FAQ: IS IT ILLEGAL TO HOLD MY PHONE WHILE DRIVING IN KANSAS CITY?
Missouri’s distracted driving laws have changed significantly in recent years, especially as Kansas City and surrounding municipalities crack down on phone use behind the wheel. Many drivers don’t know what’s legal, what’s illegal, or what happens if they’re ticketed for handling a phone while driving.
If you’ve been cited for using your phone while driving in Kansas City, call Speeding Ticket KC today and speak with an experienced Missouri traffic defense attorney in Kansas City — we can protect your license, your insurance, and your wallet.
1. Is it illegal to hold my phone while driving in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri now prohibits holding or physically supporting a phone while operating a motor vehicle. Under recent updates to Missouri’s “Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law”, it is illegal to:
- Hold a phone in your hand
- Support a phone with your body
- Text while driving
- Scroll social media
- Record video
- Make calls without hands-free technology
Law enforcement across the Kansas City metro is actively enforcing this, especially in high-traffic corridors like I-70, I-435, and city arterials.
2. Is it illegal to touch my phone at all while driving?
A common myth is that “touching” your phone is illegal. That’s not entirely true.
Missouri allows limited single-tap or single-swipe actions, such as answering a call, ending a call, or activating an already running GPS app.
What you cannot do is engage in manual input, such as typing, scrolling, browsing, messaging, or holding the device for any purpose.
Officers often misinterpret this rule, which is why challenging the ticket may be your best option.
3. What if I was stopped at a red light or in traffic?
Missouri law applies the hands-free rule even when you are stopped at:
- Red lights
- Stop signs
- Traffic jams
- Rail crossings
- Parking lanes in active traffic zones
If the car is on and in active lanes of traffic, the law still applies. Drivers are frequently cited because they assumed stopping meant they could check their phone.
A traffic attorney can often negotiate these specific cases down to non-moving violations.
4. What penalties come with a phone-use ticket in Kansas City?
Penalties vary by municipality, but typically include:
- Fines ranging from $75–$250
- 2–3 points added to your driving record
- Increased insurance premiums
- Mandatory court in some jurisdictions
- Enhanced penalties in school or construction zones
Drivers with a CDL face even more severe consequences, including potential disqualification.
Phone-use tickets often bring heavier long-term financial consequences than speeding tickets.
5. Can a phone-use ticket make my insurance go up?
Yes and usually significantly. Insurance companies view distracted driving as a high-risk behavior. A conviction on your driving record may result in:
- Higher monthly premiums
- Multi-year surcharges
- Removal from “safe driver” programs
- Risk classification increases
Hiring a traffic lawyer to amend the ticket to a non-moving violation is the best way to avoid these hikes.
6. Can a traffic lawyer get a phone-use ticket reduced or dismissed?
Absolutely and this is extremely common. A skilled Kansas City traffic defense attorney may be able to:
- Amend the charge to a non-moving violation
- Reduce or eliminate points
- Avoid insurance increases
- Get the ticket dismissed for lack of clear evidence
- Handle the court date on your behalf
Police often issue these tickets based on observation alone, with no video or objective proof. That creates opportunities for strategic defense.
7. Should I just pay the ticket and move on?
No — never just pay a Missouri traffic ticket. Paying a ticket is the same thing as pleading guilty, and pleading guilty:
- Adds points
- Raises insurance
- Creates a record of distracted driving
- Can contribute to license suspension
- Hurts CDL holders immediately
- Affects job opportunities requiring driving
Hiring an attorney usually costs far less than the long-term financial fallout of a conviction.
HIRE AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEY NEAR ME
Missouri and Kansas City take phone-related violations seriously, and prosecutors rarely show leniency without legal representation. One ticket can raise your insurance for years, add points to your license, and impact your driving privileges.
At Speeding Ticket KC, we fight to keep distracted driving charges off your record, prevent insurance increases, and protect your ability to drive, all while handling the court process on your behalf.
Our affordable Kansas City traffic lawyers have helped thousands of drivers across Missouri save money, protect their licenses, and avoid insurance hikes. We handle everything—from speeding and red-light tickets to reckless driving and license suspensions. With years of experience in Missouri traffic courts, we know how to get results fast. You shouldn’t have to take off work or stress over paperwork, we do the heavy lifting for you.
Contact Speeding Ticket KC today to speak with an experienced Missouri traffic ticket lawyer who can help you fight back and move forward.
Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland, Drexel, Fairview, Ferrelview, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy, Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.
Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.
Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.
