This comprehensive guide to Georgia traffic laws provides clear, actionable explanations of the most commonly searched driving rules in the Peach State. Whether you're navigating I-75 and I-85 through Atlanta, I-16 to Savannah, or rural roads in North Georgia, understanding Georgia-specific traffic regulations helps you stay safe and avoid costly violations. From double yellow line rules to school bus stop requirements, the Hands Free Georgia law, Super Speeder penalties, Move Over Law, speed limits, and DUI regulations—every section references the official Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.) and guidance from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). This is educational information, not legal advice; always obey posted signs, signals, and directions from law enforcement.
Georgia highways including I-75, I-85, I-285, and rural routes require strict adherence to lane markings and traffic laws.
In Georgia, double solid yellow centerlines mark a no-passing zone where vehicles traveling in either direction are prohibited from crossing into the opposing lane to overtake another vehicle. According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-40, these markings appear on curves, hills, intersections, and areas where sight distance is limited. Violating this law can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500, plus 3 points on your Georgia driving record and potential insurance premium increases. Georgia State Patrol and local law enforcement actively enforce no-passing zones on I-75, I-85, I-16, rural highways, and mountain roads throughout North Georgia including the Blue Ridge Parkway area.
Legal Exceptions: When You May Cross Double Yellow Lines in Georgia
Georgia law recognizes several limited exceptions where drivers may legally cross double solid yellow lines:
Left turns into driveways and private roads: You may cross double yellow lines when making a left turn into a residential driveway, business entrance, alley, or private property access, provided it is safe and no oncoming traffic is present.
Avoiding obstructions: When a temporary obstruction blocks your lane—such as a disabled vehicle, fallen tree, road debris, or construction equipment—you may briefly cross the centerline if the opposing lane is clear and the maneuver can be done safely.
Following official directions: When law enforcement officers, traffic control personnel, emergency responders, or construction flaggers direct you to cross the centerline, you must follow their instructions.
These exceptions do not permit passing slow-moving vehicles, farm equipment, or congestion. The maneuver must be necessary, brief, and safe for all road users.
Atlanta Metro Traffic: I-75, I-85, and I-285 Double Yellow Line Enforcement
The Atlanta metropolitan area features some of the nation's busiest interstates including I-75 (north-south), I-85 (northeast-southwest), and the I-285 perimeter loop. While these highways primarily use white lane markings, double yellow lines are prevalent on entrance/exit ramps, connector roads, and transitional areas. Georgia State Patrol maintains high visibility on Atlanta-area highways and issues citations for improper lane changes and passing violations. During peak traffic hours (7-10 AM and 4-7 PM), enforcement is particularly strict. Many sections have HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes with double white lines that function similarly to double yellow centerlines—crossing is prohibited except at designated entry/exit points.
North Georgia Mountain Roads: Blue Ridge and Appalachian Highway Safety
North Georgia mountain roads including US-19, US-129, GA-60, and routes near Blue Ridge, Helen, and Dahlonega feature extensive double yellow line no-passing zones due to steep grades, sharp curves, and limited sight distance. These scenic routes attract tourists and motorcyclists, making illegal passing extremely dangerous. Georgia State Patrol conducts regular enforcement sweeps during spring and fall tourist seasons. Mountain road violations often result in higher fines due to the increased risk of head-on collisions.
Georgia law prohibits passing across double yellow lines but allows left turns into driveways when safe.
Georgia Right Turn on Red & Traffic Signal Laws
Georgia Code § 40-6-21: Right on Red After Complete Stop
Georgia law permits right turns on red signals after coming to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection edge, unless a "NO TURN ON RED" sign prohibits it. Before turning, drivers must:
Come to a full stop—your vehicle must reach zero miles per hour
Yield to pedestrians in or approaching the crosswalk
Yield to all vehicles and cyclists with the right-of-way
Check for "NO TURN ON RED" signs, which may apply at all times or during specific hours
Rolling through the stop or blocking the crosswalk is a common violation. Georgia courts treat incomplete stops seriously, with fines typically ranging from $75 to $150 plus court costs and 3 points on your license.
