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Georgia's road safety, infrastructure expansion
burns jon 2015
Rep. Jon Burns

Friends,

As I shared with you last week, Georgia laws generally go into effect on July 1 of the year they pass the legislature unless the bill specifically states another day for the bill to become law. 

The following bills went into effect on July 1, 2021, and will promote safety on our roads and positive expansions to Georgia’s infrastructure.

House Bill 353 was designed to keep bicyclists and those driving motor vehicles safe on the road and reduce the likelihood of collisions between bicycles and vehicles. When an individual driving on a Georgia road approaches a bicyclist, they must change into another lane, where possible. When a driver can’t change into another lane, the driver is required to slow down and make sure they maintain a distance of at least three feet of space between the vehicle and the bicycle at all times, including while passing the bicycle. 

House Bill 165 allows Georgia drivers to use a mount for a cell phone or GPS device that attaches to the front windshield of a vehicle as long as the device does not obstruct the driver’s view of the roadway. Under previous Georgia law, it was not legal to have a device affixed to the front windshield of a vehicle while driving. 

This change allows drivers to remain hands-free and safely use a cell phone or GPS device while driving. 

House Bill 169 updated Georgia’s laws regarding commercial drivers’ licenses, bringing them in line with federal requirements. 

HB 169 also allows for a CDL instruction permit to be issued for up to one year rather than for two six-month periods, as the law previously allowed.

House Bill 588, a bill that I was proud to sign onto, clarifies the definition of “public benefit” in the context of public-private partnerships for the Georgia Freight Railroad Program. 

The Georgia Freight Railroad Program enhances our state’s investment in freight rail projects to benefit the public and supports a safe and balanced transportation system for the state. 

HB 588 also dedicates the taxes on fuel used exclusively for locomotives to freight and logistics projects in our state. 

Senate Bill 210 will allow some Georgia drivers to use digital license plates on their vehicles instead of traditional license plates. 

The Department of Transportation must approve these new digital license plates before they are available to Georgians.

The safety of all who travel on Georgia’s roads is a top priority for the House Republican Caucus, and these news bills will create safer conditions for all travelers

Thank you all for allowing me to represent Georgia House District 159. 

It is truly an honor to work for you and this great state. If you have any feedback, do not hesitate to call (404)656-5052, email, or engage on Facebook. If you would like to receive email updates, please visit my website to sign up for my newsletter or email me.


Jon Burns represents District 159 in the Georgia General Assembly, where he serves as the House majority leader.