the “Hands Free Law” was passed by the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal. The Hands Free Law will take effect on July 1, 2018. The following is a brief description what the law states and some frequently asked questions.
1. Reporting a traffic crash, medical emergency, fire, criminal activity or hazardous road conditions.
2. An employee or contractor of an utility service provider acting within the scope of their employment while responding to a utility
emergency.
3. A first responder (law enforcement, fire, EMS) during the performance of their official duties.
4. When in a lawfully parked vehicle—this DOES NOT include vehicles stopped for traffic signals and stop signs on the public roadway.
2. An employee or contractor of an utility service provider acting within the scope of their employment while responding to a utility
emergency.
3. A first responder (law enforcement, fire, EMS) during the performance of their official duties.
4. When in a lawfully parked vehicle—this DOES NOT include vehicles stopped for traffic signals and stop signs on the public roadway.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators
1. Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators can only use one button to begin or end a phone call
2. Cannot reach for a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device that it no longer requires the driver to be a seated position or properly restrained by a safety belt
2. Cannot reach for a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device that it no longer requires the driver to be a seated position or properly restrained by a safety belt
School Bus Drivers
1. The driver of a school bus cannot use a wireless telecommunication device or two-way radio while loading or unloading passengers.
2. The driver can only use a wireless telecommunication device while the bus is in motion as a two-way radio to allow live communications between the driver and school and public safety officials
2. The driver can only use a wireless telecommunication device while the bus is in motion as a two-way radio to allow live communications between the driver and school and public safety officials
ENFORCEMENT
When the Hands-Free law takes effect July 1, the Georgia Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement have the option to issue warnings for violations as part of the effort to educate and to help motorists adapt to the new law. However, citations can and will be issued starting July 1 for any violation of the Hands-Free Law, including those where the violation involves a traffic crash. There is not a 90-day grace period provision in the Hands-Free Law.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is this law needed in Georgia?
Our state has seen significant increases in vehicle traffic crashes, fatalities and bodily injury. The vast majority of these increases have been in rear-end crashes, single-car crashes and crashes by drivers from 15 to 25-years-old. State and local law enforcement have stated that these incidents are a clear indication of driver inattention. The 15 states that have passed hands-free driving laws saw a 16 percent decrease in traffic fatalities in the two years after the law was passed. In addition, traffic fatalities were reduced even further in subsequent years.
Our state has seen significant increases in vehicle traffic crashes, fatalities and bodily injury. The vast majority of these increases have been in rear-end crashes, single-car crashes and crashes by drivers from 15 to 25-years-old. State and local law enforcement have stated that these incidents are a clear indication of driver inattention. The 15 states that have passed hands-free driving laws saw a 16 percent decrease in traffic fatalities in the two years after the law was passed. In addition, traffic fatalities were reduced even further in subsequent years.
Could I still talk on my phone while driving?
Yes, as long as it is done hands-free. Drivers would be able to use their phone’s speakerphone, Bluetooth technology, an earpiece, a headphone or other device to allow them to communicate on a hands-free basis.
Yes, as long as it is done hands-free. Drivers would be able to use their phone’s speakerphone, Bluetooth technology, an earpiece, a headphone or other device to allow them to communicate on a hands-free basis.
Spotify pc app really slow. Could I touch my cellphone to dial a number or receive or end a call?
Yes. The law would simply prohibit drivers from holding or supporting the phone.
Would I be required to purchase a hands-free accessory, such as a mount or bracket?
No. The proposed law simply states that a driver cannot hold or support a mobile phone. A phone can be left on a vehicle’s console, a front seat, etc. However, for the safety of all Georgians, state and local law enforcement recommend the purchase and use of a hands-free device if using a mobile phone while driving.
https://yellowbattery933.weebly.com/blog/best-apps-chromecast-mac. My vehicle does not have Bluetooth technology/capability. How could I comply with the law?
Many online retailers offer a Bluetooth adapter for vehicles without Bluetooth or similar technology built into the vehicle. These adapters can be found at local retailers or online by searching “Bluetooth hands-free car kit” in an internet search engine.
