Moorhead Police remind you about upcoming Hands-Free law

The Moorhead Police Department wants to remind you to stay safe, stay alive and stay out of trouble under the new Hands-Free law.

The new Hands-Free law will start on August 1st in Minnesota. The new law allows 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.

You will no longer be allowed to hold your phone in your hand. Police say a driver may not use their phone at any time for video calling, video live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at video or photos stored on the phone, using apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on the phone.

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.

Moorhead police released some tips as to how you can stay safe on the roads:

• Cell phones - Put the phone down, turn it off, or place it out of reach.

• Music and other controls - Pre-program radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and ventilation before traveling.

• Navigation - Map out the destination and enter the GPS route in advance.

• Eating and drinking - Avoid messy foods and secure drinks.

• Children - Teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle and model proper driving behavior.

• Passengers - Speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior and offer to help with anything that takes the driver's attention off the road.