Forsyth Sheriff Shares Message About New Hands-Free Law

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA – Forsyth Sheriff Ron Freeman shared this message on his Facebook page now that the new hand-free law has gone into effect:

As most everyone knows, beginning this Sunday July 1st, Georgia becomes a hands-free state and most traditional uses of cell phones while driving become illegal. I am asked continuously, what is FCSO going to do when the law takes effect?

FCSO will certainly be enforcing the new law; however, I realize that many of us, including those of us at FCSO have become very accustomed to cell phone usage while driving. It is a habit we all will have to break. It's the law for all of us. Yes, public safety (law enforcement) has an exemption, but to set the example, FCSO will not allow handheld use unless a true and imminent public safety emergency is happening. Which means 95% or more of FCSO cell phone usage while driving will be hands free regardless of the legal exemption.
FCSO will have an impromptu grace period of enforcement for drivers we observe simply holding or manipulating their phones without any dangerous driving habits or conditions also happening. I believe that is what best serves our community and keeps with my vision that we enforce traffic laws to keep you safe, not create revenue. Deputies do have discretion to issue citations immediately if they believe your actions are dangerous to others.

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With that said, it does not mean the nice Deputy will not stop you, give you a warning or record that warning in our database. You only get one, and for a limited time. We have, and will continue to, enforce texting and driving and distracted driving where drivers pose a danger because of their actions. Do those things and we will give you a ticket every time. Also if the nice deputy who stops you to warn you about your phone usage, finds drugs, open alcohol containers, suspended licenses, you driving intoxicated, stolen property etc., uh..we don't do warnings for those.

Get a bluetooth ear piece, corded ear piece, learn to use that connectivity in your car if it has it, or you can even buy a standalone bluetooth phone kit for under $50. Phone holders are great as well. I've been using a CD slot phone mount and really like it. We want you to meet and speak with our deputies, but on the side of the highway is not the most ideal place. Help us keep Forsyth safe as we all become accustomed to the new reality of hands-free.

-Sheriff Freeman

Image via Forsyth County Sheriff's Office