Key Minnesota facts: Phones & Distraction
Two or more convictions for texting while driving bring a $275 fine on top of the court's fine. Chapter 3, Cell phones, p. 40 Permit holders under 18 are barred from any cell phone use behind the wheel, hands-free included. Chapter 1, If you are under 18, p. 13 Provisional license holders are barred from phone calls and other phone use while driving, hands-free included. Chapter 1, Your provisional license, p. 14 Texting, emailing or using the internet is illegal while driving, including while stopped in traffic. Chapter 6, Illegal driver behaviors in Minnesota, p. 79 Exceptions to the messaging ban include getting emergency help, reporting a crash or crime, and voice-activated or hands-free mode. Chapter 3, Cell phones, p. 40 Sample Phones & Distraction questions
May a provisional license holder make a hands-free call while driving?
No, that is not allowed Yes, on highways Yes, with a headset Show the answer
No, that is not allowed
Provisional drivers may not use or talk on a phone, even hands-free.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 1, Your provisional license, p. 14
Does hands-free mode let a Minnesota driver join a video call?
Yes, if the phone is mounted Yes, below 30 mph No, video calls are not allowed Show the answer
No, video calls are not allowed
Hands-free use does not cover video calling, live-streaming or reading messages.
Source: Minnesota Statutes, Minn. Stat. § 169.475, subd. 3(b)
What is cognitive distraction?
Looking away from the road Taking your hands off the wheel Being lost in thought Show the answer
Being lost in thought
Visual and physical distractions are the other two types.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 6, Distracted driving, p. 78
Under Minnesota law, how may an adult driver use a phone's GPS while the car is moving?
Without holding it or typing Typing an address at a red light Holding it in one hand Show the answer
Without holding it or typing
Navigation is allowed only if the phone is not held and needs no typing in motion or in traffic.
Source: Minnesota Statutes, Minn. Stat. § 169.475, subd. 3(a)(2)
Distraction is a factor in at least what share of Minnesota crashes each year?
5 percent 90 percent 25 percent 10 percent Show the answer
25 percent
Distracted drivers notice hazards later and react more slowly.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 6, Distracted driving, p. 78
You are stopped in traffic at a red light. May you read a text message?
Yes, since you are stopped Yes, if it is short No, it is still illegal Show the answer
No, it is still illegal
The ban covers time spent stopped in traffic too.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 6, Illegal driver behaviors in Minnesota, p. 79
You are 16 with an instruction permit. May you talk on a hands-free phone while driving?
Yes, for short calls Yes, if it is hands-free No, not even hands-free Show the answer
No, not even hands-free
Permit holders under 18 may not use a phone at all while driving.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 1, If you are under 18, p. 13
Which of these lets an adult driver use a phone to compose or send messages?
Driving slower than 25 mph Voice-activated or hands-free mode Holding it at eye level to see the road Show the answer
Voice-activated or hands-free mode
The phone must not be held. Getting emergency help and reporting a crash or crime are also allowed.
Source: Minnesota Statutes, Minn. Stat. § 169.475, subd. 3(a)(1) ; Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 3, Cell phones, p. 40
May you browse the internet on your phone while driving in Minnesota?
Yes, on straight roads Yes, at low speeds No, it is illegal Show the answer
No, it is illegal
Accessing the internet is banned along with texting and email.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 3, Cell phones, p. 40
What extra fine applies after two or more convictions for texting while driving?
Show the answer
$275
It comes on top of the fine the court sets.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 3, Cell phones, p. 40
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Minnesota Driver's Manual (June 2026 (cover), English PDF, read 2026-11-09. Page numbers cited are the manual's printed ones (PDF page = printed page + 3). Where the manual is silent, Minnesota Statutes and Rules on revisor.mn.gov are the source. edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
