Hands-free is now law

When Minnesota governor Tim Walz signed the “hands-free while driving” law April 12, it meant Minnesota joined 17 states in requiring drivers to have their cellphones in hands-free mode while driving vehicles. It also gave people months to prepare for the day that they wouldn’t legally be able to hold their phones in the car.

But now it’s showtime — the new law went into effect Aug. 1. Under the new law, drivers can use their device in hands-free or voice-activated mode only. That means manually punching in an address or a phone number while driving is not allowed. Talking on the phone while holding it to your ear is also not allowed. Asking a voice-activated service to dial using speakerphone, hands-free, is allowed.

It is still illegal to send text messages and emails, along with accessing the internet — using hands — while driving ,. Drivers can send messages if their device is in hands-free mode. Drivers can use a GPS device or app on their phone, but should enter the address before the vehicle begins moving. The only exception to the new law is 911 calls.

Police can stop anyone they see holding a phone while driving. The penalty for violating the law is a petty misdemeanor, carrying a $50 fine for the first violation and a $275 fine for subsequent violations.

Cloquet police officer Laci Silgjord said she expects Cloquet officers will focus mostly on trying to educate people initially, although decisions like that are at the discretion of the officer.

“It will take time for everyone to adjust,” she said, “but we will try to make sure they take those stops to go hands-free. Sometimes education goes a long way versus issuing a citation.”

Silgjord said the department also purchased a limited number of hands-free cell phone holders to give away to residents, either at the National Night Out event 5-8 p.m. Tuesday evening at Veterans Park or via the department’s Facebook page.

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Tips to help you follow Minnesota’s new hands-free cell phone driving law

(Click to read online) https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/07/22/5-ways-to-follow-minnesotas-new-handsfree-cell-phone-driving-law