Signed by Governor Tim Walz

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report that prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving, effective August 1, 2019.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual who is operating a motor vehicle that is in motion or a part of traffic from the following (Sec. 2):

• Initiating, composing, sending or reading an electronic message;

• Engaging, initiating, taking, or listening to a cellular phone call; and

• Participating in a video call.

• Exempts wireless communication devices used (Sec. 2):

• Solely in a voice activated or hands-free mode to initiate or participate in a cellular phone call or to initiatie, compose, sent, or listen to an electronic message;

• To view or operate a global positioning or navigation system in a manner that does not require the driver to type while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic, provided that the individual does not hold the device with one or both hands;

• To listen to audio-based content in a manner that does not require the driver to scroll or type while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic, provided that the individual does not hold the device with one or both hands;

• To obtain emergency assistance to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, or serious traffic hazard, or prevent a crime about to be committed;

• In the reasonable belief that an individual’s life or safety is in immediate danger; or

• In an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties.

• Defines “electronic message” as a self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between physical devices (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that an electronic message includes, but is not limited to to the following (Sec. 2):

• Email;

• Text message;

• Instant message;

• Command or request to access a web page;

• Voice-mail message;

• Transmitted Image;

• Transmitted video content, like video calls;

• Transmitted gaming data; and

• Other data transmitted using a commonly recognized electronic communications protocol.

• Specifies that an electronic message does not include the following (Sec. 2):

• Voice or audio data transmitted as a result of making a phone call;

• Data transmitted between a motor vehicle and a wireless communications device located in the vehicle;

• Data transmitted by a two-way radio, citizens band radio, or amateur radio used in accordance with Federal Communications Commission's rules and regulations; or

• Data transmitted automatically without direct initiation by an individual.

• Defines “voice-activated or hands-free mode” as an attachment, accessory, wirelessly paired or tethered capability, application, wireless connection, or built-in feature of a wireless communications device or a motor vehicle that allows the individual to use verbal or single touch commands to activate or deactivate the device and activate or deactivate a function or software application of the device (Sec. 2).

• Specifies the effective of this act is August 1, 2019 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving, effective August 1, 2019.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual who is operating a motor vehicle that is in motion or a part of traffic from the following (Sec. 2):

• Initiating, composing, sending or reading an electronic message;

• Engaging, initiating, taking, or listening to a cellular phone call; and

• Participating in a video call.

• Exempts wireless communication devices used solely for access to a global positioning or navigation system (Sec. 1).

• Defines “electronic message” as a voicemail message, transmitted image, audio, or video content including a video call (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text