The Georgia State Patrol gave drivers one month to get accustomed to the new texting-while-driving ban. The grace period will end Sunday.
Motorists on state roads will then be subject to a $150 fine and one point on their license if they are caught reading, writing or sending messages from an electronic device while driving.
Gordy Wright, the deputy director of communications for the Georgia State Patrol, said troopers will transition from issuing warnings -- which they did this month -- to handing out tickets that come with fines.
As the texting ban went into effect this month, Wright said guidelines might be set up for officers to follow. However, a firm written policy has given way to simply referring to the officer's own judgment.
"It's just whatever the trooper or officer sees that they can articulate to support the citation (in court)," Wright said.
Caleb's law -- as the texting ban is called -- is named after Caleb Sorohan, the 18-year-old Morgan County High student who died in a car crash last December. Several text messages sent just before the crash were found on his cell phone.
The law also bans cell phone use by teenage drivers. In addition, Gov. Sonny Perdue signed another traffic law this month that forces pickup truck drivers and passengers to buckle up.
Since the law went into affect, Richmond County Sheriff's Lt. Scott Gay said his office has not issued any citations but has passed out a few warnings to texting drivers. Their policy, as well as the Columbia County Sheriff's policy, is similar to that of the State Patrol in putting primary responsibility for determining violations on deputies.
"Our position is if it's a provable case and we can prove it, then we will," Gay said.
Capt. Steve Morris, of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, said his deputies also haven't written any citations.
I feel for all the parents that have lost children to car acccidents, but they are just that, accidents. Jason's Law is a thorn to parents who are forced to pay for education classes that were taught in school when I was a teenager. How many kids that need to work can't drive because their parents can't afford to pay for the classes.
I am sorry Caleb lost his life, but by making these laws we are using the one bad apple spoils the bunch. It is also saying we are not smart enough to know not to text when we drive. If we have both hands on the wheel, it's a non-issue. Adding to that the abililities of blue tooth frees anyone from have to punch in numbers.
The real truth is it is another non-offensive tax because you can't help but be saddened when a teen loses their life, so let's create fine to pay a tax for doing it. Financially did any of theses families benefit from these laws, No. Doesn't common sense come in somewhere or must we be told everything to think and do?
"It is also saying we are not smart enough to know not to text when we drive."
Well, if everyone is so smart, then they will never have to worry about being ticketed, will they? So what's the problem?
galaxygrl, obvously you are a teenager and I pray that you don't take someone's life while texting or talking while driving. If I had my way, talking on a cell phone while driving would carry the same offense. Grow up and realize that your little drama and plans that your are making are not worth it. I see at least 50 teenagers a day talking on phones while driving...a time bomb waiting to happen. Oh, and by the way it isn't just teenagers....I see women and men in the 20 to 40 range doing it everyday too.....just plain stupid. By seeing the numbers of this everyday, I would say "yes" to the question of being told what to do. Kids in today's society as a whole care about noone but themselves...
Just drive--no drinking,no texting, hang up the phone and drive. I also know of two people that were killed one texting and one on the phone not counting all the drunk drivers killed everyday along with their victims.
the funny thing is, is that it's just not teenagers. i see plenty of grown ups texting while driving as well. i drive an 18 wheeler and have a very good vantage point and see ALOT of people doing this. there is another problem as well as texting on phones. that is laptops. i've seen people with their laptop in the seat beside them typeing and what have you. i've also seen plenty of police officers doing the same. i realize they have to punch in certain information to look up a wanted criminal or look up a license plate or something. i thought that was what their radio was for??? well i guess its ok for them to do this but not us. oh yeah, i also saw the craziest thing last week going through atlanta. there was a guy on a motorcycle going through rush hour traffic that was texting. now thats really crazy!
I am not a teenager, in fact I am an adult. I will restate I am sorry that these families lost their children, but I or you shouldn't bear the burden of their loss. I have a teenager and she has bluetooth in her car in case she needs to answer the phone. I don't know how you can text in the car if you have both hands on the wheel! My issue is the extra burden every law that is passed puts on the system and the additional cost to the taxpayer. We are diving deeper and deeper into the Nanny state where no one thinks for themselves and the government runs our lives from birth to death. I don't think this is what real freedom looks like. And don't get me started on healthcare, or mandatory service for all the citizens, or gun control.
As a side note, I am not spoiled, I started working when I was 15 and have worked hard (sometimes two jobs) every since. I want a better life for my child, not some government run institution mandating everything she does.
I would argue that you miss the point, especially from someone that has defended out rights, something I greatly admire coming from a military family. The people are becoming the sheeple and being lead down the primrose path.
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