Minnesota driver ticketed for hand-free violation was texting about the new law, police say

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Minnesota's hands-free law went into effect Thursday, and a driver was cited in a suburban Minneapolis city for texting about it.

>> Read more trending news

The Eagan Police Department tweeted that an officer saw a driver in the next lane texting about the law she was violating, WCCO reported. The officer also saw the driver put the phone to her ear to make a telephone call, which is also illegal under a Minnesota law that went into effect the same day.

"Thanks for spreading the word," Eagan police officials tweeted regarding the driver. "But COME ON!"

Minnesota's hands-free driving law makes it illegal for drivers to hold their cellphones except for emergency calls, WCCO reported. Drivers may still use their phones to make calls or display maps, but only through a hands-free system, the television station reported.

Drivers cited must pay $50 plus court fees, WCCO reported. It gets steeper for repeat offenders; the second ticket will cost $275 plus court fees, the television station reported

About the Author