text: Around 2007, states started placing laws against texting while operating a vehicle. So, to the thousands of people who do it; It is illegal. Texting and driving is just as risky as driving under the influence, which means you are just as likely to get caught. In Georgia, all distracted driving charges are misdemeanors, which means they could be charged with just a monetary fine unlike others which can carry jail time. Distracted driving also gets you points on your license, and not the good kind of points. According to an online source, by getting distracted driving ticket can lead to insurance companies raising your rates. Each state and insurance company have different restrictions so it is unsure of how much they may raise it.