Minnesota House passes hands-free cell phone bill

The Minnesota House voted 106-21 Monday night for a bill banning people from utilizing hand-held phones while driving.

There are already laws banning motorists from texting, emailing, and internet searches while driving. The chair of the House transportation committee, representative Frank Hornstein, wants hand-held cell phones added to this law.

Under Rep. Horenstein’s bill, there would be exceptions for the activation of one-touch functions and calls during emergency situations. This bill was created on the intent of improving safety, however, the hands-free requirement will not remove all forms of distracted driving.

Hands-free legislation is poised for a vote by the full Senate. There are differences between the House and Senate bill. The Senate version, for example, allows for an exception for operating GPS devices. Hornstein said he is optimistic that the differences can be worked out and that a final bill will reach Governor Tim Walz in the coming weeks.

Hands-free legislation is poised for a vote by the full Senate. The Senate version allows for an exception for operating GPS devices.

Drivers would face a $50 fine. This is the same penalty that texting while driving currently carries unless they are using voice-activated calling or one-touch features on their cell phones.

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