The hands-free cell phone law took effect in Minnesota on Aug. 1, 2019.
You can no longer hold a cell phone while driving.
Hands free is the law. No ifs, hands or buts about it.
When you're not in "Park," please – park the phone.
After all, hands free IS the law.
First Offense: More than $120.*
Second Offense: More than $300.*
*Includes the fine plus court costs
What can I do under the law?
The law allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.
What can't I do with my phone under the law?
You may not hold your phone in your hand. Also, a driver may not use their phone at any time for video calling, video live-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.
Can I ever hold my phone?
Yes. Hand-held phone use is allowed to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties.
Where can I put my phone?
The best way to go hands free is by turning off your phone and placing it in your purse/bag, trunk, center console or glove compartment. That way it's out of sight, out of mind. If you must have your phone available, placing your cell on a mount is a great option. Remember, if placing it on the windshield, it must be mounted at the bottommost portion of the windshield. You are allowed to place your phone on the passenger seat, in the cup holder or other locations in the vehicle as long as you are not holding the phone. However, those locations are typically not as secure as a mount, center console or glove compartment.
Can I use a GPS navigation device?
Yes. The destination needs to be set before driving and you can't hold the phone in your hand while it's in GPS mode. GPS and other systems that can only be used for navigation are exempt from the hands-free law. In-car screens and systems are also exempt. In both cases, most of these systems lock when the vehicle is moving.
Does the hands-free law address smart watches?
Drivers can use them as a conventional watch to check time, but smart watches are considered an electronic communications device under the hands-free law. That means the device has the same restrictions as a cell phone. Drivers can use a smart watch the same way they use a cell phone as long as it's by one-touch or voice activation. Drivers can't type, text or do the other things prohibited under the hands-free law.
Is it against the law to hold a phone in a hijab or other type of headscarf or wrap?
Having a cell phone tucked into a headscarf or head wrap is not against the hands-free cell phone law. The phone must be securely situated to remain hands free and must not block the driver's vision in any way.
What would be against the new law if the driver removed the phone and held it in their hand while they were a part of traffic?
At no time may a driver hold the phone in their hand unless it's to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties.
The new law does allow a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.
The new law does allow a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.
If my teen is under 18 years old and has a driver's permit or provisional driver's license, can they use their phone in hands-free mode?
The hands-free law does not change anything for teens under 18 with a driver's permit or provisional driver's license: They cannot make or answer calls while driving (hand-held or hands-free).
They can use their phone in hands-free mode in the following situations:
Using their phone as a GPS device, but only in hands-free or voice-activated mode. They must set their destination before driving. They can't hold their phone at any time.
Listening to music or podcasts in hands-free or voice-activated mode is OK, but hand-held scrolling through playlists or channels is not allowed under the law.
Calling 911 in an emergency situation. If there's an immediate threat to life and safety, they can use the phone in either hand-held or hands-free mode.
They can use their phone in hands-free mode in the following situations:
Using their phone as a GPS device, but only in hands-free or voice-activated mode. They must set their destination before driving. They can't hold their phone at any time.
Listening to music or podcasts in hands-free or voice-activated mode is OK, but hand-held scrolling through playlists or channels is not allowed under the law.
Calling 911 in an emergency situation. If there's an immediate threat to life and safety, they can use the phone in either hand-held or hands-free mode.
Is it legal under the law to stop on the shoulder of the road and hold my phone to make a call, text, etc.?
If it's not an emergency, stopping on the shoulder of an interstate freeway or controlled access highway is already illegal in Minnesota. Although it is legal to stop along a state or U.S. highway, or a county road, it's not always safe to do.
We strongly encourage anyone who needs to use their phone to find a safe place to pull off the road completely. A convenience store or gas station, for example, will be safer for you and other road users.
We strongly encourage anyone who needs to use their phone to find a safe place to pull off the road completely. A convenience store or gas station, for example, will be safer for you and other road users.
Does the law apply to law enforcement agencies?
Under the law, hand-held phone use is allowed in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties. However, some agencies have taken a proactive approach to reduce or eliminate hand-held phone use. For example, the Minnesota State Patrol instituted a policy requiring troopers to use their phones only in hands-free mode prior to the law taking effect.
Unfortunately, there are circumstances in which emergency vehicle drivers need to be on their devices to carry out their duties. Although this is different than situations other drivers find themselves in, the dangers are the same. We're well aware of those dangers from a law enforcement perspective and are encouraging people to follow the law regardless of whether they have an exemption.
Unfortunately, there are circumstances in which emergency vehicle drivers need to be on their devices to carry out their duties. Although this is different than situations other drivers find themselves in, the dangers are the same. We're well aware of those dangers from a law enforcement perspective and are encouraging people to follow the law regardless of whether they have an exemption.
Couldn't I get distracted by my in-car screen or other distractions like eating, grooming, pets, passengers or reading a book? Why aren't they covered?
Yes, there are many possible distractions when driving, but cell phone use presents a unique and complex challenge and is addressed by the hands-free law. A driver is still expected to avoid other distractions and drive with due care under other Minnesota traffic laws.
Are there penalties?
Yes. The first ticket is more than $120 (includes fine plus court costs), and subsequent tickets are more than $300 (includes fine plus court costs)
Will this make the roads safer?
Yes, in two ways. In 12 of 15 states with hands-free laws, traffic fatalities have decreased by an average of 15 percent [Source: National Safety Council and Insurance Federation based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data]. Across the country, 25 states and Washington, D.C. are hands free. This law will also help law enforcement keep Minnesotans safe. Because drivers aren't allowed to have a phone in their hand, it'll be easier for law enforcement to see violations and take more effective action. Through public awareness and education, the goal is for Minnesotans to comply with the new law without enforcement action.