{"id":441,"date":"2021-11-12T16:45:25","date_gmt":"2021-11-12T16:45:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/?p=441"},"modified":"2025-08-22T14:05:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T14:05:11","slug":"what-you-should-know-about-georgias-auto-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/auto-insurance\/what-you-should-know-about-georgias-auto-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Should Know About Georgia\u2019s Auto Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"c-section\">\n    <div class=\"c-article\">\n        <div class=\"o-wrapper o-wrapper--small\">\n                                                            <picture class=\"c-article__pic\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-article__img\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/11\/what-you-should-know-about-georgias-auto-laws.jpg\" alt=\"welcome to georgia sign off of the road\" width=\"320\" height=\"160\">\n                <\/picture>\n                                        <div class=\"c-article__content\">\n                <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n                    <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All drivers need to know the rules of the road and the rules that govern auto registration and insurance. When you do, you can ensure you abide by them and avoid costly fines and\u00a0even\u00a0more costly accidents.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What do Georgia\u2019s auto laws say about having\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/auto-insurance\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">car insurance<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">? What are some of the lesser-known auto laws that affect your daily driving? Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>You Must Have Insurance<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u2019s no way around it \u2014 Georgia requires you to have auto insurance if you\u2019re going to drive. What you might not know is exactly what coverage is needed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The state only requires you to\u00a0have\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/auto-insurance\/liability\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">liability coverage<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0which helps pay for injuries and damage to other people if you cause, or are partly responsible for, an accident. Georgia sets minimum limits you must carry:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"3\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:36,&quot;335559739&quot;:36}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"3\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Property damage liability of $25,000 per accident<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:36,&quot;335559739&quot;:36}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Of course, there are a lot of\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/auto-insurance\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">car insurance coverage options<\/span><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">beyond liability. For example, if you have a loan on your car, your lender might require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage. Even without a loan, there\u2019s a lot of value in additional coverage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Georgia Finds Out Automatically If Insurance Lapses<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In\u00a0Georgia, insurance companies are required to let the state know right away if an insurance policy is canceled or lapses. From there, you have 30 days to provide new proof of insurance to the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dds.georgia.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Department of Driver Services<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(DDS).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you provide new insurance within\u00a0that 30 days, there is no fine unless you had a period of time without coverage. If you had an uninsured period, you\u2019d pay a fine between $85 &#8211; $185.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you have no insurance for more than 30 days, you\u2019ll face an automatic driver\u2019s license and registration suspension for 60 days for a first offense. You\u2019ll have to prove that you have insurance and pay a fine to get reinstated.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Worse, if you\u2019re in an accident without insurance, you could be on the hook for the damages. The driver\u2014and in some cases, drivers\u2014who causes the accident has to pay\u00a0for the property damage and\u00a0injuries. If you\u2019re found even partly responsible, it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Using a Device While Driving is Trouble<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most states have laws against texting and driving, but Georgia takes it a step further. If you\u2019re holding an electronic device while operating a vehicle \u2014 even at a stoplight \u2014 you can get a ticket.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s OK to use hands-free technology to talk on the phone or use a GPS or speech-to-text. But if you hold your phone or device, the police can pull you over. They don\u2019t have to prove that you were texting.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Raining? Pop on the Headlights!<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another Georgia auto law is that you must use your headlights if\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/auto-insurance\/tips-for-driving-in-the-rain\/\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">it\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">raining<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This isn\u2019t just so you can see better, although it definitely helps. Your headlights also allow other drivers to see you more clearly.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As you know, visibility is much lower when it&#8217;s raining. Some cars tend to blend in with the rain as well, especially neutral-colored and grey cars. When everyone has their headlights on, it\u2019s much easier to see other vehicles and avoid accidents.