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Georgia Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Restricted: Georgia bans handheld use for all drivers under the Hands-Free Georgia Act — hands-free is required instead (O.C.G.A. 40-6-241).

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Official source: gahighwaysafety.org →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering Georgia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

AlabamaConditional
Alabama bans texting and distracted use while driving. Just holding the phone is not banned statewide on its own — distracted driving has to be observed (Ala. Code 32-5A-350.1).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · Full Alabama rule →
FloridaConditional
Florida bans texting while driving statewide, and it is a primary offense. Handheld use is banned only in school zones and work zones (Fla. Stat. 316.305 and 316.306).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: leg.state.fl.us · Full Florida rule →
North CarolinaConditional
North Carolina bans texting and email while driving for all drivers: no typing or reading messages (N.C.G.S. 20-137.4A(a)). Most adults may hold a phone to talk, but drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all while moving, even hands-free, except to reach emergency services or their own parent, guardian or spouse (20-137.3(b),(d)); school bus drivers may not use one while the bus is moving except to communicate in an emergency (20-137.4(b),(d)); commercial drivers face the federal handheld ban (20-137.4A(a1)).
Verified Sep 9, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
South CarolinaRestricted
South Carolina requires hands-free driving statewide under the SC Hands-Free Act: you can't hold or support a mobile device while driving. The law took effect September 1, 2025, and citations began February 28, 2026 — $100 for a first offense, then $200 plus 2 points (SC Code 56-5-3890).
Verified Jul 13, 2026 · Source: scstatehouse.gov · Full South Carolina rule →
TennesseeRestricted
Tennessee requires all drivers to go hands-free: it is unlawful to physically hold or support a wireless device while driving (TCA 55-8-199).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: publications.tnsosfiles.com · Full Tennessee rule →

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