The Latest: Georgia lawmakers adopt hands-free driving bill

ATLANTA (AP) – The Latest on the final day of the Georgia legislative session (all times local):
    
12:20 a.m.
    
Pending the governor’s signature, Georgia will soon become the 16th state in the U.S. to enact a hands-free driving law.
    
The House gave final passage Thursday night to a proposal that would prevent drivers from holding their cellphones while behind the wheel.
    
Proponents say drivers who look at their phones are largely responsible for a recent spike in fatal crashes in Georgia – and the resulting rise in auto insurance premiums.
    
Under the bill, first-time offenders would be fined $50, with the fees increasing for repeat offenders.
    
First-time offenders could avoid the fine by appearing in court with proof that they have purchased a hands-free device.