reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 6 - TURNING, STARTING, SIGNALING (§§ 40-6-120 — 40-6-126) › Section 40-6-120 - Methods of turning at intersections

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:
(1)
Right turn.
Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway;
(2)
(2)
Left turn.
(A)
As used in this paragraph, the term "extreme left-hand lane" means the lane furthest to the left that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the same direction as the turning vehicle. In the event of multiple lanes, the second extreme left-hand lane shall be the lane to the right of the extreme left-hand lane that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the same direction as the turning vehicle. The third extreme left-hand lane shall be the lane to the right of the second extreme left-hand lane and so forth.
(B)
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left shall approach the turn in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the turning vehicle. Whenever practicable, the left turn shall be made to the left of the center of the intersection and so as to exit the intersection or other location in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the same direction as the turning vehicle on the roadway being entered.
(C)
In the event of multiple left turn lanes, the driver of a vehicle turning left shall exit the intersection in the same relative travel lane as the vehicle entered the intersection. If the vehicle is in the second extreme left-hand lane entering the intersection, the vehicle shall exit the intersection in the second extreme left-hand lane. Where there are multiple lanes of travel in the same direction safe for travel, a vehicle shall not be permitted to make a lane change once the intersection has been entered.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 245,§ 40, eff. 5/13/2011.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 412,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 6 - TURNING, STARTING, SIGNALING (§§ 40-6-120 — 40-6-126) › Section 40-6-121 - U-turns

No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction:
(1)
Upon any curve;
(2)
Upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade where such vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of another vehicle approaching from either direction;
(3)
Where such turn cannot be made in safety and without interfering with other traffic; or
(4)
Where a prohibition is posted.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 6 - TURNING, STARTING, SIGNALING (§§ 40-6-120 — 40-6-126) › Section 40-6-122 - Starting parked vehicle

No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing, or parked unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 6 - TURNING, STARTING, SIGNALING (§§ 40-6-120 — 40-6-126) › Section 40-6-123 - Turning movements; signals required on turning, changing lanes, slowing, or stopping

(a)
No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in Code Section
40-6-120
or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or change lanes or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety. No person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate and timely signal in the manner provided in this Code section.
(b)
A signal of intention to turn right or left or change lanes when required shall be given continuously for a time sufficient to alert the driver of a vehicle proceeding from the rear in the same direction or a driver of a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
(c)
No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this Code section to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is an opportunity to give such signal.
(d)
The signals provided for in subsection (b) of Code Section
40-6-124
shall be used to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a parked position and shall not be flashed on one side only on a parked or disabled vehicle or flashed as a courtesy or "do pass" signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 6 - TURNING, STARTING, SIGNALING (§§ 40-6-120 — 40-6-126) › Section 40-6-124 - Signals by hand and arm or signal lights

(a)
Any stop or turn signal when required in this chapter shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by signal lights, except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section.
(b)
Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and a required signal shall be given by, signal lights when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab, or load of such motor vehicle exceeds 24 inches or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limits of the body or load thereof exceeds 14 feet. The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle and also to any combination of vehicles.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 6 - TURNING, STARTING, SIGNALING (§§ 40-6-120 — 40-6-126) › Section 40-6-125 - Method of giving hand and arm signals

All signals required by this article when given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner and shall indicate as follows:
(1)
Left turn, hand and arm extended horizontally;
(2)
Right turn, hand and arm extended upward;
(3)
Stop or decrease speed, hand and arm extended downward.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 6 - TURNING, STARTING, SIGNALING (§§ 40-6-120 — 40-6-126) › Section 40-6-126 - Central lane for turning

Whenever a highway or roadway has a central lane in which traffic may enter from either direction for the purposes of making a left turn, no vehicle shall be driven into such central lane except for the purpose of making a left turn, and no vehicle shall enter into such central lane at a location which is more than 300 feet from the location where the vehicle will turn left across one or more lanes of oncoming traffic. No vehicle which has been driven into such a central lane shall be operated in such central lane for more than 300 feet.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 7 - NEGOTIATING RAILROAD CROSSINGS, ENTERING HIGHWAYS FROM PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS (§§ 40-6-140 — 40-6-144) › Section 40-6-140 - Approaching and travel over railroad grade crossing