Atlanta Downtown & Buckhead: No Turn on Red Zones
Downtown Atlanta intersections near Peachtree Street, Five Points, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Georgia State Capitol frequently post "NO TURN ON RED" signs due to heavy pedestrian traffic and complex signal phasing. Similarly, Buckhead intersections along Peachtree Road and Lenox Road prohibit turns on red to protect pedestrian safety in high-density commercial areas. Always read supplemental plaques beneath signs— some restrictions apply only during peak hours such as "NO TURN ON RED 7-9 AM / 4-7 PM MON-FRI."
Left Turn on Red in Georgia: One-Way to One-Way Streets
Georgia permits left turns on red from one-way streets onto other one-way streets, provided you come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and traffic, and no sign prohibits the turn. This scenario occurs primarily in downtown Atlanta's grid of one-way streets and certain areas of Savannah's historic district. Before attempting a left turn on red, verify that both streets are one-way in the appropriate directions and check for prohibitive signage.
Georgia Automated Traffic Enforcement & Red Light Cameras
Several Georgia cities operate automated red light camera programs at high-violation intersections, though state law limits their use. Cameras photograph vehicles entering intersections on red signals, including those making illegal right turns without stopping. Citations arrive by mail and carry fines typically around $70. Always make a complete, documented stop before turning right on red. If cited, review photographic evidence carefully—you have the right to contest the ticket in court.
Yellow Light Duration & Georgia Signal Timing Standards
Georgia traffic signals follow GDOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines for yellow (amber) light timing, typically 3-5 seconds depending on intersection speed limits and geometry. If you are already in the intersection when the light turns red, complete your movement safely. Entering on yellow is legal if you cannot stop safely; entering on red is a violation subject to citation or camera enforcement.
Pedestrian Crossing Signals: WALK & DON'T WALK in Georgia
Many Georgia intersections feature pedestrian countdown signals showing time remaining to cross. Drivers turning right on red must yield to pedestrians even if the pedestrian signal shows "DON'T WALK" or a countdown— pedestrians already in the crosswalk have the right-of-way. Failure to yield carries fines up to $150 and 3 points, plus potential civil liability if an accident occurs.
In Georgia, always stop fully and yield to pedestrians before making a right turn on red.
Georgia School Bus Stop Laws & Severe Penalties
Georgia Code § 40-6-164: Stopping for School Buses
Georgia enforces strict school bus stop laws to protect children. When a school bus activates flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, the following rules apply under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-164:
Undivided roads (no median): All vehicles traveling in both directions must stop at least 10 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm retracts.
Divided highways (physical median or barrier): Only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Opposing traffic on the other side of a physical divider may proceed cautiously.
Multi-lane roads without median: All lanes in both directions must stop. Painted turn lanes or double yellow lines do not count as physical dividers.
Passing a stopped school bus is a serious violation in Georgia. First-offense penalties include fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, 6 points on your license, possible license suspension, and significantly increased insurance rates. Second and subsequent offenses carry mandatory license suspensions.
Georgia School Bus Camera Programs: Stop-Arm Enforcement
Many Georgia school districts equip buses with exterior stop-arm cameras that record license plates of vehicles illegally passing stopped buses. Video footage is reviewed by local police or the Georgia State Patrol, who issue citations to registered owners. Camera-based enforcement has increased significantly throughout metro Atlanta, suburban counties, and rural districts. Expect strict enforcement during morning (7-9 AM) and afternoon (2-4 PM) school hours.
Flashing Yellow vs Flashing Red School Bus Signals
Georgia school buses first activate flashing yellow lights approximately 200 feet before the intended stop to warn drivers that the bus is preparing to stop for children. You should slow down and prepare to stop but are not yet legally required to do so. Once the flashing red lights activate and the stop arm extends, you must come to a complete stop. Do not proceed until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm retracts, and children are clear of the roadway.
Enhanced Penalties for Repeat School Bus Violations
Georgia imposes escalating penalties for repeat school bus violations. A second offense within five years carries fines of $750-$1,000 and mandatory 6-month license suspension. Third and subsequent offenses result in 1-year license suspension and possible criminal prosecution. Judges have little discretion—these penalties are largely mandatory under Georgia law.
On undivided Georgia roads, all traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights.
