Minnesota's Distracted Driving Law: When Did It Begin?

Distracted driving is a serious issue in Minnesota, with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MDPS) reporting that driver distraction plays a role in 9% of all crashes. In 2019, distracted driving was a contributing factor in 34 traffic fatalities in the state. To combat this issue, Minnesota implemented a distracted driving law, known as the Hands-Free Law, which took effect on August 1, 2019. This law makes it illegal for drivers to use handheld cell phones, send text messages, or access the internet while their vehicle is in motion or part of traffic. The law also prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using any type of cell phone, even hands-free, while operating a vehicle.

Minnesota's distracted driving law, also known as the Hands-Free Law

On August 1, 2019, Minnesota implemented a distracted driving law, also known as the Hands-Free Law. This law was enacted to address the growing problem of distracted driving, which includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, and adjusting the radio.

The Hands-Free Law prohibits drivers from using their phones or other electronic devices while driving, except in the case of making an emergency call. This means drivers cannot hold or read from devices like phones, tablets, or laptops. The law also applies when a vehicle is stopped at a light or in traffic.

Drivers are allowed to answer calls by using voice commands or a single touch, and they can use Bluetooth to connect their devices to their cars or headphones (but only in one ear). Sending messages or making calls is permitted as long as the device is in hands-free or voice-activated mode. Listening to music or podcasts is allowed, as well as sending texts through voice commands. GPS usage is also permitted, as long as the driver does not need to hold the device.

It is important to note that the law specifically addresses the use of handheld devices, and other forms of distracted driving, such as eating, currently fall under a more loosely interpreted law. While there is no specific law against eating while driving, a driver can still be cited for reckless or careless driving if their behaviour endangers themselves or others.

Minnesota has implemented primary enforcement of distracted driving laws, meaning that law enforcement officers can pull over drivers solely for violating these laws, even if no other traffic laws are being broken. The fine for violating the Hands-Free Law is $50 for the first offence and $275 for subsequent offences, with additional surcharges that can bring the total cost to between $185 and $635.

The state has also designated March as Distracted Driving Awareness Month to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving. By addressing this issue, Minnesota aims to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers and make its roads safer for everyone.

The law prohibits the use of handheld devices for all drivers

Minnesota's distracted driving law, also known as the Hands-Free Law, came into effect on August 1, 2019. The law prohibits the use of handheld devices for all drivers, and violators are subject to fines and increased insurance premiums. Here are some key points regarding the prohibition of handheld devices for drivers:

Prohibition of Handheld Devices

• All drivers are prohibited from using handheld cell phones, regardless of age. This includes making or receiving phone calls unless the phone call can be initiated without holding the phone, such as through voice activation or hands-free features.
• Text messaging, sending electronic messages, and internet browsing on a wireless device are illegal when the vehicle is in motion or part of traffic. This prohibition applies even when stopped in traffic or at a red light.
• Drivers under the age of 18 are not permitted to use any type of cell phone, including hands-free devices, while driving.
• School bus drivers are not allowed to use any kind of cell phone, even hands-free, while the bus is in motion.

Exceptions to the Prohibition

• GPS systems are permitted as long as they are permanently affixed to the vehicle. Built-in GPS systems are allowed, but using Google Maps or similar applications on a smartphone is prohibited.
• Texting is allowed if using voice-activated or other hands-free modes, such as linking your phone to your car or using one-touch activation on your device.
• Handheld devices can be used by adults to make phone calls in specific situations, such as obtaining emergency assistance, reporting a traffic accident, preventing a crime, or when there is a reasonable belief that a person's life or safety is in danger.
• Drivers under 18 are permitted to use cell phones in emergency situations, to prevent a crime, or if they believe someone's life or safety is at risk.
• Handheld communication devices are allowed for drivers in authorized emergency vehicles while performing their official duties.

Impact and Enforcement

The primary enforcement nature of Minnesota's distracted driving law means that police officers can pull over and cite drivers solely for violating this law, even if no other traffic laws are being broken. The fine for a first offense is $50, and subsequent offenses incur a $275 fine. These fines are subject to surcharges, resulting in total costs ranging from $185 to $635. Additionally, insurance companies view distracted driving as a moving violation, leading to increased insurance rates.

Public Safety and Education

Minnesota's efforts to combat distracted driving extend beyond legislation. The state designated March as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, during which organizations like Safe Communities of Wright County educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MDPS) reports that distracted driving played a role in 9% of all crashes in the state. According to MDPS, traffic fatalities decreased by 15% in 12 out of 15 states that implemented hands-free laws.

