Extra Patrols Will Enforce Minnesota's 'Hands Free' Law In April

TWIN CITIES, MN — Driving while distracted contributed to more than 39,000 crashes from 2017 to 2021 in Minnesota, including 28 deaths and 161 life-changing injuries.

That's why law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in a distracted driving enforcement campaign from April 1 through April 30. The campaign will include extra patrols.

"It doesn’t take much for the life story of a distracted driver to end, just like that, or end the life stories of other people on the road," said Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director, in a news release.

"It can end the second they text with the phone in their hand, are lost in thought and not focused on driving, or take their eyes off the road to reach for something. Park the phone, avoid distractions and pay attention. That’s the way to drive smart and keep yourself and others safe and alive."

In 2019, Minnesota's "hands-free" cell phone law went into effect. The law prohibits drivers from holding a phone in their hands while driving.

Under the law, a driver can use voice commands or single-touch activation to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts, and get directions. However, accessing or posting on social media, streaming videos, checking box scores, and Googling information on a device while driving are against the law in Minnesota, even when in hands-free mode.

If you violate the hands-free law, you will face:

• $100 or more including court fees for a first offense
• $300 or more including court fees for a second and/or subsequent offense
• If you injure or kill someone while violating the hands-free law, you can face a felony charge of criminal vehicular operation or homicide