Georgia's Hands Free Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241), effective since July 2018, prohibits drivers from holding or physically supporting a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device while operating a vehicle. Key provisions include:
No holding phones: You cannot hold a phone in your hand or support it with any part of your body while driving.
Hands-free use allowed: You may use speakerphone, Bluetooth, earpiece, headphone, or electronic watch/wearable technology.
Voice-based communication: Voice commands and voice-to-text are permitted.
Single touch/swipe allowed: You may activate or deactivate features with a single touch or swipe if the device is mounted or in hands-free mode.
GPS allowed: GPS navigation is permitted if the device is properly mounted and not held.
Hands Free Georgia Penalties & Points
Violations of Georgia's Hands Free law result in escalating penalties:
First offense: $50 fine, 1 point on license
Second offense: $100 fine, 2 points on license
Third and subsequent offenses: $150 fine, 3 points on license
Georgia State Patrol and local law enforcement actively enforce this law through both routine traffic stops and targeted distracted driving enforcement campaigns. Officers are trained to observe hand-held device use from patrol vehicles and at intersections.
Exceptions to Georgia's Hands Free Law
Limited exceptions apply in specific situations:
Reporting traffic crashes, crimes, or emergencies to 911 or emergency services
Lawfully parked vehicles (completely off the roadway)
Emergency first responders performing official duties
Utility employees or contractors responding to utility emergencies
If you use your phone for GPS or music while driving, it must be securely mounted to the dashboard, windshield (in legally permitted areas), or center console. The device cannot obstruct your view of the road. Georgia law does not specify exact mounting locations, but windshield mounts must comply with O.C.G.A. § 40-8-73, which prohibits obstructing the driver's clear view. Dashboard or vent mounts are generally recommended.
Georgia Super Speeder Law & Speed Limit Regulations
Georgia Code § 40-6-189: Super Speeder Additional State Fee
Georgia's Super Speeder law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-189) adds a $200 state surcharge to speeding convictions that meet either of these thresholds:
Driving 75 mph or more on any two-lane road
Driving 85 mph or more on any road (including interstates and multi-lane highways)
This $200 Super Speeder fee is in addition to the county or municipal speeding fine, court costs, and any other penalties. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) sends a separate notice after your speeding conviction becomes final. You have 120 days to pay the Super Speeder fee; failure to pay results in automatic license suspension until payment is received.
Georgia's basic speed law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-180) requires drivers to operate at speeds reasonable and prudent for current road, traffic, and weather conditions. Default speed limits include:
Interstate highways (I-75, I-85, I-16, I-20, I-95): 70 mph in rural areas, 65 mph in urban areas, 55 mph in some metro zones
Always obey posted signs, which supersede default limits. Speed limits can change frequently based on road conditions, construction, and traffic patterns.
Georgia State Patrol maintains aggressive speed enforcement on major interstates, particularly I-75 (connecting Tennessee to Florida) and I-85 (connecting South Carolina to Alabama). Common enforcement zones include:
I-75 south of Atlanta through Henry, Butts, and Monroe counties
I-85 northeast corridor through Gwinnett, Jackson, and Franklin counties
I-16 between Macon and Savannah
I-20 through Augusta and rural eastern Georgia
Troopers use both stationary radar and moving patrol methods. Many rural interstate sections have limited traffic and long sight lines, tempting drivers to exceed posted 70 mph limits. Remember that speeds of 85 mph or higher trigger the Super Speeder $200 surcharge in addition to the base speeding fine.
Work Zone Speed Limits & Doubled Fines
Georgia law authorizes doubled fines for speeding in highway work zones when workers are present. Work zones are marked by orange construction signs, cones, and reduced speed limits (typically 45-55 mph). GDOT posts "WORK ZONE / FINES DOUBLED" signs to remind drivers of enhanced penalties. A typical speeding ticket might cost $150; in an active work zone, the same violation could cost $300 plus court fees and points.