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "other on-track equipment" means any car, rolling stock, or other device that, alone or coupled to another device, is operated on stationary rails.
(b)
Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing, such driver shall stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely, when:
(1)
A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a train;
(2)
A crossing gate is lowered or a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach of the passage of a train or other on-track equipment; or
(3)
An approaching train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing.
(c)
No person shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.
(d)
If no electric or mechanical signal device is giving warning of the immediate approach of a train or other on-track equipment, no crossing gate or barrier is closed, there is no stop sign at the crossing, and there is no human flagman giving warning, all drivers shall slow to a reasonable and prudent speed and verify that there is no approaching train or other on-track equipment prior to proceeding. For the purposes of this subsection, "a reasonable and prudent speed" means a speed slow enough to enable the driver to safely stop the vehicle prior to reaching the nearest rail of such crossing.
(e)
No person shall drive a vehicle over a railroad grade crossing when a train or other on-track equipment is approaching.
(f)
No person shall drive a vehicle over a railroad grade crossing if there is insufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping.
(g)
No person shall drive a vehicle over a railroad grade crossing if there is insufficient undercarriage clearance for the vehicle to negotiate the crossing.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 401,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 200, § 9, eff. 10/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 7 - NEGOTIATING RAILROAD CROSSINGS, ENTERING HIGHWAYS FROM PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS (§§ 40-6-140 — 40-6-144) › Section 40-6-141 - Erection and observance of stop signs at railroad grade crossings

The Department of Transportation and local authorities with the approval of the department are authorized to designate particularly dangerous highway grade crossings of railroads and to erect stop signs thereat. When such stop signs are erected, the driver of any vehicle shall stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall proceed only upon exercising due care.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 7 - NEGOTIATING RAILROAD CROSSINGS, ENTERING HIGHWAYS FROM PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS (§§ 40-6-140 — 40-6-144) › Section 40-6-142 - Certain vehicles to stop at all railroad crossings

(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, the driver of any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, any bus, whether or not operated for hire, or of any school bus, whether carrying any school children or empty, or of any vehicle carrying any hazardous material listed in Section 392.10 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations as those regulations currently exist or as they may in the future be amended or in regulations adopted by the commissioner of public safety, before crossing at grade any track or tracks of a railroad, shall stop such vehicle within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along such track for any approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely. After stopping as required in this Code section and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of any such vehicle shall cross only in such gear of the vehicle that there will be no necessity for changing gears while traversing such crossing, and the driver shall not shift gears while crossing the track or tracks.
(b)
No stop need be made at any such crossing where:
(1)
Traffic is directed to proceed by a police officer, a firefighter, or a railroad flagman;
(2)
A traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed;
(3)
The highway crosses an abandoned railroad track which is marked with a sign indicating its abandoned status, where such signs are erected by or under the direction of the local or state authority having jurisdiction over the highway; or
(4)
The highway crosses an industrial siding or spur track marked "exempt," where such signs are erected by or under the direction of the local or state authority having jurisdiction over the highway.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 68,§ 18-3, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by 2004 Ga. Laws 564, § 40, eff. 5/13/2004.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 200, § 10, eff. 10/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 7 - NEGOTIATING RAILROAD CROSSINGS, ENTERING HIGHWAYS FROM PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS (§§ 40-6-140 — 40-6-144) › Section 40-6-143 - Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings

(a)
No person shall operate or move a crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of ten miles per hour or less or a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch per foot of the distance between any two adjacent axles or in any event of less than nine inches, measured above the level surface of a roadway, upon or across any tracks at a railroad grade crossing without first complying with this Code section.
(b)
Notice of any such intended crossing shall be given to a station agency of such railroad and a reasonable time shall be given to such railroad to provide proper protection at such crossing.
(c)
Before making any such crossing, the person operating or moving any such vehicle or equipment shall first stop it not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along such track for any approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train and shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely.
(d)
No such crossing shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a flagman or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or car. If a flagman is provided by the railroad, movement over the crossing shall be under his direction.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 7 - NEGOTIATING RAILROAD CROSSINGS, ENTERING HIGHWAYS FROM PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS (§§ 40-6-140 — 40-6-144) › Section 40-6-144 - Emerging from alley, driveway, or building; driving upon a sidewalk prohibited

The driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, building, private road, or driveway within a business or residential district shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across such alley, building entrance, road, or driveway or, in the event there is no sidewalk area, shall stop at the point nearest the street to be entered where the driver has a view of approaching traffic thereon. The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian on a sidewalk. Except as provided by resolution or ordinance of a local government for sidewalks within the jurisdiction of such local government authorizing the operation of bicycles on sidewalks by persons 12 years of age or younger, no person shall drive any vehicle upon a sidewalk or sidewalk area except upon a permanent or duly authorized driveway.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 22,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 8 - SCHOOL BUSES (§§ 40-6-160 — 40-6-165) › Section 40-6-160 - Speed limits when transporting children

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, it shall be unlawful to operate:
(1)
A school bus transporting school children to and from school or to and from school activities at a speed greater than 40 miles per hour on a public road other than one which is a part of The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways; or
(2)
A school bus transporting school children to and from school or to and from school activities on a public road which is a part of The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways at a speed greater than 55 miles per hour.
(b)
When a school bus is transporting school children to or from an event or school activity or an express bus transporting students from one school to another school and is not loading or unloading children during such transportation, the speed limit shall be 55 miles per hour on other public roads as well as on those public roads which are a part of The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 8 - SCHOOL BUSES (§§ 40-6-160 — 40-6-165) › Section 40-6-161 - Headlights to be lit when transporting children; communication equipment required

(a)
It shall be unlawful to operate any school bus which is transporting children unless the headlights on such school bus are illuminated.
(b)
It shall be unlawful to operate any school bus which is transporting children unless the driver of the bus is equipped with one or more devices to allow live communication between the driver and school officials or public safety officials or both. Such communication may be provided by two-way radio, cellular telephone, or any other device which provides similar communications capability.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 8 - SCHOOL BUSES (§§ 40-6-160 — 40-6-165) › Section 40-6-162 - Use of visual signals

A school bus driver shall actuate the visual signals required by Code Sections
40-8-111
and
40-8-115
whenever, but only whenever, the school bus is stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children. A school bus driver shall not actuate the visual signals:
(1)
At intersections or other places where traffic is controlled by traffic-control signals or police officers; or
(2)
In designated school bus loading areas where the bus is entirely off the roadway.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 8 - SCHOOL BUSES (§§ 40-6-160 — 40-6-165) › Section 40-6-164 - Duty of school bus driver stopping to allow children to disembark

After stopping to allow children to disembark from the bus, it shall be unlawful for the driver of the school bus to proceed until all children who need to cross the roadway have done so safely. Any driver willfully violating this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 8 - SCHOOL BUSES (§§ 40-6-160 — 40-6-165) › Section 40-6-165 - Operation of school buses

(a)
Prior to moving a school bus from a stop at which passengers have been loaded or unloaded, the driver of the bus shall check all mirrors to ensure that it is safe to place the bus in motion.
(b)
Prior to loading or unloading passengers from a school bus, the driver shall engage the parking brakes of the bus and shall not release such brakes until each passenger boarding the bus is on board and until each passenger disembarking from the bus is off the roadway and safely on the pedestrian areas of the roadway.
(c)
Prior to loading or unloading passengers from a school bus, the driver shall display the stop arm on the bus and shall not retract the stop arm until each passenger boarding the bus is on board and until each passenger disembarking from the bus is off the roadway and safely on the pedestrian areas of the roadway.
(d)
The driver of a school bus shall not use or operate a wireless telecommunications device, as such term is defined in Code Section
40-6-241
, or two-way radio while loading or unloading passengers.
(e)
The driver of a school bus shall not use or operate a wireless telecommunications device, as such term is defined in Code Section
40-6-241
, while the bus is in motion, unless it is being used in a similar manner as a two-way radio to allow live communication between the driver and school officials or public safety officials.
(f)
The driver of a school bus shall instruct all passengers exiting the bus of the proper procedures of crossing the roadway in front of the bus only.
(g)
The driver of a school bus shall ensure that the red flasher lights on the bus remain illuminated and flashing until all passengers have boarded or have exited the bus and have safely crossed the roadway and are safely on the pedestrian areas of the roadway.
(h)
The driver of a school bus shall extend the extension arm or gate on the front of the bus until all passengers have boarded or have exited the bus and have safely crossed the roadway and are safely on the pedestrian areas of the roadway.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 298,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 443,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Added by 2004 Ga. Laws 560, § 7, eff. 7/1/2004.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 9 - SPEED RESTRICTIONS (§§ 40-6-180 — 40-6-189) › Section 40-6-180 - Basic rules