Yes. The law would simply prohibit drivers from holding or supporting the phone.
Would I be required to purchase a hands-free accessory, such as a mount or bracket?
No. The proposed law simply states that a driver cannot hold or support a mobile phone. A phone can be left on a vehicle’s console, a front seat, etc. However, for the safety of all Georgians, state and local law enforcement recommend the purchase and use of a hands-free device if using a mobile phone while driving.
https://yellowbattery933.weebly.com/blog/best-apps-chromecast-mac. My vehicle does not have Bluetooth technology/capability. How could I comply with the law?
Many online retailers offer a Bluetooth adapter for vehicles without Bluetooth or similar technology built into the vehicle. These adapters can be found at local retailers or online by searching “Bluetooth hands-free car kit” in an internet search engine.
What would the fines/penalties be?
First conviction: $50, one point on a license;
Second conviction: $100, two points on a license;
Third and subsequent convictions: $150, three points on a license.
First conviction: $50, one point on a license;
Second conviction: $100, two points on a license;
Third and subsequent convictions: $150, three points on a license.
Spotify Free Download
Could I listen to online radio apps while driving? (Updated information)****
A driver cannot touch their phone to activate or program a radio app while they are on the road (the road includes being stopped for traffic signals and stop signs). A driver can activate a radio app before getting on the road and listen to the programming. A driver can also listen to programming from their app if it is connected and controlled by the vehicle's stereo (radio), and the driver is not touching their phone while driving. We caution drivers that music streaming apps that also include video do violate the new law which specifically prohibits drivers from watching videos. The rule of thumb here is you can listen to your radio app as long as you do not touch your phone when driving on the road AND its use does not distract the driver in any manner in the safe operation of their vehicle.
A driver cannot touch their phone to activate or program a radio app while they are on the road (the road includes being stopped for traffic signals and stop signs). A driver can activate a radio app before getting on the road and listen to the programming. A driver can also listen to programming from their app if it is connected and controlled by the vehicle's stereo (radio), and the driver is not touching their phone while driving. We caution drivers that music streaming apps that also include video do violate the new law which specifically prohibits drivers from watching videos. The rule of thumb here is you can listen to your radio app as long as you do not touch your phone when driving on the road AND its use does not distract the driver in any manner in the safe operation of their vehicle.
Could I listen to music stored on my mobile phone, thus not requiring an internet connection?
Yes, as long as the driver is not holding or supporting the phone.
Could I talk to someone via video telephony apps, such as FaceTime or Skype, if doing so “hands-free?”
No. The proposed hands-free driving law states that a driver shall not “record or broadcast a video” on any mobile phones, iPads, computers, etc. while operating a vehicle.
Yes, as long as the driver is not holding or supporting the phone.
Could I talk to someone via video telephony apps, such as FaceTime or Skype, if doing so “hands-free?”
No. The proposed hands-free driving law states that a driver shall not “record or broadcast a video” on any mobile phones, iPads, computers, etc. while operating a vehicle.
How to use custom navigation bar app with mac. Submit specific questions about the Hands-Free Law to: https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/contact/
Georgia's Hands-Free Law took effect July 1, 2018
- Can you download songs on spotify with data. Drivers cannot have a phone in their hand or touching any part of their body while talking on their phone while driving.
- Even with hands-free technology, drivers cannot write, read or send text messages, e-mails, social media content and other internet data while on the road. (Voice to text is allowed)
- Drivers cannot watch videos when they are on the road. (Navigational/GPS videos are allowed)
- Drivers cannot use their phones or electronic devices to record video when they are on the road. (Continuously running dash cams are allowed)
- Drivers may listen to streaming music that does not include videos on the screen of their phone or device while driving but cannot touch their phones while on the road to activate or program any music streaming app. Streaming music that is controlled by and listened through the vehicle's radio is allowed. Drivers who need to touch their phones to activate/program their music streaming apps must do so before getting on the road
- The fine for a first conviction is $50.00 and 1 point assesed against the driver's license. The fine is $100.00 and 2 points for a second conviction and $150.00 and 3 points for three or more conviction. The fines for a 2nd or 3rd offense only apply when 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.
