Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to update the rules on what types of electronic displays are allowed to be visible to drivers while operating a motor vehicle. This is part of Minnesota’s effort to enhance road safety by limiting distractions for drivers.

Main Provisions

• Dynamic Content Restriction: It establishes that no electronic device or vehicle interface system should display dynamic content, such as video conferencing, video calls, livestreaming, games, or any content with substantial changes in its graphical display, in a way that it is visible to the driver when the vehicle is in motion.

• Definitions: The bill clarifies terminologies:

  • "Dynamic content" includes video content, games, and any interactive content with movement.
  • "Electronic device" refers to gadgets like wireless communication devices, electronic tablets, laptops, gaming devices, and any portable consumer electronics with displays.
  • "Vehicle interface system" pertains to devices integrated into vehicles that provide control over dynamic content.

• Prohibition: Drivers are prohibited from using electronic devices or vehicle interface systems that show any dynamic content visible to them while the vehicle is moving or in traffic.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Existing Exceptions: The bill retains exceptions for law enforcement and emergency vehicles, driver-assisting systems like rear-view video, and devices used for vehicle control and navigation that are not intended for entertainment or interactive purposes.
• New Extensions: It extends the exceptions to include devices that offer a passive display, and ensures compliance with existing hands-free operation laws for communication devices.

Relevant Terms

dynamic content, electronic content, electronic device, vehicle interface system, video conferencing, livestreaming, interactive content, portable consumer electronics, driving distraction, navigation system, law enforcement vehicles, emergency vehicles.