No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing. Consistently with the foregoing, every person shall drive at a reasonable and prudent speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching and traversing a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazards exist with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 9 - SPEED RESTRICTIONS (§§ 40-6-180 — 40-6-189) › Section 40-6-181 - Maximum limits

(a)
The limits specified in this Code section or established as authorized in this article shall be the maximum lawful vehicle speeds, except when a special hazard exists that requires a lower speed for compliance with Code Section
40-6-180
.
(b)
Consistent with the provision of engineering and traffic investigations regarding maximum speed limits as provided in Code Section
40-6-182
, no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of the following maximum limits:
(1)
Thirty miles per hour in any urban or residential district unless otherwise designated by appropriate signs;
(2)
Thirty-five miles per hour on a highway that is an unpaved county road unless designated otherwise by appropriate signs;
(3)
Seventy miles per hour on a highway that is part of the federal interstate system and highways that are physically divided with full control of access and that are part of the state highway system, provided that such speed limit is designated by appropriate signs;
(4)
Sixty-five miles per hour on highways that are physically divided without full control of access and that are part of the state highway system, provided that such speed limit is designated by appropriate signs; and
(5)
Fifty-five miles per hour in other locations.
(c)
The maximum speed limits set forth in this Code section may be altered as authorized in Code Sections
40-6-182
,
40-6-183
, and
40-6-188
.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 588,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 241,§ 10, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 665,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2014.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 9 - SPEED RESTRICTIONS (§§ 40-6-180 — 40-6-189) › Section 40-6-182 - Establishment of state speed zones

Whenever the commissioner of public safety or the commissioner of transportation shall determine upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that any maximum speed set forth in this article is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist at any intersection or other place or upon any part of the state highway system, they may jointly determine and declare a reasonable and safe maximum speed limit at such place, which shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected. Such a maximum speed limit may be declared to be effective at all times as are indicated upon such signs; and differing limits may be established for different times of day, different varying weather conditions, and other factors bearing on safe speeds, which shall be effective when posted upon appropriate fixed or variable signs. In no case shall the maximum speed limit for any highway be established at higher than the maximum speed limits set forth in Code Section
40-6-181
for that type of highway.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 9 - SPEED RESTRICTIONS (§§ 40-6-180 — 40-6-189) › Section 40-6-183 - Alteration of speed limits by local authorities

(a)
Whenever the governing authority of an incorporated municipality or county, in its respective jurisdiction, determines on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the maximum vehicle speed permitted under this chapter is greater than is reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist upon a highway or part of a highway under its jurisdiction, such authority may determine and declare a reasonable and safe maximum vehicle speed limit thereon which:
(1)
Decreases the limit at intersections;
(2)
Decreases the limit outside an urban or residential district, but not to less than 30 miles per hour;
(3)
Decreases the limit within an urban or residential district, but not to less than 25 miles per hour; or
(4)
Decreases any speed limit where a special hazard or condition exists that requires lower speed for compliance with Code Section
40-6-180
.
(b)
Such an authority in its respective jurisdiction shall determine by an engineering and traffic investigation the proper maximum speed for all arterial streets and shall declare a reasonable and safe maximum speed limit thereon which may be greater or less than the maximum speed permitted under this chapter for an urban district, but in no case shall the maximum be established at higher than 55 miles per hour.
(c)
Any altered limit established as authorized in this Code section shall be effective at all times or during hours of darkness or at other times as may be determined when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon such street or highway.
(d)
Not more than six alterations as authorized in this Code section shall be made per mile along a street or highway, except in the case of reduced limits at intersections. The difference between adjacent limits shall not be more than ten miles per hour, except for reductions for school speed zones, which may be not more than 20 miles per hour when a warning sign is placed 700 feet in advance of the point at which the speed reduction is required.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 9 - SPEED RESTRICTIONS (§§ 40-6-180 — 40-6-189) › Section 40-6-184 - Impeding traffic flow; minimum speed limits; slower driving in a passing lane