Ga Hands Free Law Spotify Playlists
The Hands-Free Georgia Act was signed by Governor Nathan Deal on May 2, 2018, and will take effect on July 1, 2018. For more information on the law and FAQ, visit http://www.headsupgeorgia.com/handsfree-law/. Itunes playlist to spotify waiting to download.
Hands-Free Georgia Act
Section 2.
Section 2.
Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, is amended by revising subparagraph (c)(1)(A) of Code Section 40-5-57, relating to suspension or revocation of license habitually negligent or dangerous driver and point system as follows:
(xv) First violation of Code Section 40-6-241 (Hands-Free Georgia Act) 1 point
(xvi) Second violation of Code Section 40-6-241 (Hands-Free Georgia Act) 2 points
(xvii) Third violation of Code Section 40-6-241 (Hands-Free Georgia Act) 3 points
(xv) First violation of Code Section 40-6-241 (Hands-Free Georgia Act) 1 point
(xvi) Second violation of Code Section 40-6-241 (Hands-Free Georgia Act) 2 points
(xvii) Third violation of Code Section 40-6-241 (Hands-Free Georgia Act) 3 points
Section 3.
Said title is further amended by revising subsections (d) and (e) of Code Section 40-6-165, relating to operation of school buses, as follows:
'(d) The driver of a school bus shall not use or operate a wireless telecommunications device, as such as term is defined in Code Section 40-6-241, or two-way radio while loading or unloading passengers.
(e) The driver of a school bus shall not use or operate a wireless telecommunications device, as such term is defined in Code Section 40-6-241, while the bus is in motion, unless it is being used in a similar manner as a two-way radio to allow live communication between the driver and school officials or public safety officials.'
'(d) The driver of a school bus shall not use or operate a wireless telecommunications device, as such as term is defined in Code Section 40-6-241, or two-way radio while loading or unloading passengers.
(e) The driver of a school bus shall not use or operate a wireless telecommunications device, as such term is defined in Code Section 40-6-241, while the bus is in motion, unless it is being used in a similar manner as a two-way radio to allow live communication between the driver and school officials or public safety officials.'
Ga Hands Free Law Spotify Subscription
Section 4.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 40-6-241, relating to driver to exercise due care and proper use of radios and mobile telephones allowed as follows:
'40-6-241.
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) 'Stand-alone electronic device' means a device other than a wireless telecommunications device which stores audio or video data files to be retrieved on demand by a user.
(2) 'Utility services' means and includes electric, natural gas, water, waste-water, cable,
telephone, or telecommunications services or the repair, location, relocation, improvement, or
maintenance of utility poles, transmission structures, pipes, wires, fibers, cables, easements,
rights of way, or associated infrastructure.
(3) 'Wireless telecommunications device' means a cellular telephone, a portable
telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a stand-alone computer, a
global positioning system receiver, or substantially similar portable wireless device that is
used to initiate or receive communication, information or data. Such term shall not include a
radio, citizens band radio, citizens band radio hybrid, commercial two-way radio
communication device or its functional equivalent, subscription-based emergency
communication device, prescribed medical device, amateur or ham radio device, or
in-vehicle security, navigation, or remote diagnostics system.
(b) A driver shall exercise due care in operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state
and shall not engage in any actions which shall distract such driver from the safe operation
of such vehicle.
(c) While operating a motor vehicle on any highway of this state, no individual shall:
(1) Physically hold or support, with any part of his or her body a:
(A) Wireless telecommunications device, provided that such exclusion shall not prohibit the use of an earpierce, headphone device, or device worn on a wrist to conduct a voice-based communication (Smartphone watch); or
(B) Stand-alone electronic device;
(2) Write, send, or read any text-based communication, including but not limited to a text
message, instant message, e-mail, or Internet data on a wireless telecommunications device
or stand-alone electronic device; provided, however, that such prohibition shall not apply to:
(A) A voice based communication which is automatically converted by such device to be
sent as a message in a written form; or
(B) The use of such device for navigation of such vehicle for global positioning system
purposes.
