Georgia governor signs hands-free bill into law

ATLANTA - Starting July 1, drivers will have to go hands-free if they want to use your phone in the car.

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Governor Nathan Deal signed the bill into law Wednesday afternoon.

That means, drivers cannot hold phones in their hand while driving, they cannot read or text while driving, and they cannot record or broadcast video while behind the wheel.

The law does allow for touching the phone to dial, answer, or hang up a call. It also lets drivers use the GSP navigators on the phone.

Lawmakers who backed the bill call the bill signing a victory. They said it was largely thanks to the voices of families who lost loved ones to distracted driving.

Officials Thursday wanted to dispel one of the rumors surrounding the new law. There is a report that there will be 90 grace period starting on July 1.

State officials said enforcement starts July 1.