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Minnesota has two phone rules, and which one applies depends on your license. Permit and provisional drivers may not use a cell phone at all while the vehicle is moving, not even hands-free. Drivers with a full license fall under the Hands-Free law (Minnesota Statutes section 169.475), which bans holding a phone but allows voice-activated or one-touch use. This page sets out what each group can and cannot do, and the fines.
Teen ban vs adult hands-free rule
| Action while moving or in traffic | Permit or provisional driver | Full license holder |
|---|---|---|
| Holding the phone | Banned | Banned |
| Hands-free call by voice or one touch | Banned | Allowed |
| Dictating or listening to a text by voice | Banned | Allowed |
| Reading a text on screen | Banned | Banned |
| Video, video calls, live-streaming, games | Banned | Banned |
| GPS without typing, phone not held | Operating the phone is banned; set it before you move | Allowed |
| Calling for emergency help | Allowed as a defense | Allowed |
The rule for Minnesota permit and provisional drivers
If you hold an instruction permit (under 18) or a provisional license, you may not talk on, text on or otherwise operate a cell or wireless phone while the vehicle is in motion, whether handheld or hands-free. The law gives two defenses: you were getting emergency help to prevent a crime, or you reasonably believed someone’s life or safety was in danger. A violation is a petty misdemeanor.
A conviction can also cost you more than a fine: for permit holders, the commissioner can suspend or cancel the permit for moving violations, and a provisional driver with more than one moving violation has the full license delayed. See Minnesota provisional license rules.
Minnesota’s Hands-Free law for all drivers
When your vehicle is moving or is part of traffic, you may not:
- hold a phone or other wireless device in one or both hands
- start, write, send, retrieve or read an electronic message (texts, emails, instant messages, web pages)
- make or take a phone call or video call, except in hands-free mode
- watch video, view images, play games or use apps stored on the device
“Part of traffic” includes waiting at a stop sign or red light, or sitting in a traffic jam. You are only clear when you are lawfully stopped somewhere not used for traffic and not blocking anyone.
What adults may do:
- calls and voice-to-text in voice-activated or hands-free mode, without holding the phone
- GPS or navigation that does not need typing, without holding the phone
- audio such as music or podcasts, as long as you do not scroll or type
- calls to report a crash, medical emergency, serious road hazard or crime, or when someone’s life is in immediate danger
Hands-free mode never covers reading messages, video calls, live-streaming, gaming or non-navigation video.
Minnesota hands-free fines
| Offense | Fine |
|---|---|
| First | $50, according to the Minnesota House Research Department (October 2019), plus surcharge and court costs |
| Second or later | $275, set in the statute, plus surcharge and court costs |
The House Research Department says the surcharge adds at least $75. Totals change, so check the current amount on your citation or with the court.
If phone use leads to dangerous driving, prosecutors can bring careless or reckless driving charges instead, which are crimes.
Scenarios for new Minnesota drivers
- Provisional driver, mom calls through the car’s Bluetooth: do not answer while moving. Pull over somewhere safe and legal first.
- Permit driver, phone in a mount playing a playlist: do not touch it while moving. Start the music before you set off.
- Full-license driver, stopped at a red light, checks a text: illegal. Waiting at a light is still part of traffic.
- Any driver, sees a crash on the freeway: calling for help is allowed.
Common questions
Can a Minnesota teen driver use hands-free calling?
No. Permit and provisional drivers may not use a phone at all while moving, including hands-free.
When does the teen phone ban end?
When you move from a provisional license to a full driver’s license. After that, the adult Hands-Free law applies.
Is it legal to hold my phone at a stop light in Minnesota?
No. A vehicle stopped at a light or stop sign, or in a jam, is still part of traffic.
Does the Hands-Free law apply to smartwatches?
The law covers wireless communications devices. Treat a smartwatch the same way and do not use it by hand while driving.
Can I use my phone as GPS?
With a full license, yes, if you do not hold it or type while moving. On a permit or provisional license, set the route before you move and do not touch the phone.
Does a hands-free ticket go on my record?
Minnesota’s licensing law defines a “moving violation” as any traffic violation except parking, equipment violations and warnings. For permit and provisional drivers, that means a phone conviction can count against the clean record you need. Ask DVS how a specific ticket affects you.
Other states’ rules: hands-free and texting laws for US drivers. Permit basics: Minnesota permit knowledge test guide. Full process: learning to drive in Minnesota.
Sources
- Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, “Minnesota Statutes 2026, section 169.475 Use of wireless communications device” (revisor.mn.gov)
- Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, “Minnesota Statutes 2026, section 171.05 Instruction permit” (revisor.mn.gov)
- Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, “Minnesota Statutes 2026, section 171.055 Provisional license” (revisor.mn.gov)
- Minnesota House Research Department, “Distracted Driving: Cell Phone Use While Driving”, October 2019 (house.mn.gov)