(3) Watch a video or movie on a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone
electronic device other than watching data related to the navigation of such vehicle; or
(4) Record or broadcast video on a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone
electronic device; provided that such prohibition shall not apply to electronic devices used for
the sole purpose of continuously recording or broadcasting video within or outside of the
motor vehicle.
(d) While operating a commercial motor vehicle on any highway of this state, no individual shall:
(1) Use more than a single button on a wireless telecommunications device to initiate or
terminate a voice communication; or
(2) Reach for a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device in such
a manner that requires the driver to no longer be:
(A) In a seated driving position; or
(B) Properly restrained by a safety belt.
(e) Each violation of this Code section shall constitute a separate offense.
(f) (1) Except as provide for in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any person convicted of
violating this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor which shall be punished
as follows:
(A) For a first conviction with no conviction of and no plea of nolo contendere accepted to a
charge of violating, this Code section within the previous 24 month period of time, as
measured from the dates any previous convictions were obtained or pleas of nolo contendere
were accepted to the date the current conviction is obtained or plea of nolo contendere is
accepted, a fine of not more than $50.00, but the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 and any
other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the costs of such prosecution shall not
be taxed nor shall any additional penalty, fee, or surcharge to a fine for such offense be
assessed against a person for conviction thereof;
(B) For a second conviction within a 24-month period of time, as measured from the dates any
previous convictions were obtained or pleas of nolo contendere were accepted to the date the
current conviction is obtained or plea of nolo contendere is accepted, a fine of not more than
$100.00, but the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 and any provision of law to the contrary
notwithstanding, the costs of such prosecution shall not be taxed nor shall any additional
penalty, fee, or surcharge to a fine for such offense be assessed against a person for
conviction thereof:
(C) For a third or subsequent conviction within a 24-month period of time, as measured from
the dates any previous convictions were obtained or pleas of nolo contendere were accepted
to the date the current conviction is obtained or plea of nolo contendere is accepted, a fine of
not more than $150.00, but the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 and any other provision of
law to the contrary notwithstanding, the costs of such prosecution shall not be taxed nor shall
any additional penalty, fee, or surcharge to a fine for such offense be assessed against a
person for conviction thereof.
(2) Any person appearing before a court for a first charge of violating paragraph (1)
subsection (c) of the Code section who produces in court a device or proof of purchase of
such device that would allow such person to comply with such paragraph in the future shall not
be guilty of such offense. The court shall require the person to affirm that they have not
previously utilized the privilege under this paragraph.
(g) Subsections (c) and (d) of this Code section shall not apply when the prohibited conduct occured:
(1) While reporting a traffic accident, medical emergency, fire, an actual or potential criminal
or delinquent act, or road condition that causes an immediate and serious traffic or safety
hazard;
(2) By an employee or contractor of a utility services provider acting within the scope of his or
her employment while responding to a utility emergency.
(3) By a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical services personnel,
ambulance driver, or other similiarly employed public safety first responder during the
performance of his or her official duties; or
(4) While in a motor vehicle which is lawfully parked.'
'40-6-241.
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) 'Stand-alone electronic device' means a device other than a wireless telecommunications device which stores audio or video data files to be retrieved on demand by a user.
(2) 'Utility services' means and includes electric, natural gas, water, waste-water, cable,
telephone, or telecommunications services or the repair, location, relocation, improvement, or
maintenance of utility poles, transmission structures, pipes, wires, fibers, cables, easements,
rights of way, or associated infrastructure.
(3) 'Wireless telecommunications device' means a cellular telephone, a portable
telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a stand-alone computer, a
global positioning system receiver, or substantially similar portable wireless device that is
used to initiate or receive communication, information or data. Such term shall not include a
radio, citizens band radio, citizens band radio hybrid, commercial two-way radio
communication device or its functional equivalent, subscription-based emergency
communication device, prescribed medical device, amateur or ham radio device, or
in-vehicle security, navigation, or remote diagnostics system.
