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More than 5,000 cited for using cellphones while driving

State officials say more than 5,000 citations have been issued to drivers in Minnesota since a hands-free law took effect in August. The numbers of citations given in the Marshall area don’t make up a big portion of that total — just over a dozen citations have been issued over the past three months, law enforcement officials said. However, the number of citations for hands-free violations has increased compared to August.

The Marshall Police Department has issued a total of 12 citations for hands-free law violations since August, said Marshall Public Safety Director Jim Marshall. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office has issued one citation since the law went into effect, said Sheriff Eric Wallen.

Wallen said the Sheriff’s Office doesn’t have a good way to track the number of warnings that have been issued for hands-free violations over the past three months. However, he said, “We do still issue a fair amount.” It’s also possible that violations are easier to see in town, where traffic moves at slower speeds, he said.

The new law makes it illegal to use a cellphone while driving. Department of Public Safety spokesman Mike Hanson told Minnesota Public Radio News law enforcement officers don’t have to determine what drivers are doing with their cellphones, just the fact they have it in their hands is a violation.

The law allows a driver to use voice commands or single-touch activation to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions.

Minnesota became the 19th state with a hands-free law when it took effect Aug. 1. Fines are $50 for the first offense and $275 for each subsequent violation, plus court costs.

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