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S.F. No. 837 - Prohibiting Cell Phone Use While Driving (As Amended)
 
Author: Senator Jim Carlson
 
Prepared By: Senate Counsel, Research and Fiscal Analysis (651/296-4791)
 
Date: March 20, 2017



 

Section 1. Wireless communications device. A GPS or navigation system that is physically integrated into the vehicle is not considered a wireless communications device. 

Sec. 2. Use of Wireless Communications Device.

Subdivision 1. Definition. “Voice-activated or hands-free mode” is defined.

Subd. 2. Prohibition on use; penalty. Prohibits a person driving a vehicle from using: 1) a wireless communications device to initiate, compose, read, or send an electronic message; or 2) a cell phone to make or participate in a phone call. A person driving a vehicle is prohibted from watching video on a wireless device.

Subd. 3. Exceptions. The prohibitions in subdivision 2 don’t apply if the wireless communications device is used in a voice-activated or hands-free mode or for emergencies. These exceptions do not apply to watching a video. This section does not apply to devices that function solely as a GPS or navigation system. 

 
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