Minnesota Hands-Free Law: What You Need To Know

ACROSS MINNESOTA — A new state law allowing Minnesota drivers to only use their cell phone through voice commands or single-touch activation goes into effect tomorrow, Aug. 1. The law prohibits motorists from holding a cellphone or other wireless device while driving.

The law was signed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in April. It requires drivers to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions using only voice commands or single-touch activation.

The goal of the new law is to make Minnesota roads safer. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Traffic Safety division, in 12 of 15 states with hands-free laws, traffic fatalities have decreased by an average of 15 percent. The law also makes it easier for law enforcement to see violations.

What You Can’t Do Under The New Law

You can’t hold your phone in your hand. A driver also isn’t allowed to use may their phone at any time for video calling, vlive-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at video or photos stored on the phone, using non-navigation apps, reading texts, and scrolling or typing on the phone. Smart watches are also considered a communication device. Aside from checking the time, smart watches have the same restrictions as cell phones.

What You Can Do

GPS and other systems can be used for navigation. In-car screens and systems are also exempt. In both cases, most of these systems lock when the vehicle is moving. Motorists are also allowed to make emergency 911 calls if necessary.

Penalties

If you get caught holding your phone while driving, the first offense is punishable by a $50 fine, plus court costs. Subsequent offenses are $275 plus court costs.

Tips To Go Hands-Free

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety compiled the following suggestions to help make it easier to transition to hands-free driving:

1. Don’t use your phone when you drive. Put your phone in the glove compartment or trunk or backseat or turn on a do-not-disturb app and enjoy the drive.
2. Use a single earphone that has a microphone. Remember, using earphones in both ears at the same time is illegal in Minnesota.
3. Pair your phone to your current car or truck. If your existing vehicle and phone can talk to each other, pair up and go hands-free.
4. Buy an auxiliary cable and connect your phone’s earphone jack to your car’s auxiliary input. You can operate your phone by voice or single touch and listen through your car’s audio system. Auxiliary cables can be purchased for less than $5.
5. If your car is older and doesn’t have an auxiliary input but has a cassette player, buy an adapter that fits into the cassette player and allows you to connect your phone through the earphone jack. The cassette adapters cost about $30.
6. Buy a holder to clip your phone to the dash. Make sure you get one that holds your phone securely. Prices range from less than $5 to $50.
7. Buy a Bluetooth speaker or earphone to pair with your phone. There are many after-market choices for both, all of which let you go hands-free. Prices are generally in the $10 to $50 range.

Have more questions? Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s website.

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