Is It Legal To Drive In MN With A Phone ‘Wrapped’ In A Hijab?

It's been a few years since Minnesota passed its hands-free driving law. That law makes driving while holding/handling a phone illegal, and punishable by fine. Even though the law was passed I still see people driving while on the phone, but what if you are using the phone 'handless' because you're holding it in place with a headband/headscarf? Are you still following Minnesota's hand-free law?

The answer is yes. Driving with a phone tucked into a headscarf/headband/hijab is entirely legal here in Minnesota as it complies with the hands-free rule.

Get our free mobile app

The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety has that question featured on it's hands-free section of its website.

Having a cell phone tucked into a headscarf or head wrap is not against the hands-free cell phone law. The phone must be securely situated to remain hands-free and must not block the driver’s vision in any way.

What would be against the new law is if the driver removed the phone and held it in their hand while they were a part of traffic.

At no time may a driver hold the phone in their hand unless it’s to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties.

The new law does allow a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts, and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.

Minnesota drivers should know that there are only two ways that they can handle their phones legally while driving in Minnesota.

• Hand-held phone use is allowed to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, OR
• When in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties.

So unless you're in one of those two situations, hang it up, folks!