July 31: New laws take effect further limiting texting, young drivers

Drivers using BlackBerrys and iPhones could face a $300 fine.

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: August 12, 2008 - 9:29 AM

New laws taking effect Friday in Minnesota will limit when teenagers can drive and how many passengers they can have.

And here's one for all drivers, regardless of age: A no-texting-while-driving law goes on the books Friday. Sending e-mails on BlackBerrys or surfing the web on iPhones also will be prohibited.

The violation can cost up to $300. As a primary offense, law enforcement can stop a motorist if they observe a violation.

The law says that no one can 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. The law doesn't apply to devices permanently affixed to the vehicle or global positioning systems or navigation systems.

According to the state Department of Public Safety, crashes in which distraction or inattention was a factor -- including text-messaging or cell phone use -- are vastly underreported.

The state reports distraction was a factor in at least 15 percent of all fatal crashes during 2005-2007, resulting in 240 traffic deaths. Another 1,163 motorists suffered serious, life-altering injuries as a result of distracted driving crashes during this period.

Also new: For the first six months of being licensed, teenagers will be prohibited from driving from midnight-5 a.m., unless the teen is accompanied by a licensed driver who is 25 or older.

Other exceptions include driving between home and work, for employment purposes and to/from home and a school event for which the school has not provided transportation.

On a per-mile basis, 16- and 17-year-olds are about three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash at night than during the day, according to the state Department of Public Safety.

Also, a new passenger limit for the first six months of being licensed allows only one passenger under age 20, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. For the next six months, no more than three passengers under age 20 are permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Passengers under age 20 who are members of the immediate family are permitted for both periods.

According to the Department of Public Safety, Minnesota teen drivers are overrepresented in traffic crashes each year due to driver inexperience, distractions, nighttime driving, speeding and seat belt non-use. In the past three years (2005-2007), 16- and 17 year-old drivers were involved in 116 fatal crashes, resulting in 133 deaths.

"These laws will help teens become safer drivers and, as a result, prevent deaths and injuries on Minnesota roads," said Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion.

Violating these laws is a misdemeanor.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

Recent Local + Metro stories

Twin Cities flu clinics set for this weekend - August 12, 2008

Twin Cities flu clinics set for this weekend - Today, Fairview Clinics will offer walk-in vaccination at its locations in Minneapolis, Bloomington, Fridley, Eagan and Wyoming, and other clinics are planned. More