Bill would ban hand held use of cell phones while driving, allow ability to use ‘hands-free’ mode & GPS

Bipartisan legislation supported by Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester)  to ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving overwhelmingly passed the Minnesota Senate on Monday, March 25. The bill allows the use of cell phones while driving in a “hands-free” setting, as well as while using it for GPS purposes.

“Over the last five years, distracted or inattentive driving was a contributing factor in one of five car crashes in Minnesota,” said Senator Nelson. “While this bill is not a total fix for distracted driving, it targets the most known cause: cell phone use. Prohibiting non-hands-free cell phone use while driving will save lives.”

After passing the Senate, the bill now heads to a conference committee with the House of Representatives, where legislators from both bodies will work out differences in their versions of the “hands-free” legislation.

“This legislation particularly targets the behavior of our youngest drivers,” added Senator Nelson. “Teaching our newest drivers that it is against the law to use a hand-held cell phone while driving will save lives for generations to come.”