Much media commotion ensued last week when a local driver was pulled over by a state trooper for drinking coffee behind the wheel, according to the driver. (The facts are in conflict, for the trooper stated that the driver was actually pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt.) When you think about it, drinking coffee on the road certainly can be dangerous. We’re talking about piping-hot fluid, into which people will try to deposit packets of flavors, with flimsy lids that frequently malfunction. Probably a good number of drivers on a given weekday morning are “driving under the influence” so to speak, but many of those drivers will attest that their safe driving depends on that early morning caffeine boost.
Back to the driver at issue, is it illegal to drink coffee while driving in Minnesota? What activities are allowed while operating a motor vehicle? Texting is out, but using your voice-activated phone is generally permitted. (For teens, no using cell phones behind the wheel under any circumstance except 911 calls.) Drivers cannot wear headphones, or be watching a mobile television, but consuming food or beverages seems to be acceptable. But obviously one cannot properly control the vehicle when fumbling with a phone, a cheeseburger, or tending to infant passengers. And whether prohibited by statute or not, there is no end to the list of activities that can potentially make your drive dangerous. So what are the legal ramifications of these various driving distractions, including coffee cups, phones, babies, etc.?
Basically, MN Stat 169.13 prohibits operating a vehicle “carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of the rights of others, or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any property or any person, including the driver or passengers.” It might seem rather vague, but according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, distracted drivers can be ticketed under this statute. Essentially, it is the state of being distracted that creates the driving risk, rather than the exact activity serving as the distraction. To speculate, if you are driving with your eyes and attention on the road, following all the signs, and responding appropriately to other vehicles, then the coffee by your side probably isn’t a big deal. If you just rear-ended someone due to spilling hot coffee in your lap while trying to put sugar in it, then you might be in a different situation (and might want to contact an attorney).
