You’ve Probably Done This Behind The Wheel, But It’s Illegal In Minnesota

ST. PAUL, MN — A recent court ruling in California might not apply here, but the warning does: if you’re holding your phone while driving, even just to look at directions, you’re violating Minnesota law, too.

Minnesota’s hands-free driving law, which went into effect in 2019, makes it illegal to hold your phone while operating a vehicle. That includes holding it to read directions, scroll music, check messages, or even snap a quick photo.

The only exception? You can use your phone hands-free, either by voice commands or single-touch activation, as long as the device is not in your hand.

"You may not hold your phone in your hand," according to the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety.

"A driver may not use their phone at any time for video calling, video live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at video or photos, using non-navigation apps, reading texts or scrolling or typing on the phone."

What’s Allowed Under the Law?

You’re allowed to:

• Make calls
• Send texts
• Listen to music or podcasts
• Get directions

But only if you're using voice commands or a single touch, and the phone is mounted or out of your hand.

"The law allows a driver to use their cell phone," but "only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone," the Office of Traffic Safety notes.

If you're using your phone for GPS, it must be mounted. You’re allowed to place it on the passenger seat, in a cup holder, or on the dashboard, but you cannot be touching it while driving.

There have also been questions about whether it's legal to tuck a phone into a headscarf, hijab, or similar wrap. According to state officials, simply having a phone secured in a head covering is not a violation of the hands-free law, as long as it stays in place, doesn’t block the driver’s vision, and is used in hands-free mode.

What is illegal is removing the phone and holding it while driving. Unless it’s an emergency or you’re in an authorized emergency vehicle, drivers may not hold their phone at any time while in traffic.

What Teens Should Know

If you’re under 18 with a permit or provisional license, the law is stricter: you can’t use your phone at all, even in hands-free mode, except:

• To use GPS (in hands-free mode, with the destination entered before driving)
• To listen to music (in hands-free mode only)
• To call 911 in an emergency

The Penalties

• First ticket: More than $120 (including court fees)
• Second or more violations: More than $300

Police can pull you over just for seeing you holding your phone while driving.

"Because drivers aren’t allowed to have a phone in their hand, it’ll be easier for law enforcement to see violations," the Office of Traffic Safety says.

How To Go Hands-Free

Here are a few easy options:

• Put your phone in the glove box, console, or back seat and leave it alone
• Use Bluetooth, a headset, or a phone mount
• Use “Do Not Disturb” mode or a driving safety app
• Enter your GPS destination before you start driving

"Hands-free is not necessarily distraction-free," officials add. "But the law is about keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road."

A recent case in California underscores how serious this issue is becoming nationwide. This week, the California Court of Appeals reinstated a $158 fine against a man who was cited for holding his phone and looking at GPS directions while driving.

The driver claimed he wasn’t breaking the law because he wasn’t tapping or typing, just looking. But the court ruled that even "observing a mapping application on a handheld wireless telephone" counts as illegal phone use under California law.

"Allowing a driver to hold a phone and observe the screen while driving is contrary to the statute’s purpose," the California court wrote.

California’s law, like Minnesota’s, requires hands-free use and allows only a single swipe or tap when the phone is mounted.

The ruling is a reminder that holding your phone, even briefly, could cost you.