Text messaging and internet use by all drivers is banned

Texting while driving is illegal in Minnesota. This includes sending, reading, or composing text messages, emails, or other electronic messages while driving. It is also illegal to access the internet on a wireless device when the vehicle is in motion or part of traffic, including when stopped in traffic or at a red light.

The law applies to drivers of all ages and prohibits the use of any wireless communication device, such as a phone, tablet, laptop, or electronic watch. The only exception is if you need to make an emergency call.

The consequences of violating Minnesota's distracted driving law can be severe. A person who violates the law must pay a fine of $275, and their insurance premiums will likely increase. If you injure or kill someone as a result of violating the law, you could face felony charges of criminal vehicular operation or homicide.

It's important to note that while eating or drinking while driving is not specifically prohibited by the distracted driving law, it can still be considered reckless driving if it leads to unsafe driving behaviour.

Minnesota's distracted driving law underwent a revision in 2023, further emphasising that hands-free means the phone must be out of the driver's hands and clarifying that a single touch is permitted to activate voice-activated mode.

The use of any cell phone by drivers under 18 is prohibited

Minnesota's distracted driving law, also known as the Hands-Free Law, came into effect on August 1, 2019. The law prohibits the use of any cell phone by drivers under the age of 18, regardless of whether it is hand-held or hands-free. This means that young drivers are not allowed to use their phones in any manner while operating a vehicle, even if it is for navigation or music.

The law also prohibits all drivers from holding or reading from devices like phones, tablets, laptops, or electronic watches while driving. This includes when the vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a red light. However, drivers are allowed to use their phones in voice-activated or hands-free mode to make calls, send voice-activated text messages, or listen to music or podcasts. Additionally, drivers can use their phones as a GPS as long as they do not need to hold the device.

It is important to note that Minnesota's distracted driving law does not apply to GPS systems that are permanently affixed to the vehicle. Built-in GPS systems are allowed, but using Google Maps on a smartphone while driving is prohibited.

The use of any cell phone by drivers under 18 is a strict prohibition in Minnesota, and violations of this law can result in fines and increased insurance premiums. The fine for a first offense is $50, while subsequent offenses incur a fine of $275. These fines are considered petty misdemeanors, and surcharges can increase the total amount to be paid.

By implementing this law, Minnesota aims to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving. According to statistics, distracted driving is responsible for more accidents in Minnesota than speeding or driving while intoxicated. By prohibiting the use of cell phones by young drivers, the state hopes to improve road safety and prevent accidents.

It is worth mentioning that Minnesota was one of the first states to make texting while driving illegal in 2008. The recent updates to the distracted driving law further emphasize the state's commitment to addressing this issue and creating safer roads for all motorists.

Exceptions to the law include emergency assistance and reporting a crime

Minnesota's distracted driving laws are designed to prevent accidents caused by drivers taking their eyes, hands, and minds off the road. The laws primarily focus on cell phone use while driving, but other forms of distracted driving are also addressed.

Emergency Assistance

In Minnesota, drivers are permitted to use their cell phones to obtain emergency assistance. This includes situations where the driver reasonably believes that a person's life or safety is in immediate danger, as well as instances where they need to report a traffic accident or a serious traffic hazard. In such cases, drivers are allowed to make phone calls or send voice-activated or hands-free text messages to seek help.

Reporting a Crime

The distracted driving laws in Minnesota also allow for the use of a cell phone to prevent a crime about to be committed. This exception applies to both adult and underage drivers. For example, if a driver witnesses a crime in progress or has knowledge of an imminent crime, they can use their cell phone to report it to the authorities, even if they are holding the device in their hand.

It's important to note that while these exceptions exist, drivers should still exercise caution and ensure their full attention is on the road whenever possible. The primary goal of the distracted driving laws is to minimize the risk of accidents and keep everyone on Minnesota roads safe.

Additional Exceptions

Other exceptions to the distracted driving laws in Minnesota include:

• The use of GPS systems is permitted, as long as the driver is not holding the device.
• Texting is allowed if using voice-activated or hands-free mode.
• Handheld devices for making phone calls are permitted by adults if it is a single touch to activate the device for a call.
• Cell phone use is permitted by authorized emergency vehicles while performing official duties.

These exceptions provide flexibility in situations where the use of a cell phone is necessary for safety, emergency, or law enforcement purposes. However, drivers should always prioritize safe driving practices and avoid any actions that may increase their risk of crashing.

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