Georgia’s Uniform Rules of the Road dictate how drivers should safely operate their vehicles in the state. Most motorists are careful and attentive drivers, but accidents happen every day. Some of these car accidents are severe and cause extensive personal injury and property damage.
Understanding Georgia’s driving laws can help you comply with the rules of the road so you can safely share the streets with pedestrians, bicycles, and other motorists. After an accident, knowing the laws can also help you determine if someone else’s reckless or negligent driving led to your injuries.
Georgia Driving Laws
The Uniform Rules of the Road include extensive legislation and guidance on how to drive on Georgia’s streets, and there are a few laws that many people have questions about after an accident.
Seat Belt Law
Seat belts are required in Georgia for most drivers and passengers, but there are numerous exceptions that include:
- Vehicles made prior to 1965
- Passenger vehicles delivering newspapers or performing an emergency service
- When driving in reverse
In most scenarios, occupants of a vehicle are required to wear their safety belts. Georgia driving laws also have strict regulations concerning child safety seats and restraints.
Speed Limits in Georgia
The general rule is that drivers shall not travel at a speed greater than what is reasonable under the conditions while keeping in mind the existing and potential hazards of the road. With that being said, speed limits are enforced in Georgia. Speeding is a leading cause of accidents and can be considered a form of road rage in the state.
Other Driving Laws
As in other states, Georgia has laws regarding driving under the influence, obeying traffic signs and signals, yielding the right of way, following too closely, and a number of other driving behaviors. Failing to follow the rules of the road is not only illegal, but it also increases the risk of accident and injury.
Georgia Distracted Driving Bill
One of the major changes to Georgia’s laws in the past decade is the distracted driving law. Since July 1, 2018, the following regulations have been in place to prevent distracted driving:
- You cannot hold your phone while driving or touch it to your body when talking.
- Drivers are not allowed to write, read, or send anything on their phones, even with hands-free technology.
- You cannot watch videos while behind the wheel.
- Drivers cannot record video while on the road, except for the use of some dashcams.
- Drivers can use music streaming on their phones if it does not require them to touch their phones while on the road.
Distracted driving has been becoming an increasingly widespread issue. Over 42,000 people were killed in the U.S. in car accidents caused by distracted driving in 2021. The distracted driving law in Georgia is attempting to lessen the prevalence and impact of this dangerous driving habit.
A Reliable Atlanta Car Accident Attorney
If another driver’s distracted driving, speeding, or other reckless behavior caused your accident, you have the right to hold them liable for your injuries. Flanagan Law is a formidable advocate for injured people in Georgia, with an unwavering commitment to seeing justice served and obtaining the best outcome for his clients. When you’re ready to discuss how Georgia driving laws impact your accident claim, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
