WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M TICKETED FOR TEXTING AND DRIVING IN MISSOURI?

As smartphones become a permanent fixture in our lives, so do the dangers of distracted driving. In Missouri, that means serious consequences if you’re caught texting behind the wheel.

Whether you think it was “just a quick glance” or you were stuck in traffic, a ticket for texting while driving can lead to real penalties, especially now that Missouri has toughened its laws. At Speeding Ticket KC, our experienced Kansas City traffic lawyers can help save your driving record, your license, and your wallet.

MISSOURI’S NEW DISTRACTED DRIVING LAW

As of August 28, 2023, Missouri officially enacted the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, which prohibits all drivers from physically holding or using a cell phone while operating a vehicle. This law replaced the previous texting ban, which only applied to drivers under 21.

Under the new law, it is illegal for all drivers, regardless of age, to:

• Manually send, read, or write text messages
• Hold or support a phone with any part of the body
• Watch or record videos
• Scroll social media or websites
• Use apps while driving

PENALTIES FOR TEXTING WHILE DRIVING IN MISSOURI

Violations of Missouri’s hands-free law can lead to:

• Fines starting at $150 for a first offense
• Up to $500 for repeat violations within a 2-year period
• Two points added to your driving record
• A possible misdemeanor if the violation causes a crash
• Increased insurance premiums

More importantly, if texting leads to a serious accident or injury, prosecutors may pursue reckless driving or even criminal charges. A simple glance at your phone could cost you your license or much worse.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE

There are a few limited exceptions:

• You may use hands-free voice commands or Bluetooth technology
• Using a device when the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped
• Calling 911 in an emergency
• Law enforcement and first responders acting in official capacity

But keep in mind: holding your phone, even at a red light, could still earn you a ticket under the new law.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T JUST PAY THE TICKET

If you’re cited for texting while driving, paying the fine might seem like the easiest option.

But that counts as a guilty plea. You’ll be:

• Admitting fault
• Accepting points on your license
• Facing higher insurance premiums
• Risking more severe consequences if you get another ticket

And once it’s on your driving record, you can’t undo it.

HOW A KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC ATTORNEY CAN HELP YOUR CASE

At Speeding Ticket KC, we handle distracted driving cases across Missouri and know exactly how to protect your record. We can:

• Challenge the citation if evidence is weak or improperly collected
• Negotiate for a reduced charge (such as a non-moving violation)
• Help you avoid points, insurance hikes, and future license risk
• Appear in court on your behalf, so you don’t miss work or school

CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC AND LET US HELP BEGIN BUILDING YOUR DEFENSE

Missouri’s new hands-free law means law enforcement is watching closely—and the penalties are real. If you’ve been ticketed for texting and driving in MIssouri, don’t risk your driving future.

Call Speeding Ticket KC today for a free consultation. Let our affordable and skilled Kansas City DUI/DWI attorneys help you reduce or dismiss your distracted driving charge and protect your record.

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 us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers in Missouri can be of assistance.