1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to transportation; amending prohibition governing use of wireless 
1.3 	communications device;amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.475, 
1.4 	subdivisions 2, 3.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.475, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1.7 		Subd. 2.Prohibition on use; penalty. (a) No person may operate a motor vehicle while 
1.8 	using a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message,
1.9 	when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. For the purposes of this section, "using a 
1.10 	wireless communications device" includes: (1) composing, reading, or sending an electronic 
1.11 	message; (2) dialing, answering, or talking on a cellular phone; and (3) otherwise making 
1.12 	a cellular phone call.
1.13 	(b) A person who violates paragraph (a) a second or subsequent time must pay a fine of 
1.14 	$225, plus the amount specified in the uniform fine schedule established by the Judicial 
1.15 	Council.

1.16 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2017, and applies to violations 
1.17 	committed on or after that date.

1.18 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.475, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
1.19 		Subd. 3.Exceptions. This section does not apply if a wireless communications device 
1.20 	is used:
1.21 	(1) solely in a voice-activated or other hands-free mode;
2.1 	(2) for making a cellular phone call;
2.2 	(3) for obtaining emergency assistance to (i) report a traffic accident, medical emergency, 
2.3 	or serious traffic hazard, or (ii) prevent a crime about to be committed;
2.4 	(4) (3) in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety is in immediate danger; or
2.5 	(5) (4) in an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties.

2.6 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2017, and applies to violations 
2.7 	committed on or after that date.