Thousands of people continue to suffer injuries and loss due to distracted driving accidents each year. To help combat the distracted driving epidemic, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the hands-free bill on April 12th, 2019. The bill is now set to become law in short order—this August 1st, 2019.
The Do’s & Don’ts of the Hands-Free Law
According to Minnesota’s Office of Traffic Safety, the new law allows drivers to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts, and get directions, but only by using voice commands or one-touch activation without holding the device. Under the new law, drivers are unable to:
- Hold a mobile device in their hand while driving
- Use their phone at any time for video calling, live-streaming or gaming
- Use their phone to look at photos or use apps that don’t assist with navigation
- Read texts or type texts using the device
The only exception occurs when drivers require emergency assistance. If there is a threat to life and safety, drivers can make calls while holding their device. Connected GPS devices and screens that are a part of the vehicle’s system are exempt from the law.
What’s the Penalty for Getting Caught?
Under the hands-free law, drivers who use their device illegally are subject to fines and court fees. A first offense will cost you $50 plus court fees. The second or subsequent tickets will cost $275 plus court fees.
Hands-Free Phone Usage Will Enhance Driver Safety
Between 2017 to 2018, texting citations increased by 30%. In Minnesota, distracted driving has caused nearly one in five crashes between 2014 and 2018. With the new law in place, hands-free phone usage will enhance driver safety. In fact, twelve of the 15 states with hands-free laws have seen traffic fatalities decrease by an average of 15%.
According to the NHTSA, sending or receiving a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. When driving 55 mph, that’s driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. Minnesota’s hands-free law prohibits drivers from virtually driving with a blindfold on.
Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving Happen
Distracted driving accidents happen and, although we’ll see a decrease, they’ll still occur for years to come. If you’ve been in a car accident with someone holding their phone, we recommend reaching out to an attorney. To learn more about the hands-free law or for help after an accident, send us a message.