If your trucking travels are taking you to or through Minnesota between now and late July, keep an eye on your speedometer.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says an anti-speeding campaign will be carried out by sheriff’s deputies and state troopers across the state through July 21. More than 300 agencies will participate in the speed enforcement campaign coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.
Last year, 113 people died in speed-related fatalities, according to preliminary reports by the department of public safety. That’s the highest number of speed-related deaths in a decade, according to the department.
The exact cost of a speeding ticket varies by county, but officials say drivers can expect to pay about $110 for traveling 10 mph over the speed limit. Fines double for those going 20 mph over.
Also of interest if you’re driving in Minnesota later this summer, the state’s new hands-free law takes effect Aug. 1.
The 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.
However, you may not hold the phone in your hand. Also, 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 non-navigation apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on the phone.
For more information about the law visit HandsFreeMN.org.
