Using a mobile phone while driving in Minnesota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Minnesota bans holding a wireless device while the vehicle is in motion or part of traffic, and bans calls, messages and stored content on it. Hands-free use is allowed in voice-activated or hands-free mode if the device is not held. The statute sets a fine of USD 275 for a second or subsequent violation.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed with limits [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers while moving or part of traffic: you may not compose, send, retrieve or read electronic messages. Voice-activated composing, sending or listening is allowed, but reading messages on the screen is never allowed. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Under-18 instruction permit holders and provisional licence holders may not use a mobile phone at all while the vehicle is moving, whether handheld or hands-free (petty misdemeanour; emergency defence available). [2] |
Notes
- The ban applies when the vehicle is in motion or part of traffic on a street or highway. A vehicle lawfully stopped in a location not designed for travel and not obstructing traffic is not in motion or part of traffic.
- Calls and writing, sending or listening to messages are allowed solely in voice-activated or hands-free mode, without holding the device. This does not cover non-navigation video, video calls, live-streaming, gaming data or reading messages.
- Subdivision 2(b) sets a fine of USD 275 for a second or subsequent violation. It states no amount for a first violation, and the general penalty provisions were not read.
- Section 169.475 states no penalty points.
Sources
- Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes: 169.475 Use of wireless communications device (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Minn. Stat. § 171.055: Provisional licence (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Minnesota and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Banned | Voice/hands-free mode only, device not held | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Michigan | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 (or 16 hours community service) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| North Dakota | No (texting only) | Allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| South Dakota | No (calls allowed) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wisconsin | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Work zones: Banned in work zones | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Minnesota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 8 plants, max 4 mature
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 15 years
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers/ground devices only) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (sparklers etc.)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Ordinary folding knives not named · Locking or one-handed knives: Automatic switch blade knives banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.41 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and all passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, driver and all passengers
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol, under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.