Georgia House passes bill to end hands-free cellphone loophole
ATLANTA - The Georgia House voted Monday to eliminate a loophole that allows some people to avoid citations for violating the state’s hands-free cellphone law.
House members voted 119-52 for House Bill 247, which says drivers should not be able to avoid penalties by telling judges they have purchased hands-free devices for their cellphones.
Republican Rep. John Carson of Marietta says that the current provisions, intended to let people out of a first-time offense, are unenforceable.
"We just think it’s time for this loophole to go. It’s time to close this loophole and save lives," Carson told reporters.
State law lets first-time violators appear before a judge with the proof they bought a phone holder or wireless headphones and escape a fine. Supporters said it’s possible for people to get caught in multiple jurisdictions and get out of multiple fines because different courts can’t keep track.
SEE MORE: Georgia lawmaker again seeks to tighten hands-free phone law
Georgia first passed its hands-free law in 2018.
Last year, Carson also sought to double fines for using hands-on cellphones while driving in a failed proposal. This year, the bill keeps fines at $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense and $150 for a third offense.
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