Minnesota Legislature
SF 593
1st Engrossment - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 03/15/2010 02:58pm
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A bill for an act
relating to traffic regulations; modifying provisions governing operation of
wireless communications device while operating motor vehicle; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.475.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1.
Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.475, is amended to read:
169.475 USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE.
deleted text begin Subdivision 1. deleted text end
deleted text begin Definition. deleted text end
deleted text begin For purposes of this section, "electronic message"
means a self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to
be transmitted between physical devices. An electronic message includes, but is not
limited to, e-mail, a text message, an instant message, a command or request to access
a World Wide Web page, or other data that uses a commonly recognized electronic
communications protocol. An electronic message does not include voice or other data
transmitted as a result of making a phone call, or data transmitted automatically by a
wireless communications device without direct initiation by a persondeleted text end .
Subd. 2.
Prohibition on use.
No person may operate a motor vehicle while using a
wireless communications device deleted text begin to compose, read, or send an electronic message,deleted text end when
the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.
Subd. 3.
Exceptions.
This section does not apply if a wireless communications
device is used:
(1) solely in a voice-activated or other hands-free modenew text begin by a person who is not a
school bus driver operating a school bus, an instruction permit holder, or a provisional
license holdernew text end ;
(2) deleted text begin for making a cellular phone calldeleted text end new text begin by the operator of an authorized emergency
vehicle in the performance of official dutiesnew text end ;
(3) deleted text begin for obtaining emergency assistance to (i) report a traffic accident, medical
deleted text end deleted text begin emergency, or serious traffic hazard, or (ii) prevent a crime about to be committeddeleted text end new text begin to
report an illegal activitynew text end ;
(4) deleted text begin in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety is in immediate dangerdeleted text end new text begin to
summon medical emergency assistancenew text end ; or
(5) deleted text begin in an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official dutiesdeleted text end new text begin to
attempt to prevent injury to a person or propertynew text end .