Today, the Georgia Senate passed the first bill of the 2010 legislative session. Sen. Bill Heath’s (R-Bremen) legislation, allowing the use of hands-free communication devices while driving a vehicle (SB 306), passed without opposition. The legislation corrects current law which currently prohibits the use of headphones.
“Drivers who want to be safe on the road and use hands-free devices should not be penalized for using good judgment,” said Sen. Heath. “The legislature creates enough laws, so it is about time we start reducing the burden on citizens. With this clarification, citizens can be safer while talking on the phone and operating their vehicles.”
The legislation allows for safe hands-free communication devices. The bill states that it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while wearing a headset or headphone that would impair one’s ability to hear.
The current law was enacted before the creation of cell phones, blackberries and Bluetooth devices. Heath wants the law modernized. He proposed this legislation in response to an e-mail from a citizen who was cited under the old Georgia code for the use of a hands-free device.
# # #
Sen. Bill Heath serves as Chairman of the Retirement Committee and Governor Sonny Perdue’s Floor Leader in the Senate. He represents the 31st Senate District which consists of Haralson and Polk counties and portions of Bartow and Paulding counties. He may be reached at 404.651.7738 or by email at billheath@billheath.net.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 28, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Meredith Rich, Press Aide
Raegan.Weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028