(a)
No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation.
(b)
Whenever the commissioner of public safety or the commissioner of transportation or local authorities determine on the basis of any engineering and traffic investigation that slow speeds on any part of a road under their respective jurisdictions impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, such commissioners jointly, or such local authorities, may determine and declare a minimum speed limit below which no person shall drive a vehicle except when necessary for safe operation, and such limit shall be effective when posted upon fixed or variable signs.
(c)
Upon roads, streets, or highways with two or more lanes allowing for movement in the same direction, no person shall continue to operate a motor vehicle in the passing lane once such person knows or should reasonably know that he or she is being overtaken in such lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed. For purposes of this Code section, "passing lane" means the most left-hand lane other than a high occupancy vehicle lane.
(d)
Subsection (c) of this Code section shall not apply:
(1)
When traffic conditions or congestion make it necessary to drive in the passing lane;
(2)
When inclement weather, obstructions, or hazards make it necessary to drive in the passing lane;
(3)
When compliance with a law of this state or with an official traffic control device makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane;
(4)
When a vehicle must be driven in the passing lane to exit or turn left;
(5)
On toll highways, when necessary to pay a toll or use a pass;
(6)
To authorized emergency vehicles engaged in official duties; or
(7)
To vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 495,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 9 - SPEED RESTRICTIONS (§§ 40-6-180 — 40-6-189) › Section 40-6-185 - Speed limits on bridges and other elevated structures

(a)
No person shall drive a vehicle over any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway at a speed which is greater than the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to such bridge or structure, when such structure is posted as provided in this Code section.
(b)
The Department of Transportation may conduct an investigation of any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway, and, if it shall thereupon find that such structure cannot, with safety to itself, withstand vehicles traveling at the speed otherwise permissible under this chapter, the department shall determine and declare the maximum speed of vehicles which such structure can safely withstand and shall cause or permit suitable signs stating such maximum speed to be erected and maintained before each end of such structure.
(c)
Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of subsection (a) of this Code section, proof of determination of the maximum speed by the department and the existence of such signs shall constitute conclusive evidence of the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to such bridge or structure.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 9 - SPEED RESTRICTIONS (§§ 40-6-180 — 40-6-189) › Section 40-6-186 - Racing on highways or streets

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Drag race" means the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerated speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other or the operation of one or more vehicles over a common selected course from the same point to the same point for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of such vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or time limit.
(2)
"Racing" means the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance, or prevent another vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes.
(b)
No person shall drive any vehicle on a highway in this state in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record, and no person shall in any manner participate in any such race, competition of speed, contest of speed, or test or exhibition of speed.
(c)
Any person convicted of violating subsection (b) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 590,§ 21, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 9 - SPEED RESTRICTIONS (§§ 40-6-180 — 40-6-189) › Section 40-6-187 - Charging violations; sentence to specify amount by which speed limit exceeded

(a)
In every charge of violation of any speed regulation in this chapter, the summons, uniform traffic citation, official charging instrument, or notice to appear shall specify the speed at which the defendant is alleged to have driven, the maximum speed applicable within the district or at the location, and whether the violation occurred on a two-lane road or highway. For purposes of this Code section, the term "two-lane road or highway" means a road or highway with two lanes for through-traffic movement exclusive of any portion of the road or highway adjoining the traveled way for parking, speed change, turning, weaving, truck climbing, or other purposes supplementary to through-traffic movement.
(b)
For the purpose of imposing points pursuant to Code Section
40-5-57
, every sentence for a violation of any speed regulation in this chapter shall state the specific amount by which the person convicted exceeded the speed limit.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 135,§ 10, eff. 1/1/2010.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 590,§ 22, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 9 - SPEED RESTRICTIONS (§§ 40-6-180 — 40-6-189) › Section 40-6-189 - Classification as super speeder; fees

