Hands-Free Law Goes Into Effect August 1

Minneapolis, MN – Drivers in Minnesota are being reminded that Minnesota’s new hands-free law goes into effect next week on Thursday, August 1.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office says that under the new law, drivers are allowed to use their cell phones to make calls, text, listen to audio and/or get directions only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.

While driving, phones may NOT be held in the driver’s hand. Watching videos, video calling, Snapchat, gaming and similar activities on a cell phone are prohibited at all times while driving.

“Distracted driving is extremely dangerous and has caused far too many traffic accidents, some very serious and even fatal,” said Hennepin County Sheriff David P. Hutchinson.

“We urge everyone to obey this new law to help protect themselves, their families, and everyone else on the road. The text that you got while you were driving can wait. Period.”

Critical information on Minnesota’s hands-free law:

** The penalty for the first hands-free violation is $50 plus court fees. Additional tickets are $275 plus court fees.

** Hand-held phone use is allowed to obtain emergency assistance when there is an immediate threat to life or safety.

** Tucking a cell phone into a headscarf or head wrap does not violate the hands-free law. However, removing the phone and holding it does violate the law.

** Smart watches, tablets, e-readers and similar devices are subject to the same restrictions as cell phones.

In 12 states that have instituted hands-free laws, traffic fatalities have decreased by an average of 15 percent.

More information on Minnesota’s new hands-free law can be found at the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety here: https://tinyurl.com/yxt9yoxq