Public Safety officials say more than 5,000 citations have been issued to drivers in Minnesota since a hands-free law went on line in August.
The law makes it illegal to use a cellphone while driving. Department of Public Safety spokesman Mike Hanson tells Minnesota Public Radio News law enforcement officers don't have to determine exactly what drivers are doing with their cellphones, just the fact they have it in their hands is a violation.
“You can't be scrolling, you can't be surfing the internet, Snapchatting, Facebooking, watching videos or anything like that," explained Hanson. "Just the fact that you have it in your hand is the violation."
Drivers are allowed to use voice commands or single-touch activation to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions.
Minnesota became the 19th state with a hands-free law when it took effect Aug. 1. Fines are $50 for the first offense and $275 for each subsequent violation, plus court costs.
The hands-free law also is the centerpiece of the Toward Zero Deaths Conference in St. Cloud, Minn., this week.
