ATLANTA — Today, July 1, begins a whole new way of driving for many of us. The “Hands-Free Georgia Act” is now law. You are now breaking the law if you hold a cellphone while driving. If you utilize hands-free technology, you’re in the clear.

Over the past several weeks, the state of Georgia and local jurisdictions have been getting the word out on the new law. Georgia is now the 16th state along with Washington D.C. to enact this measure.

If you’re wondering how other states fared once their laws went into effect, the U.S. Department of Transportation says there was a decline of an average 16 percent in motor vehicle accidents over a two-year period.

So, to remind you, what do you need to remember with the hands-free law in Georgia now in effect?

PROHIBITED:

*Holding or supporting a wireless device with you hand or body

*Recording video

*Watching a video or movie

*Writing, sending or reading text messages while holding your device

ALLOWED: 

*Speaking or texting with hands-free technology

*Wearing and using a smart watch

*Using an earpiece to talk on the phone

*Using in-vehicle systems for all purposes

*Using a GPS system or mapping app