(b) A driver shall exercise due care in operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state
and shall not engage in any actions which shall distract such driver from the safe operation
of such vehicle.
(c) While operating a motor vehicle on any highway of this state, no individual shall:
(1) Physically hold or support, with any part of his or her body a:
(A) Wireless telecommunications device, provided that such exclusion shall not prohibit the use of an earpierce, headphone device, or device worn on a wrist to conduct a voice-based communication (Smartphone watch); or
(B) Stand-alone electronic device;
(2) Write, send, or read any text-based communication, including but not limited to a text
message, instant message, e-mail, or Internet data on a wireless telecommunications device
or stand-alone electronic device; provided, however, that such prohibition shall not apply to:
(A) A voice based communication which is automatically converted by such device to be
sent as a message in a written form; or
(B) The use of such device for navigation of such vehicle for global positioning system
purposes.
(3) Watch a video or movie on a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone
electronic device other than watching data related to the navigation of such vehicle; or
(4) Record or broadcast video on a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone
electronic device; provided that such prohibition shall not apply to electronic devices used for
the sole purpose of continuously recording or broadcasting video within or outside of the
motor vehicle.
(d) While operating a commercial motor vehicle on any highway of this state, no individual shall:
(1) Use more than a single button on a wireless telecommunications device to initiate or
terminate a voice communication; or
(2) Reach for a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device in such
a manner that requires the driver to no longer be:
(A) In a seated driving position; or
(B) Properly restrained by a safety belt.
(e) Each violation of this Code section shall constitute a separate offense.
(f) (1) Except as provide for in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any person convicted of
violating this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor which shall be punished
as follows:
(A) For a first conviction with no conviction of and no plea of nolo contendere accepted to a
charge of violating, this Code section within the previous 24 month period of time, as
measured from the dates any previous convictions were obtained or pleas of nolo contendere
were accepted to the date the current conviction is obtained or plea of nolo contendere is
accepted, a fine of not more than $50.00, but the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 and any
other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the costs of such prosecution shall not
be taxed nor shall any additional penalty, fee, or surcharge to a fine for such offense be
assessed against a person for conviction thereof;
(B) For a second conviction within a 24-month period of time, as measured from the dates any
previous convictions were obtained or pleas of nolo contendere were accepted to the date the
current conviction is obtained or plea of nolo contendere is accepted, a fine of not more than
$100.00, but the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 and any provision of law to the contrary
notwithstanding, the costs of such prosecution shall not be taxed nor shall any additional
penalty, fee, or surcharge to a fine for such offense be assessed against a person for
conviction thereof:
(C) For a third or subsequent conviction within a 24-month period of time, as measured from
the dates any previous convictions were obtained or pleas of nolo contendere were accepted
to the date the current conviction is obtained or plea of nolo contendere is accepted, a fine of
not more than $150.00, but the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 and any other provision of
law to the contrary notwithstanding, the costs of such prosecution shall not be taxed nor shall
any additional penalty, fee, or surcharge to a fine for such offense be assessed against a
person for conviction thereof.
(2) Any person appearing before a court for a first charge of violating paragraph (1)
subsection (c) of the Code section who produces in court a device or proof of purchase of
such device that would allow such person to comply with such paragraph in the future shall not
be guilty of such offense. The court shall require the person to affirm that they have not
previously utilized the privilege under this paragraph.
(g) Subsections (c) and (d) of this Code section shall not apply when the prohibited conduct occured:
(1) While reporting a traffic accident, medical emergency, fire, an actual or potential criminal
or delinquent act, or road condition that causes an immediate and serious traffic or safety
hazard;
(2) By an employee or contractor of a utility services provider acting within the scope of his or
her employment while responding to a utility emergency.
(3) By a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical services personnel,
ambulance driver, or other similiarly employed public safety first responder during the
performance of his or her official duties; or
(4) While in a motor vehicle which is lawfully parked.'