To help reduce crashes, the Plymouth Police Department will focus its December education and enforcement efforts on distracted driving.

Through this initiative, the Plymouth Police Department Traffic Unit will aim to help save lives and reduce injuries by educating motorists about the law. Distracted driving is covered in multiple areas of state law and pertains to the use of wireless communications devices, motorists under the age of 18 and reckless or careless driving.

“This is a life-and-death issue. We want drivers to put down their phones and focus on driving,” said Plymouth Patrol Officer Scott Kirchner. “Sending or reading a text is not worth risking your life – or the lives of others on the road.”

Use of Wireless Communications Device
The Law: According to Minnesota Statute 169.475, “No person may operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message, when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.”

What it Means: It is illegal for drivers of all ages to compose, read, or send electronic messages or access the Internet on a wireless device when the vehicle is in motion or part of traffic. This includes being stopped in traffic or at a light. The law does not apply to GPS or navigation systems.

Motorists Under the Age of 18
The Law: According to Minnesota Statute 171.055, Subd. 2, “A provisional license holder may not operate a vehicle while communicating over, or otherwise operating, a cellular or wireless telephone, whether handheld or hands free, when the vehicle is in motion.” Minnesota Statute 171.05, Subd. 2b applies the above law to instructional permit holders under the age of 18.

What it Means: It is illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone at all – except to call 911 in an emergency.

Reckless or Careless Driving
The Law: According to Minnesota Statute 169.13, “Any person who drives any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate either a willful or a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving and such reckless driving is a misdemeanor.”

What it Means: Distracted drivers can be ticketed for reckless or careless driving when their actions demonstrate a disregard for the safety or rights of others.