June 15, 2026 | J.L. King, II | Georgia Law
Most drivers in Georgia know the basics: follow the speed limit, stop at red lights, and use your turn signal. However, there are a number of lesser-known traffic laws on the books that catch people off guard every day.
Breaking one of these rules could lead to a ticket as well as liability in the event of a serious car accident, so it’s worth learning about what they actually have to say. Here are five Georgia traffic laws that many drivers may not be aware of.
1. The “Slowpoke Law” Applies Even if You Are Going the Speed Limit
Per OCGA § 40-6-184, drivers in the left lane of a highway or interstate must move over if a faster vehicle approaches from behind. This applies even if you are already driving at the posted speed limit. The left lane is meant for passing; blocking it can result in a fine.
2. Texting Is Illegal Even When Your Car Is Stopped
Georgia’s hands-free driving law goes further than many people realize. It is illegal to text while behind the wheel, even if your vehicle is sitting still at a red light or stuck in traffic. On top of that, you cannot have your phone resting on any part of your body while the car is in operation.
3. You Must Turn Your Headlights on When It Is Raining
Georgia law requires drivers to activate both their front and rear headlights whenever it is raining or visibility is reduced. Many newer vehicles have automatic headlights, but these systems often only turn on the front lights. That means drivers behind you may not be able to see your vehicle clearly. If it starts raining, switch your headlights on manually to stay in compliance.
4. The “Move Over” Law Creates a Buffer for Stopped Vehicles
When a law enforcement vehicle, Department of Transportation truck, or sanitation vehicle is stopped on the side of the highway with its lights flashing, Georgia law requires you to move over by at least one lane. If traffic is too heavy to change lanes safely, you must slow down to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop.
5. Wearing Headphones in Both Ears While Driving Is Illegal
Covering both ears with headphones or earbuds is against the law. The reasoning is straightforward in that you need to be able to hear sirens, horns, and other important sounds on the road.
How Traffic Violations Can Affect a Personal Injury Claim in Georgia
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system under OCGA § 51-12-33. If you are involved in a car accident, this law determines how much compensation you can recover based on your share of fault.
If you are found to be less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you are 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering anything. This means that a minor traffic violation at the time of a crash could be used to increase your share of blame and reduce what you are owed.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Macon Car Accident Attorney at The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
Traffic laws exist to keep everyone on the road safe. If another driver broke one of these rules and caused an accident you were involved in, you may have the right to pursue compensation from them for both your economic and non-economic damages.
Contact a Macon car accident attorney at The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. You can learn more about your legal rights and options at that time without any strings attached.
We have three convenient locations in Georgia, including Tifton, Griffin, and Macon. And we also serve clients in Moultrie, Waycross, and Sylvester.
We proudly serve Tift County, Spalding County, Macon-Bibb County, and their surrounding areas:
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Tifton Office
1603 US Hwy 41, Tifton, GA 31794
(229) 386-1376
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Macon Office
886 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201
(478) 292-7272
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Griffin Office
3317 Fayetteville Rd, Griffin, GA 30223
(404) 567-4546
