SF 152
Introduction - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006)
Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00 a.m.
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A bill for an act
relating to traffic regulations; requiring that mobile
telephones used in motor vehicles be hands-free;
providing a defense; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1.
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[169.472] USE OF MOBILE TELEPHONES.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end
new text begin Definitions. new text end
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For purposes of this section:
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(a) "Mobile telephone" means a cellular, analog, wireless,
or digital telephone capable of sending or receiving telephone
messages without an access line for service.
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(b) "Hands-free device" means an attachment, add-on, or
addition to a mobile telephone, whether or not permanently
installed in a motor vehicle, that when used allows the vehicle
operator to maintain both hands on the steering wheel.
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(c) "Use" means talking or listening on a mobile telephone.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end
new text begin Prohibition. new text end
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No person may engage in the use of
a mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle while the
motor vehicle is in motion unless the mobile telephone is
equipped and used with a hands-free device. A peace officer may
not issue a citation for a violation of this subdivision unless
the officer lawfully stopped or detained the driver of the motor
vehicle for another moving violation other than a violation
involving motor vehicle equipment.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end
new text begin Defense. new text end
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It is an affirmative defense against a
charge of violating subdivision 2 for a person to produce
evidence that the mobile telephone was used for the purpose of
contacting the following in response to an emergency:
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(1) a 911 or other emergency telephone number;
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(2) a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office;
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(3) an ambulance service provider;
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(4) a fire department or law enforcement agency; or
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(5) a first aid squad.
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