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "department" means the Department of Driver Services.
(b)
In addition to any other fines or penalties imposed by any local jurisdiction or the department, the department shall administer and collect a fee of $200.00 from any driver who is convicted of driving at a speed of 85 miles per hour or more on any road or highway or 75 miles per hour or more on any two-lane road or highway, as defined in Code Section
40-6-187
. Such a driver, upon conviction, shall be classified as a "super speeder."
(c)
The department shall notify offenders of the imposition of a fee under this Code section within 30 days after receipt of a qualifying ticket and notice of conviction. Failure to pay the fee imposed by this Code section within 90 days after receipt of the notice shall result in the suspension of the driver's license or driving privileges of the offender, and, in addition to the existing fees and penalties, a fee of $50.00 shall be assessed, payable upon the application for reinstatement of the driver's license or driving privileges. Notice shall be provided by the department to the offender by first-class mail to the address shown on the records of the department. Such mailed notice shall be adequate notification of the fee imposed by this Code section and of the offender's ability to avoid a driver's license suspension by paying the fee prior to the effective date of the suspension. No other notice shall be required to make the driver's license suspension effective.
(d)
The department shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Code section.
(e)
All fees collected under the provisions of this Code section shall be deposited in the general fund of this state with the intent that these moneys be used to fund a trauma care system in Georgia and the direct and indirect costs associated with the administration of this Code section. The Office of the State Treasurer shall separately account for all of the moneys received under the provisions of this Code section.
Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 135,§ 11, eff. 1/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 10 - STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-228) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-208) › Section 40-6-200 - How vehicles to be parked; powers of Department of Transportation and local authorities

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, every vehicle stopped or parked upon a two-way roadway shall be stopped or parked with the right-hand wheels parallel to and within 12 inches of the right-hand curb or as close as practicable to the right edge of the right-hand shoulder.
(b)
Except when otherwise provided by local ordinance, every vehicle stopped or parked upon a one-way roadway shall be stopped or parked parallel to the curb or edge of the roadway, in the direction of authorized traffic movement, with its right-hand wheels within 12 inches of the right-hand curb or as close as practicable to the right edge of the right-hand shoulder or with its left-hand wheels within 12 inches of the left-hand curb or as close as practicable to the left edge of the left-hand shoulder.
(c)
Local authorities may by ordinance permit angle parking on any roadway, except that angle parking shall not be permitted on any federal-aid or state highway unless the Department of Transportation has determined that the roadway is of sufficient width to permit angle parking without interfering with the free movement of traffic.
(d)
The department, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, may place signs prohibiting, restricting, or limiting the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on any highway where, in its opinion, as evidenced by resolution or order entered in its minutes, such stopping, standing, or parking is dangerous to those using the highway or where the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles would unduly interfere with the free movement of traffic thereon. Such signs shall be official signs, and no person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle in violation of the restrictions on such signs.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 10 - STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-228) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-208) › Section 40-6-202 - Stopping, standing, or parking outside of business or residential districts

Outside of a business or residential district, no person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon the roadway when it is practicable to stop, park, or so leave such vehicle off the roadway; but in every event, an unobstructed width of the highway opposite a standing vehicle shall be left for the free passage of other vehicles, and a clear view of the stopped vehicle shall be available from a distance of 200 feet in each direction upon the highway.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 10 - STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-228) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-208) › Section 40-6-203 - Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places; stopping or standing for collecting municipal solid waste or recovered materials