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Teens Need to Follow Joshua\u2019s Law<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/drivesmartgeorgia.com\/blog\/what-is-joshuas-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Joshua\u2019s Law<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is named after a teen who sadly passed away in a single-car accident in 2003. According to the law, a 16-year-old who wants to get a driver\u2019s license has to pass an accredited driver education course that includes 40 hours of supervised driving experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A 17-year-old doesn\u2019t have to take the course, but it\u2019s still a good idea. They do need 40 hours of supervised driving experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From there, it\u2019s a graduated license where a teen has to hit specific milestones to gain more driving privileges. Learning to drive takes more than a few months. In Georgia, a new driver who\u2019s between the ages of 16 and 18 cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. They can only drive with family members (no peers) for the first six months. In the second six months, the new driver can only have one peer in the car.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After a full year, the teen driver is allowed no more than three passengers when driving. The law is designed to ensure teens gain experience before facing more challenging driving situations. Teen fatalities have decreased by 60% since the law went into effect in 2007.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Fasten that Seat Belt<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-444 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/11\/georgias-driving-laws-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"african american man buckling seat belt in car\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/11\/georgias-driving-laws-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/11\/georgias-driving-laws-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/11\/georgias-driving-laws-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/11\/georgias-driving-laws-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/11\/georgias-driving-laws-244x163.jpg 244w, https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/11\/georgias-driving-laws-285x190.jpg 285w, https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/11\/georgias-driving-laws.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wearing your seat belt significantly reduces your chances of serious injury or death in a car accident. For drivers and front-seat passengers, a fastened seat belt cuts your risk of serious injury by 50% and death by 45%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That\u2019s why Georgia implemented \u201cClick it or Ticket,\u201d making it illegal to not wear a seat belt when driving or riding in the front seat. There\u2019s a significant fine for this dangerous behavior, so do your safety\u00a0and\u00a0your wallet a favor \u2014 wear your seat belt!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"c-section c-more-options\">\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper o-wrapper--small\">\n        <h2 class=\"c-more-options__title\">Are You Ready to Hit the Road in Georgia?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n        <div class=\"c-more-options__content\">\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n                <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The auto laws in Georgia are designed to make the roads safer and ensure that in an accident, everyone\u2019s injuries and property damage can be paid for. That\u2019s why insurance is required, and there are stiff penalties for lapses in coverage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Follow Georgia\u2019s auto laws and drive safely. Don\u2019t ever use an electronic device while driving; use your seat belt and headlights, and make sure teens follow graduated licensing requirements.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You\u00a0also need to ensure you have affordable insurance coverage that meets or exceeds state requirements. Need a quote? Visit\u00a0one of\u00a0our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/locations\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Georgia\u00a0locations\u00a0near you<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or\u00a0start your\u00a0free Georgia car insurance<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/triton.southernharvestinsurance.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">online<\/span><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or call us at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"tel:877-831-4677\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">877-831-4677<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n                            <ul class=\"o-list-bare c-more-options__list\">\n                                                        <li class=\"o-list-bare__item c-more-options__item\">\n                        <a class=\"c-more-options__link c-more-options__link--green\" href=\"https:\/\/triton.southernharvestinsurance.com\/\">\n                            <span class=\"o-icon c-more-options__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/southern\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-quote\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                            <div class=\"c-more-options__link-text\"><\/div>\n                        <\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                                        <li class=\"o-list-bare__item c-more-options__item\">\n                        <a class=\"c-more-options__link c-more-options__link--brown\" href=\"tel:877-831-4677\">\n                            <span class=\"o-icon c-more-options__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/southern\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-phone-linear\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                            <div class=\"c-more-options__link-text\"><\/div>\n                        <\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                                        <li class=\"o-list-bare__item c-more-options__item\">\n                        <a class=\"c-more-options__link c-more-options__link--dark-blue\" href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/locations\">\n                            <span class=\"o-icon c-more-options__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/southern\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-location-linear\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                            <div class=\"c-more-options__link-text\"><\/div>\n                        <\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                <\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":443,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=441"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2287,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441\/revisions\/2287"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/443"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}