Someone help me because I just got a new iPhone 4 and am finally super hooked up on my commute. I’m like texting, calling, listening to streaming podcasts, searching for spots to eat on Yelp, and finding my way from place to place with Google Maps. And right when all this happiness comes into my life, Senate Bill 360 is signed into Georgia law.

How ironic I should find out about the new law than on my way back from a ranch style ho’ down family reunion for the 4th of July in Tennessee. I was driving south on 75 and get a text message from my MOM saying, “Be careful you can get a fine for texting and driving now!” Indeed, effective July 1, you can get a $150 fine and 1 point against your driver’s record if you are caught doing the text thing. RUBISH!

I’m kind of mad, I kind of understand, but mostly I’m just confused. There are all these stupid things about the bill, like a 1 month grace period (you won’t really get fined or anything until August 1) and primarily, how are they suppose to enforce this? What does and doesn’t count as ‘texting’. The law says verbatim:

“No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of this state while using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read any text based communication, including but not limited to a text message, instant message, electronic mail, or Internet data.”

… but that really isn’t doing so much for me. What does and doesn’t count when it comes to using my phone for ‘Internet data’. Don’t you know I’m a digital girl in a digital world? When am I not unlimited in my Internet data. Oh please someone tell me tweeting isn’t the same as texting! hahaha.

At last, I need some clarification. If you or anyone you know… knows whether or not it is legal to do the following things on your ‘telecommunications device’ while driving in a moving car, please let me know.

1) Using your GPS device – For the most part I’ve read that this is still ok, but don’t I still have to type in shit?

2) Call my momma – Again, I haven’t read anything against using your phone as a phone, but don’t I have to type in shit to make a call?

3) Look up a restaurant on Yelp – I’m not exactly browsing the Internet, but I’m still using the Internet, and I have to type in shit.

4) Check in on 4Square in the drive through of Chic-fil-a – Again, I’m not really browsing the Internet, but definitely using up that data plan!

5) Using my phone to stream a PodCast I didn’t have time to download – Not browsing the Internet, but definitely using the Internet and having to type shit in to find the podcast I wanna listen to.

6) Tweeting.. not the same as texting yo!

Finally at the end of the day, can someone clarify if driving includes if I am stopped at a red light? I always get mad at people when they are texting and driving with me in the passenger seat, and they always try to use a stoplight as some type of compromise.

Well if you know the answer to any of those scenarios, please let me know. I’m really only looking for a yes for it’s legal or a no it’s not legal. Also any of your thoughts on this new law, if your pissed or support it… I want to know!