Distracted drivers are among the most dangerous hazards you might face on the road, causing close to 400,000 injuries and nearly 4,000 deaths every year. To put the brakes on these avoidable accidents, many states, including Georgia, have made it illegal to use your phone behind the wheel, whether you’re talking or texting. Drivers caught with their phone in their hands will likely receive a ticket, and could see a spike in their auto insurance rates.

Georgia’s Cell Phone Law

As of July 1st, 2018, Georgia law makes it illegal to hold your phone while driving, although you can still interact with it using voice command, earpieces, or any other hands-free device. This prohibition extends to any use, so you’ll need a dashboard mount to hold the phone—even if you’re only using it for music or navigation. 

For a first offense, Georgia drivers face a $50 fine and one point on their license, with increasing penalties for repeat offenses. A second offense will result in a $100 fine and two more points, while a third costs $150 and three points on your license.

How Violating the Law Could Impact Your Auto Insurance Premiums

The financial cost of the tickets themselves may be minimal compared to the long-term effect on your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies assume that traffic tickets and dangerous driving increase the chances that you’ll cause an accident, so they charge higher premiums to cover the added risk. In the long run, a single ticket for using your cell phone could cost you thousands of dollars, especially if you already have citations on your record.

Since 1969, Wilson Insurance Agency has been Dalton’s most trusted and respected auto insurance seller. As an independent agency, they offer products from several different providers, allowing them to find a policy tailored to meet your needs. Visit their website to learn more about their services and reputation for excellence, or call (706) 278-0549 to request a free auto insurance quote.