(a)
Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or official traffic-control device, no person shall:
(1)
Stop, stand, or park a vehicle:
(A)
On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge of a curb of a street;
(B)
On a sidewalk;
(C)
Within an intersection;
(D)
On a crosswalk;
(E)
Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless a different length is indicated by signs or markings;
(F)
Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic;
(G)
Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway tunnel;
(H)
On any railroad tracks;
(I)
On any controlled-access highway;
(J)
In the area between roadways of a divided highway, including crossovers; or
(K)
At any place where official signs prohibit stopping;
(2)
Stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger or passengers:
(A)
In front of a public or private driveway;
(B)
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant;
(C)
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;
(D)
Within 30 feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway;
(E)
Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station or on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within 75 feet of such entrance (when properly posted); or
(F)
At any place where official signs prohibit standing; or
(3)
Park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading property or passengers:
(A)
Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing; or
(B)
At any place where official signs prohibit parking.
(b)
No person shall move a vehicle not lawfully under his control into any prohibited area or to such a distance away from the curb as is unlawful.
(c)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any vehicle used solely for the purpose of collecting municipal solid waste or recovered materials as defined in Code Section
12-8-22
may stop or stand on the road, street, or highway for the sole purpose of collecting such waste or materials; provided, however, that such vehicle shall maintain flashing hazard lights at all times that it is engaged in stopping or standing for the purpose of waste or materials collection.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 10 - STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-228) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-208) › Section 40-6-204 - Exception as to disabled vehicles

Code Sections
40-6-200
,
40-6-202
, and
40-6-203
shall not apply to the driver of any vehicle which is disabled while on the roadway in such a manner and to such extent that it is impossible to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving such disabled vehicle in such position.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 10 - STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-228) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-208) › Section 40-6-205 - Obstructing intersection

No driver shall enter an intersection unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection to accommodate the vehicle he is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic-control signal indication to proceed.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 10 - STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-228) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-208) › Section 40-6-206 - When police officers may remove vehicles; uninsured vehicles

(a)
Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle in violation of any of the provisions of Code Section
40-6-202
, such officer is authorized to move such vehicle or require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move it to a position off the roadway.
(b)
Any police officer is authorized to remove or cause to be removed to a place of safety any unattended vehicle illegally left standing upon any highway, bridge, or causeway or in any tunnel.
(c)
Any police officer is authorized to remove or cause to be removed to the nearest garage or other place of safety any vehicle found upon a highway when:
(1)
Report has been made that such vehicle has been stolen or taken without the consent of its owner;
(2)
The person or persons in charge of such vehicle are unable to provide for its custody or removal;
(3)
The person driving or in control of such vehicle is arrested for an alleged offense for which the officer is required by law to take the person arrested before a proper magistrate without unnecessary delay;
(4)
Any such vehicle has been left unattended for 24 hours or more; or
(5)
Such vehicle is stopped, except when traffic congestion makes movement impossible, on a controlled-access highway which is part of The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways for more than eight hours, unless such vehicle constitutes a traffic hazard, in which case it may be removed immediately.
(d)
Because uninsured vehicles pose a threat to the public safety and health, any law enforcement officer is authorized to remove or cause to be removed to the nearest garage or other place of safety the vehicle of a person who is charged under subsection (a) or (b) of Code Section
40-6-10
if such person admits to the law enforcement officer that there is no insurance in effect on the vehicle or if the law enforcement officer verifies that the proof of insurance provided by such person is fraudulent.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC (§§ 40-1-1 — 40-16-8) › Chapter 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROAD (§§ 40-6-1 — 40-6-397) › Article 10 - STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-228) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 40-6-200 — 40-6-208) › Section 40-6-207 - Liability of owner for traffic or parking violations occurring while vehicle leased to another; duty of owner to attend hearing on the offense; improper vehicle maintenance

(a)
The owner of any motor vehicle leased to another shall not be liable for a state, county, or municipal traffic or parking violation occurring while such leased vehicle was not in the owner's possession or control, if upon notice of the violation the owner notifies the clerk of the court in which the case is pending of the name and address of the lessee of the vehicle on the date the violation occurred. If the owner fails to submit the notice, the court in which the case is heard may find the owner of the motor vehicle liable for the violation.
(b)
After providing the name and address of the lessee, the owner shall not be required to attend a hearing on the offense, unless notified that the offense occurred through a mechanical failure of the vehicle which resulted from the owner's failure to maintain the vehicle.
(c)
The owner of any leased vehicle shall be liable for any violation which was caused by the owner's failure to maintain the vehicle properly. The lessee claiming the violation resulted from the owner's failure to maintain the vehicle properly shall notify the clerk of the court in which the case is pending along with the owner of the vehicle of the claim within seven days after receiving notice of the violation or at least ten days prior to the date the case will be heard by the court, whichever is later.