SB 306 - Rules of Road; wearing a device which impairs hearing/vision; exempt headsets connected to hands-free mobile communication devices

Committees

Current Status

02/02/10 - House Second Readers

First Reader Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 40-6-250 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to wearing a device which impairs hearing or vision while operating a motor vehicle, so as to exempt headsets connected to hands-free mobile communication devices; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Votes

Electronically Recorded Votes
DateTimeVote NoYeasNaysNVExcDescription
01/28/20102:56PMSenate Vote #478048000001007PASSAGE AS AMENDED

Status History

Bill History
DateAction
01/13/2010Senate Read and Referred
01/26/2010Senate Committee Favorably Reported
01/27/2010Senate Read Second Time
01/28/2010Senate Third Read
01/28/2010Senate Passed/Adopted
02/01/2010House First Readers
02/02/2010House Second Readers
10 SB306/FA/1
Senate Bill 306
By: Senators Heath of the 31st, Harp of the 29th, Smith of the 52nd, Thompson of the 33rd, Thomas of the 54th and others

AS PASSED SENATE

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT


To amend Code Section 40-6-250 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to wearing a device which impairs hearing or vision while operating a motor vehicle, so as to exempt headsets used for communication purposes; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.
Code Section 40-6-250 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to wearing a device which impairs hearing or vision while operating a motor vehicle, is revised to read as follows:
"40-6-250.
No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing a headset or headphone which would impair such person's ability to hear, nor shall any person while operating a motor vehicle wear any device which impairs such person's vision; provided, however, that a person may wear a headset or headphone for communication purposes only while operating a motorcycle. This Code section shall not apply to hearing aids or instruments for the improvement of defective human hearing, eyeglasses, or sunglasses. This Code section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer or firefighter equipped with any communications device necessary in the performance of such person's duties."

SECTION 2.
This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2010, and shall be applicable to all offenses occurring on or after that date.

SECTION 3.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.