Texting while driving, Missouri Law.

Texting while driving laws in Missouri regulate the use of mobile electronic devices while driving. These laws aim to forbid drivers from texting or responding to emails while driving.

The revisor of Statutes in the State of Missouri, Section 304.820 that came into effect on August 28, 2013 bans all drivers under the age of 21 from texting and using handheld mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle. This law also requires that drivers operating commercial vehicles abide by this law, their age notwithstanding.  According to Missouri law, ‘texting’ encompasses reading, writing, and/or sending text messages or emails.

Missouri became only the ninth state in the US to target a particular age group in this law. The state is also among the four states that do not have a cell phone and texting laws against drivers of all ages.

Exceptions to the Texting While Driving Law

There are instances where drivers can be exempted from using their mobilde devices while on the road. The exceptions include;

– A person operating an authorized emergency vehicle

-Using a wireless device to report a crime, summon emergency services, prevent injury to people or destruction to property

-Operating handsfree devices that are inbuilt in vehicles

– Using the device to receive messages that assist in operating or navigating the vehicle

– Using voice-operated technologies where the use of hands is only limited to activating or deactivating the device.

Under Missouri regulations, drivers may still be allowed to use other features like maps, GPS systems, and music functions in a limited way.

Penalties for Texting and Driving in Missouri

Under Missouri law, driving while texting is a serious offense for drivers of commercial vehicles and those under 21, which means a police officer can stop you without any other reason. In some other states, driving and texting is a secondary offense. As a result, a police officer cannot stop you unless there is another reason to do so.

If a police officer stops you texting while driving, you may face penalties. The penalties may include payment of fines and the addition of demerit points on the driver’s license. Usually, these fines are relatively light, and offenders may be required to pay up to $200 or have 2 points against their driving license.

Other charges

Distraction remains to be the top cause of road accidents. Nearly 60% of accidents in Missouri are related to distracted driving.

Even if it is legal for drivers above 21 years to text while driving, it is essential to remember that doing so requires a high multi-tasking ability, and could, therefore, be dangerous. Drivers, regardless of age, are thus advised to stay off of their cell phones while driving for every road user’s safety. 

You can be charged with other crimes that might result from texting while driving, for example, traffic violations such as careless driving, speeding, running a red light and lane weaving.

Driving while texting can also lead to accidents that might result in loss of lives and damage of property, which are criminal offenses. While the cell phone and texting law might allow you to use a mobile device when driving it may not protect you from criminal charges. It is therefore essential to always stay away from your cellphone while on the road.

If you have been charged with texting while driving in Missouri, or you have been injured because of reckless driving, you need a defense attorney to represent you. At KC defense counsel, we are committed to helping you get justice. Our defense attorneys will give you the best legal representation to ensure the charges are dropped or you get fair compensation.

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