How Georgia’s Hands-Free Law Affects Distracted Driving Claims in 2025
Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents across Georgia. And in 2025, it continues to be a serious issue in Columbus and beyond.
With mobile devices more embedded in our lives than ever, drivers face constant temptation to glance at their screens, which can have devastating consequences.
First enacted in 2018, Georgia’s Hands-Free Law—also called The Hands-Free Georgia Act—plays a central role in how courts and insurance companies handle distracted driving personal injury cases in Columbus and throughout the state.
If you were the victim of someone else’s distracted driving, it’s important to understand how the Georgia Hands-Free Law affects liability, evidence, and the ability to pursue fair compensation after a crash in 2025.
What Is Georgia’s Hands-Free Law?
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law, officially known as House Bill 673, prohibits drivers from holding or supporting any wireless communication device while driving. That includes:
- Making or receiving calls while holding the phone
- Writing, sending, or reading texts or emails
- Watching or recording videos
- Using apps, social media, or internet functions
The law permits the use of hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth or dashboard mounts, and drivers may still legally use their phones for GPS and voice-activated controls. But the driver’s hands must remain on the wheel, and attention must remain on the road.
As of 2025, enforcement of Georgia’s hands-free law has become more proactive, with law enforcement agencies in Columbus and across the state increasing citations and using new technology to detect violations, especially after serious crashes.
How the Law Affects Distracted Driving Claims
For victims of distracted driving accidents in Columbus, GA, the Hands-Free Law is more than a traffic rule. It’s a powerful tool for proving negligence in civil cases. When a distracted driver causes an accident while illegally using a mobile device, their violation of the law can be used as evidence of negligence.
This legal concept means that if a person breaks a law designed to protect public safety and that violation causes harm, they may be held automatically responsible in a civil claim. In other words, if the other driver was texting or holding their phone in violation of the law and caused a crash, that fact alone can strongly support your case for damages.
The Dangers of Texting While Driving in Georgia
Despite widespread public awareness, texting while driving in Georgia remains alarmingly common. Studies have shown that even a momentary glance at a phone—even just 5 seconds—can equal the distance of a football field when traveling at 55 mph.
In 2025, new distractions like smart watches, wearable displays, and dashboard infotainment systems will add even more complexity to distracted driving enforcement. However, the law still applies. Drivers are expected to operate their vehicles with full attention and care, and failure to do so can result in devastating consequences.
Common outcomes of distracted driving crashes include:
- Rear-end collisions at traffic lights
- T-bone crashes at intersections
- Sideswipes due to lane drifting
- Pedestrian or cyclist injuries in crosswalks
In each of these cases, proving that the at-fault driver was distracted can greatly influence the outcome of a personal injury claim.
Proving Distracted Driving in a Personal Injury Case
When filing a distracted driving personal injury claim in Columbus, the burden is on the injured party to prove that the other driver was negligent. With hands-free law violations, this may involve gathering evidence such as:
- Police reports that document citations or witness statements
- Cell phone records showing call or text activity at the time of the crash
- Traffic camera footage or surveillance from nearby businesses
- Eyewitness testimony confirming the driver was holding or looking at a device
- Vehicle telemetry data from newer cars or smartphones
An experienced Georgia car accident attorney can order records, hire expert witnesses, and build a strong case showing how the distracted behavior directly caused your injuries.
Penalties and Enforcement in 2025
As of 2025, Georgia Hands-Free Law enforcement has been expanded with higher fines for repeat offenses and targeted patrols in high-accident corridors, including several routes in and around Columbus, such as I-185, U.S. Route 80, and Veterans Parkway.
The penalties include:
- First offense: $50 fine and 1 point on the license
- Second offense: $100 fine and 2 points
- Third or subsequent offense: $150 fine and 3 points
Beyond the legal fines, a hands-free violation that causes injury or death can lead to civil liability, dramatically increasing the value of a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim.
Compensation in Distracted Driving Injury Claims
Victims of distracted driving accidents may be entitled to significant compensation, especially when the injuries are severe. Damages in these cases may include:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, therapy)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and psychological counseling
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
In some cases—such as those involving reckless disregard for public safety—punitive damages may also be available.
If you’ve been hurt by someone who was texting, scrolling, or otherwise distracted behind the wheel, working with a skilled Georgia car accident attorney ensures your rights are protected and your case is presented with clarity and strength.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Crash in Columbus
If you believe the driver who hit you was distracted:
- Call 911 and report the crash. Make sure to mention your suspicion of phone use.
- Take photos of the scene, including any devices in the other vehicle, if visible.
- Get contact information from witnesses who may have seen the driver on their phone.
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor at first.
- Avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact a Columbus personal injury attorney with experience in distracted driving claims.
Let Butler Prather LLP Help You Pursue Justice
For over 30 years, Butler Prather LLP has been getting justice for people who have lost a loved one due to wrongful death. If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident in Columbus, Georgia, our law firm can help you take legal action and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Our legal team has extensive experience handling complex car accident claims, and we know how to uncover signs of distracted behavior—even when drivers deny it. We’ve successfully represented clients in more than 30 states, having won ten verdicts over $100 million and more than 60 verdicts and settlements over $10 million.
We only handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t owe us any money unless we win. Call our Columbus car accident lawyers at (706) 322-1990 to schedule your free consultation today—we’ll investigate, build your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.