Driving through Georgia, whether navigating the bustling streets of Atlanta, enjoying the historic charm of Savannah, or exploring scenic routes, requires you to have car insurance. Getting a Georgia car insurance quote is a straightforward process, and you can easily start online to find the right coverage for your needs.
Key Facts About Georgia Auto Insurance and Driving Regulations
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Georgia’s Move-Over Law: It’s crucial to be aware of Georgia’s Move-Over Law. This law mandates drivers to move over one lane when approaching an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights parked on the roadside shoulder. If safely changing lanes isn’t possible due to traffic conditions, drivers must reduce their speed below the posted limit and be prepared to stop. Violating this law is a moving violation, potentially leading to points on your driving record and fines up to $500.
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State Agencies and Proof of Insurance: In Georgia, two state agencies manage vehicle-related matters. The Department of Driver Services is responsible for issuing driver’s licenses and permits. Vehicle registrations, license plates, and titles are handled by the Motor Vehicle Division of the Georgia Department of Revenue. Importantly, Georgia law requires car owners to present proof of car insurance to register their vehicles.
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Restrictions on Texting While Driving: Georgia law prohibits texting while driving. Exceptions are made only for emergencies or when a vehicle is fully parked. A conviction for texting while driving carries a fine of $150. Furthermore, drivers under the age of 18 face stricter rules, being prohibited from using any wireless communication devices, including cell phones, computers, and texting devices, while operating a vehicle.
Required Minimum Georgia Auto Insurance Coverage in GA
Georgia law sets minimum car insurance coverage requirements to ensure financial responsibility on the road. Every driver in Georgia must maintain at least the following minimum auto insurance coverages:
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Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage is essential and must include a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Bodily injury liability helps cover expenses if you are at fault in an accident that injures another person.
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Property Damage Liability: Georgia requires a minimum of $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. This coverage helps pay for damages to another person’s property, such as their vehicle, if you are responsible for the accident.
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Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury*: Minimum coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident is mandated. This protects you if you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance.
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Uninsured Motorist Property Damage*: Georgia law also requires uninsured motorist property damage coverage of $25,000, which typically comes with a deductible of $250, $500, or $1000. This coverage assists in repairing or replacing your vehicle if it’s damaged by an uninsured driver.
Considering the increasing costs of healthcare and vehicle repairs, it’s often advisable to consider higher liability limits than the state minimums. Consulting with a licensed insurance agent can help you determine the most appropriate coverage levels to adequately protect your financial interests.
Georgia Driving Laws for Teenage Drivers
Georgia has specific laws in place for teen drivers to ensure their safety and gradual introduction to driving responsibilities.
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Instructional Permit: At 15 years old, Georgia teens can obtain an instructional permit after passing a written knowledge test. With this permit, they can practice driving but must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
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Intermediate License (Class D): After holding an instructional permit for at least one year and one day, completing driver’s education requirements under “Joshua’s Law” (explained below), and passing a driving test, teenagers between 16 and 18 can apply for an intermediate (Class D) driver’s license in GA. This license comes with restrictions: driving is prohibited between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 AM. For the first six months, only immediate family members can be passengers. For the next six months, one non-family member under 21 is allowed as a passenger. After a year, up to three non-family member passengers under 21 are permitted.
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Joshua’s Law: Effective January 1, 2007, “Joshua’s Law” (Senate Bill 226) was enacted in Georgia. This law mandates that all 16-year-olds applying for a Class D (intermediate) driver’s license must complete a state-approved driver education course and accumulate a minimum of 40 hours of supervised driving, including 6 hours at night, verified by a parent or guardian’s sworn statement. Seventeen-year-olds are exempt from the driver education course requirement but must still fulfill the 40-hour supervised driving requirement with verification.
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Full Driver’s License (Class C): At 18 years old, drivers can apply for a Class C full driver’s license, provided they have not had any major traffic convictions in the preceding 12 months. It’s also important to note that anyone under 18 who has dropped out of school, accumulated 10 or more unexcused absences, or has conduct infractions is ineligible for a Georgia driver’s permit or license.
Vehicle Registration Information for Georgia Residents
If you become a resident of Georgia, you are required to register your vehicles and apply for Georgia certificates of title (when necessary) within thirty (30) days of establishing residency. This process is conducted at the Tax Commissioner’s Office in your Georgia county of residence. Generally, vehicles from 1986 and newer model years require a Georgia certificate of title.
County Tax Commissioners’ Offices may have slightly different procedures for new residents, but most commonly require an in-person visit and the following:
- Present your valid Georgia driver’s license or a state-issued identification card when applying in person.
- Submit a completed and signed MV-1 Tag and Title Application, including your full legal name as the vehicle owner.
- Provide the original valid out-of-state title, Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), or a registration from a non-title state if your vehicle is a 1986 or newer model year and currently registered in a state or country that does not issue titles for that vehicle type or year model.
- For vehicles not eligible for a Georgia title (e.g., 1963–1985 model year vehicles), a completed and signed T-22B Certification of Inspection form is required. This form is also needed for 1986 and newer model year vehicles applying for a Georgia title with registration from a non-title state or country.
- Ensure your vehicle is covered by Georgia liability car insurance before it can be legally driven in the state and before a tag can be issued, renewed, replaced, or transferred.
- Provide proof that your vehicle has passed an emission inspection, if required in your county of residence.
- Pay all applicable fees and taxes using cash, check, or money order payable to the Office of the Tax Commissioner.
*It is important to note that Uninsured Motorist coverages can be rejected in writing. However, given the protection they offer, especially in a state with a significant number of uninsured drivers, carefully consider the implications before rejecting this coverage.
