HF 1180

1st Engrossment - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 05/14/2018 10:16am

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; prohibiting certain use of cellular phones while driving;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, sections 169.011, subdivision 94; 169.475.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.011, subdivision 94, is amended to read:

Subd. 94.

Wireless communications device.

"Wireless communications device" means
(1) a cellular phone, or (2) a portable electronic device that is capable of receiving and
transmitting data, including but not limited to text messages and e-mail, without an access
line for service. A wireless communications device does not include a device that is
permanently affixed to the vehicle, or a global positioning system or navigation system
when the system is used exclusively for navigation purposes that is physically integrated
into the vehicle.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.475, is amended to read:

169.475 USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE.

Subdivision 1.

Definition Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following
terms have the meanings given.

(b) "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,: e-mail; a text message; an instant message; a
command or request to access a World Wide Web page; video content, whether Web-based,
stored on the device, or accessed in any other manner; images; pictures; 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 person.

(c) "Voice-activated or hands-free mode" means an attachment, accessory, application,
wireless connection, or built-in feature of a wireless communications device or vehicle that
allows the user to:

(1) vocally compose or send, or to listen to a text-based communication without the use
of either hand except to activate or deactivate a feature or function; or

(2) engage in a phone call without the use of either hand except to activate or deactivate
a feature or function.

Subd. 2.

Prohibition on use; penalty.

(a) No Except as provided in subdivision 3, when
a motor vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic, the person may operate a motor operating
the vehicle while is prohibited from using:

(1) a wireless communications device to initiate, compose, read, or send an electronic
message, when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic; or

(2) a cellular phone, including but not limited to initiating a cellular phone call and
talking or listening on the phone.

(b) When a motor vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic, the person operating the vehicle
is prohibited from using a wireless communications device to view video content, whether
Web-based, stored on the device, or accessed in any other manner. This paragraph does not
apply to viewing a global positioning system or navigation system.

(c) A person who violates paragraph paragraphs (a) and (b) a second or subsequent time
must pay a fine of $225, plus the amount specified in the uniform fine schedule established
by the Judicial Council.

(d) For purposes of this subdivision, a motor vehicle is not considered to be in motion
or a part of traffic if the vehicle is legally pulled over to the side of the road, has come to a
complete stop, and is not obstructing traffic.

Subd. 3.

Exceptions.

This section does (a) The prohibitions in subdivision 2, paragraph
(a), do not apply if a wireless communications device is used:

(1) solely in a voice-activated or other hands-free mode to make or participate in a phone
call or to initiate, compose, read, or send an electronic message;

(2) for making a cellular phone call;

(3) for obtaining to obtain emergency assistance to (i) report a traffic accident, medical
emergency, or serious traffic hazard, or (ii) prevent a crime about to be committed;

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

(5) (4) in an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties.

(b) This section does not apply to a device that is functioning solely as a global
positioning system or navigation system that is temporarily affixed to the vehicle.

(c) The prohibition in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2), does not apply to the use
of a cellular phone that is temporarily affixed to the vehicle to listen to audio-based content.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective August 1, 2018, and applies to acts
committed on or after that date.