Minnesota’s Hands-Free Driving Law: What It Is And How To Avoid A Ticket

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents nationwide. In response, Minnesota enacted its hands-free driving law to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by cell phone use behind the wheel. If you drive in Minnesota, understanding what the law allows, and what it prohibits, is essential to avoiding costly tickets and potential legal consequences.

What Is the Minnesota Hands-Free Law?

Minnesota’s hands-free driving law is codified under Minnesota Statute §169.475. The law prohibits drivers from holding a cell phone or other electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.

This applies whether you are:

Driving at highway speeds
Stopped at a red light
Sitting in traffic

If you are behind the wheel and the vehicle is in operation, your phone may not be in your hand.

The law was enacted to address the growing number of crashes linked to distracted driving, particularly those involving texting, browsing, or handheld phone use.

What Counts as Hands-Free Driving in Minnesota?

Minnesota law allows limited phone use only when the device is not physically held. Acceptable hands-free use includes the following:

Voice Commands

You may use voice-activated technology to:

Make or receive calls
Send or listen to text messages
Control music or audio

Mounted Devices

Phones may be used if they are:

Mounted to the dashboard or windshield
Operated with a single touch to activate a function

GPS and Navigation

Using GPS is permitted only if:

The device is mounted
Interaction is limited to single-touch or voice activation

Scrolling, typing, or holding the phone while navigating is not allowed.

What Is Illegal Under the MN Hands-Free Law?

Under Minnesota law, the following actions are prohibited while driving:

Holding a phone to talk, text, or browse
Typing or scrolling on a device
Watching videos or reading content
Using social media or web browsers
Dialing numbers manually

Even brief handheld use, such as picking up the phone at a stoplight,can result in a citation.

The bottom line: if the phone is in your hand while operating a motor vehicle, it is likely a violation.

Are There Exceptions?

Yes, but they are very limited.

Handheld phone use may be allowed in emergencies, including:

Calling 911
Contacting law enforcement
Requesting medical assistance
Reporting hazardous road conditions

Outside of these specific scenarios, handheld phone use remains illegal under the Minnesota hands-free driving law.

MN Hands-Free Law Penalties and Fines

Violating the MN hands-free law can result in escalating penalties:

First offense: $50 fine (plus court costs)
Second offense: $275 fine (plus court costs)
If distracted driving results in injury or death: misdemeanor or felony charges may apply

Because the law is classified as a primary offense, police officers may stop and cite a driver solely for holding a phone, no other traffic violation is required.

Can Police Stop You Just for Holding a Phone?

Yes.

Minnesota’s hands-free law is a primary enforcement law, meaning officers do not need another reason to initiate a traffic stop. If an officer observes a driver holding a phone, a citation can be issued immediately.

This has significantly increased enforcement statewide, especially in urban and high-traffic areas.

Does the Law Apply to Commercial Drivers?

Commercial drivers and CDL holders are subject to additional federal regulations. In many cases, penalties may be more severe and could impact a commercial license or employment status. If you drive professionally, compliance is especially important.

What to Do If You’re Ticketed Under Minnesota’s Hands-Free Law

A hands-free driving ticket may seem minor, but it can still affect:

Your driving record
Insurance premiums
Employment (especially for professional drivers)

If you’ve been cited, speaking with a traffic defense attorney can help you understand:

Whether the stop was lawful
If exceptions apply
Options for reducing or dismissing the charge

Legal guidance is particularly important if the citation involves prior offenses or alleged distracted-driving injuries.

Next Steps After a Minnesota Hands-Free Driving Ticket

Minnesota’s hands-free driving law is designed to keep roads safer, but its enforcement is strict and often misunderstood. Knowing what the law allows, and where drivers commonly make mistakes, can help you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties.

If you have questions about a hands-free driving ticket or need legal representation, consulting an experienced Minnesota traffic attorney can help protect your rights.