Legislative Update - July 31, 2019

Dear Granite City Neighbors,

I hope your summer continues to treat you well! With August 1st just a few days away, I wanted to update you on another new batch of laws that will be taking effect. A list of all the new laws can be found here, which include an expansion of people allowed to administer EpiPens, increased transparency in clinical fees, the rejection of racially restricting covenants in property titles, and more. These are in addition to the new laws that kicked in on July 1^st.

An upcoming law that I’d like to take a moment to highlight for you is one you’ve probably heard about on the news, and that’s the new “Hands-Free” law. Starting August 1st, drivers in Minnesota can only use a mobile device in a hands-free mode while behind the wheel. This year at the Minnesota Legislature, we heard of countless avoidable tragedies where distracted driving was to blame. With similar laws in other states leading to a decrease in accidents, the bipartisan legislation we passed will work to make our roads safer.

Officer Darin Vossen from the SCPD joined me to discuss the new law, which you can watch here. 

The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety offers an extensive amount of information on the new law, which you can find here, but these are some of the most common questions:

What can I do under the new law?

The new 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 new 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.

Can I use a GPS navigation device?

Yes. 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 new 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.

Are there penalties?

Yes. The first ticket is $50 plus court fees and the second and later tickets are $275 plus court fees.

I hope you find this information helpful, and that it leads to a safer Minnesota. I know this will be an adjustment for many of us, but it’s the right thing to do. If you have any questions about this or any new law, please feel free to call me at (651) 296-6612, or email me at rep.dan.wolgamott@house.mn.

Go Huskies!