Roseville Police want you to stay safe. Beginning August 1, Minnesota will be joining states across the country that prohibit holding a cell phone while driving for anything other than emergency assistance calls.
The new law allows a driver to use a cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only when using voice commands or single touch activation without holding the phone.
A driver may not use their phone for video calling, video live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at videos or photos stored on the phone, using apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on the phone.
Hand-held phone use is allowed to call emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties.
Police officers remind you that hands-free is not necessarily distraction free. They encourage drivers to select music, get directions and make calls before driving the vehicle. Officers will be looking for drivers violating the law. The first ticket is $50 plus court fees and the second and later tickets are $275 plus court fees.
Learn more about hands-free driving at HandsFreeMN.org.