Few Ticketed for Texting, Driving So Far in Georgia

It's been more than two months since Georgia enacted the new texting while driving law, and so far it appears most drivers have gotten the message. Police say they have ticketed just a few dozen violators so far.

Since July 1, Georgia State Trooper Carlos Searcy has been on the lookout for a new type of traffic violation - texting while driving. He says there are tell-tale signs, such as drivers who weave into the lanes next to them, and those who look up and down.

For the first month, law enforcement officers handed out waings to violators-- giving drivers a chance to get to know the law and make the necessary changes in their habits. But since the waing period has expired, you might be surprised at the number of actual tickets handed out. Across the state, only about 30 people have been ticketed.

Some critics have argued that it’s hard for officers to know whether or not drivers were texting, or simply using their phone.

On the day FOX 5 interviewed Trooper Searcy, he pulled over a driver who swore he was on his speaker phone and not texting. He even offered to show Trooper Searcy his call log. Trooper Searcy believed him and let him go without a citation.

Trooper Searcy says its officer discretion that guides who gets a ticket, but he's more conceed about educating drivers and keeping them aware of the law