Lawmakers: Senate Republicans shut down Republican-led distracted driving bill on Day 26

A Republican-led bill aiming to allow Georgia drivers to use their cellphones when stopped was blocked by Republicans in the Senate on Wednesday.  

SB 203, sponsored by Sen. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville), would let drivers use their cellphones if they were stopped at a light or stop sign. Their phones would have to be on a mount on their dashboard or windshield.  

The bill contrasted Georgia’s existing “Hands-Free Law,” which took effect in July 2018. The current law doesn’t allow drivers to use their phones on the road while driving or stopped, even if their phone is on a mount.  

Ginn argued that SB 203 is necessary because drivers still use their phones at traffic lights, and trying to use their phones discreetly may cause more of a distraction.  He also said that he does not think it is dangerous for drivers to use a cellphone on a mount when their car is stopped. 

Ginn emphasized that he still believes people who use their phones while the car is moving should be prosecuted.   

“One of the things I see happening is you will get a text ding," he said. "So what is the first thing that they do while they are driving? They pick up their phone. That’s the person I want going to jail. I want that person locked up and prosecuted. If they pull over to the side of the road. If they stop at a stop sign, or they stop at a traffic light while their phone is in a cradle, they should be able to look at that message. They ought to be able to hit that button and touch it.”

The penalty for holding a cellphone while driving is a fine, and usually does not result in jail time.  

The bill faced large bipartisan resistance in the Senate. Former law enforcement officer Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula) said the bill puts lives in danger.  

“This is terrible legislation," he said. "This is unnecessary legislation. This is dangerous legislation."

Robertson emphasized that drivers should give their full attention to the road, even when their cars are stopped.  

The bill failed 14 to 35. Both Democrats and Republicans voted against it.