Minnesota joins 17 states and the District of Columbia Effective August 1, 2019 requiring drivers have their cellphones in hands-free mode while their vehicle is moving.
Under the new law, what can’t you do?
It was already illegal in Minnesota for drivers send text messages and emails while driving, as well as access or browse the internet, but phone calls were allowed. Under the new law, drivers can send messages or place calls while driving only if their device is in hands-free or voice-activated mode.
The new law prohibits manually punching in a phone number or an address into a navigation app, as well as scrolling through liscontacts or text messages. Hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth, allows a driver to do these things without actually holding their phone.
After August 1 police can stop anyone they see holding a phone while driving.
What about my GPS device? Can I use that?
Yes, the bill does make an exception for GPS devices that are solely used for navigation purposes. But since scrolling is still prohibited, drivers should have their addresses punched in before the vehicle starts moving.
What if I can make calls through my vehicle? Is that allowed?
The bill does make an exception for devices that are affixed or physically integrated into a vehicle.
So, can I receive and send text messages as long as I’m not touching my phone?
The bill does not specifically ban voice-to-texting, which are text messages that are read to you by your phone or software in your car.
Can I pick up my phone to make a call while I’m at a stoplight?
No: You are still technically operating a motor vehicle even while you’re stopped in traffic or at a red light. It is less clear whether you are “operating a motor vehicle” if you have safely pulled over and parked on the side of the road.
What’s the penalty if I get caught?
The penalty for violating the law is a petty misdemeanor, carrying a $50 fine for the first violation and a $275 fine for subsequent violations.
