SF 985

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 02/20/2015 09:24am

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; traffic regulations; prohibiting handheld use of
wireless communications devices while a vehicle is in motion or part of traffic;
establishing fines and criminal penalties; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014,
section 169.475, subdivisions 2, 3, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 169.475, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Prohibition on use.

No person may operate a motor vehicle while using a
wireless communications device to new text begin (1) new text end compose, read, or send an electronic message, new text begin or
(2) make a cellular phone call, new text end when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 169.475, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

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 mode;

deleted text begin (2) for making a cellular phone call;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end for obtaining emergency assistance to (i) report a traffic accident, medical
emergency, or serious traffic hazard, or (ii) prevent a crime about to be committed;

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety is in immediate danger; or

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end in an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 169.475, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Violations; fine. new text end

new text begin (a) Any motor vehicle operator who violates subdivision
2 is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and must pay a fine of $100.
new text end

new text begin (b) Any motor vehicle operator who is convicted of a second violation of subdivision
2 shall pay a fine of $200.
new text end

new text begin (c) Any motor vehicle operator who is convicted of a third or subsequent violation
of subdivision 2 shall pay a fine of $300, unless paragraph (d) applies.
new text end

new text begin (d) Any motor vehicle operator who violates subdivision 2 three or more times in a
two-year period is guilty of a misdemeanor.
new text end