No, Minnesota law prohibits driving while distracted, and applying makeup qualifies as a prohibited activity under Minn. Stat. § 169.471. The statute bars any conduct that diverts attention from safe operation, with enforcement guided by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s 2024 distracted driving enforcement priorities. Violations may result in fines up to $120 under local ordinances, though no statewide ban explicitly names cosmetics.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Minnesota
- Statutory Distraction Ban: Minn. Stat. § 169.471 prohibits any activity that impairs a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, including grooming, which courts have interpreted to encompass makeup application.
- Local Enforcement Discretion: Cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul prioritize distracted driving enforcement under their municipal codes, with officers assessing whether makeup application constitutes “careless or reckless driving” under Minn. Stat. § 169.13.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s 2026 distracted driving initiative will expand training for law enforcement to identify secondary offenses, including makeup use, as part of broader distracted driving crackdowns.
Violations hinge on whether the activity demonstrably reduces situational awareness. Courts consider factors such as vehicle control, lane deviations, and reaction time. While no statute explicitly bans makeup, its classification as a distraction under § 169.471 subjects drivers to penalties if deemed unsafe.