1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to traffic regulations; modifying provisions governing operation of 
1.3 	wireless communications device while operating motor vehicle;amending 
1.4 	Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.475.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.475, is amended to read:
1.7 	169.475 USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE.
1.8 		Subdivision 1.Definition. For purposes of this section, "electronic message" 
1.9 	means a self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to 
1.10 	be transmitted between physical devices. An electronic message includes, but is not 
1.11 	limited to, e-mail, a text message, an instant message, a command or request to access 
1.12 	a World Wide Web page, or other data that uses a commonly recognized electronic 
1.13 	communications protocol. An electronic message does not include voice or other data 
1.14 	transmitted as a result of making a phone call, or data transmitted automatically by a 
1.15 	wireless communications device without direct initiation by a person.
1.16 		Subd. 2.Prohibition on use. No person may operate a motor vehicle while using a 
1.17 	wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message, when 
1.18 	the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.
1.19 		Subd. 3.Exceptions. This section does not apply if a wireless communications 
1.20 	device is used:
1.21 	(1) solely in a voice-activated or other hands-free mode by a person who is not a 
1.22 	school bus driver operating a school bus, an instruction permit holder, or a provisional 
1.23 	license holder;
2.1 	(2) for making a cellular phone call by the operator of an authorized emergency 
2.2 	vehicle in the performance of official duties;
2.3 	(3) for obtaining emergency assistance to (i) report a traffic accident, medical 
2.4 	emergency, or serious traffic hazard, or (ii) prevent a crime about to be committed to 
2.5 	report an illegal activity;
2.6 	(4) in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety is in immediate danger to 
2.7 	summon medical emergency assistance; or
2.8 	(5) in an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties to 
2.9 	attempt to prevent injury to a person or property.