Georgia Point System & License Suspension Thresholds
Georgia uses a point system administered by the Department of Driver Services (DDS). Speeding violations add:
15-18 mph over limit: 2 points
19-23 mph over limit: 3 points
24-33 mph over limit: 4 points
34+ mph over limit: 6 points
Accumulating 15 points in 24 months triggers a license suspension (1st suspension: 12 months; 2nd suspension: 18 months; 3rd suspension: 24 months). Drivers can attend a state-approved defensive driving course to reduce points by up to 7 points once every five years.
Georgia State Patrol uses radar, LIDAR (laser), pacing, and aircraft speed enforcement. Radar detectors arelegal in Georgia for passenger vehicles but do not exempt you from speed limits. Some rural interstate corridors use aircraft speed enforcement—watch for pavement markings and "SPEED ENFORCED BY AIRCRAFT" signs. Contesting speeding tickets requires appearing in the issuing court; consult a traffic attorney for serious violations that could result in license suspension.
Georgia DUI Laws & Ignition Interlock Requirements
Georgia Code § 40-6-391: Driving Under the Influence
Georgia prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for drivers 21 and over, 0.02% or higher for drivers under 21, and0.04% or higher for commercial drivers. Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be charged with DUI if alcohol or drugs have impaired your ability to drive safely (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391). Georgia courts take DUI offenses seriously due to the state's high rate of alcohol-related crashes.
First-Offense DUI Penalties in Georgia
A first-time DUI conviction in Georgia carries:
Fines: $300-$1,000 plus court costs and surcharges
Jail time: 10 days to 12 months (often suspended with probation)
License suspension: 12 months (limited permit may be available)
Mandatory DUI Risk Reduction Program (formerly DUI school): 20 hours
Community service: 40 hours minimum
Possible ignition interlock device (IID) requirement
Penalties increase substantially for repeat offenses, high BAC levels (0.15% or above), refusal to submit to chemical testing, or DUI incidents involving accidents, injuries, or minors in the vehicle.
Georgia Implied Consent Law & Chemical Test Refusal
Under Georgia's implied consent law (O.C.G.A. § 40-5-67.1), by driving on Georgia roads you automatically consent to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing the test results in automatic administrative penalties:
First refusal: 12-month hard suspension (no permit available)
Second refusal within 5 years: 3-year suspension
Third or subsequent refusal within 5 years: 5-year suspension
Refusal does not prevent prosecution—the state can still charge you with DUI based on officer observations, field sobriety tests, and other evidence. Refusal can be used against you in court and typically results in harsher penalties if convicted.
Ignition Interlock Device Requirements in Georgia
Georgia law permits or requires ignition interlock devices (IID) for DUI offenders seeking limited driving permits or license reinstatement. An IID is a breath-testing device connected to your vehicle's ignition system. The engine will not start unless you provide a breath sample below the programmed limit (typically 0.02% BAC). Georgia IID requirements depend on the offense and BAC level. You must use a state-approved IID provider and pay all installation, monitoring, and removal costs (typically $70-$150/month). Attempting to circumvent the device or having someone else blow into it is a criminal offense that can result in additional jail time and license revocation.
Georgia Move Over Law & Emergency Vehicle Regulations
Georgia Code § 40-6-16: Move Over Law for Emergency Vehicles
Georgia's Move Over Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-16) requires drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or transportation maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights to:
On multi-lane roads: Vacate the lane closest to the stopped vehicle if safe to do so, OR slow to a speed safe for road conditions.
On two-lane roads: Slow down to a safe speed and be prepared to stop.
Covered vehicles include police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, GDOT maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks displaying amber, blue, red, or white flashing lights. Violations carry fines up to $500 and 3 points on your license. If the violation results in property damage, injury, or death, criminal penalties increase significantly.
Georgia Emergency Vehicle Right-of-Way Laws
When an emergency vehicle approaches with audible siren and visible flashing lights, Georgia law requires you to immediately pull over to the right edge of the roadway and stop until the emergency vehicle passes (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-74). This applies to police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. Never stop in an intersection— proceed through the intersection and then pull to the right. Failure to yield to emergency vehicles carries fines and points on your license.
This guide summarizes common Georgia traffic rules based on the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) and DDS guidance. It is not legal advice. Always follow posted signs, signals, and instructions from law enforcement. Consult an attorney for specific legal questions or if you are facing traffic citations or criminal charges.
