WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TEXTING AND DRIVING LAWS IN MISSOURI

Texting and driving has become one of the most dangerous habits on the road, leading to countless accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year. In an effort to curb distracted driving, Missouri has recently updated its laws to impose stricter penalties on drivers caught using their mobile devices behind the wheel.

If you’re a driver in Kansas City, it’s essential to understand Missouri’s new texting and driving laws and how they may impact you. Whether you’re looking to stay compliant or need legal defense for a citation, this may be able to walk you through everything you need to know about Missouri’s latest hands-free driving regulations.

If you have been ticketed in Missouri for texting and driving, seek legal advice. The experienced and affordable Kansas City traffic defense attorneys at Speeding Ticket KC can help.

MISSOURI’S NEW HANDS-FREE DRIVING LAW

In August 2023, Missouri enacted the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, which introduced stricter regulations on mobile device use while driving. This law applies to all drivers and prohibits several specific actions that were previously unregulated for adult drivers.

What Is Now Prohibited under the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law?

Under the new law, drivers are no longer allowed to:

• Physically hold or support a cell phone with any part of their body while driving.
• Manually type, write, send, or read text messages.
• Watch, record, post, or broadcast videos, including video calls and social media streaming.
• Engage in any activity on their phone that requires holding the device while driving.

These changes mark a significant shift from Missouri’s previous texting and driving law, which only banned drivers under 21 from sending, reading, or writing texts while driving. Now, the law applies to all drivers, regardless of age.

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING MISSOURI’S HANDS-FREE LAW

The enforcement of Missouri’s new hands-free law began with a grace period in 2023, during which law enforcement primarily issued warnings. However, as of January 1, 2025, full enforcement is now in effect, meaning violators can face fines and other penalties.

Fines for Hands-Free Law Violations:

• First offense – Up to $150 fine
• Second offense within two years – Up to $250 fine
• Third or subsequent offense within two years – Up to $500 fine

Additionally, if a violation occurs in a school or construction zone, the fine can be automatically increased to up to $500 for a first offense.

For drivers whose violation results in a crash that causes serious injury or death, the penalties become significantly more severe. These cases could lead to criminal charges, including possible jail time.

EXCEPTIONS TO MISSOURI’S HANDS-FREE LAW

While Missouri’s new texting and driving law is strict, there are some exceptions to when drivers can legally use their mobile devices.

Drivers are still allowed to:

• Use their phone for hands-free communication (Bluetooth, speakerphone, voice commands, etc.).
• Use GPS or navigation apps as long as they are not physically holding the device.
• Call emergency services (911) in urgent situations.
• Use their device while parked or stopped at a red light or railroad crossing.

These exceptions allow for necessary phone use while minimizing dangerous distractions behind the wheel.

HOW THE LAW AFFECTS KANSAS CITY DRIVERS

Kansas City is one of the busiest cities in Missouri, with heavy traffic, confusing construction zones, and a high volume of pedestrians. Because of these factors, law enforcement agencies in the area are likely to strictly enforce the hands-free law.

Drivers in Kansas City should be particularly cautious when driving near school zones, work zones, and downtown areas, where police are more likely to monitor for violations.

What to Do If You Receive a Texting and Driving Citation:

If you are cited for violating Missouri’s hands-free law, you may have options to contest the charge or reduce the penalties.

Here’s what you should do:

• Do not admit fault on the scene – Remain calm and polite when interacting with law enforcement, but do not admit guilt or argue.
• Take note of the circumstances – Write down details about where and when the citation was issued, including whether you were at a complete stop or if you were using a hands-free feature.
• Consult a traffic defense attorney – If you believe the citation was unfair or issued in error, an experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyer can help you challenge the ticket.
• Consider legal defenses – Some possible defenses may include proving that you were using a hands-free function, disputing the officer’s observations, or showing that you were using the device in an emergency situation.

Hiring an experienced Kansas City traffic defense attorney can help minimize the fines or even get the citation dismissed in certain cases.

HOW TO AVOID VIOLATING MISSOURI’S HANDS-FREE LAW

The best way to avoid a texting and driving citation is to develop safer driving habits. Here are some tips to help you comply with Missouri’s new hands-free law:

• Use Bluetooth or voice-activated features – Set up your phone for hands-free calling and navigation before you start driving.
• Put your phone away – If you’re tempted to check messages, keep your phone out of reach while driving.
• Set up “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode – Most smartphones have a feature that automatically silences notifications while you’re driving.
• Plan ahead – Adjust your GPS and music playlist before getting on the road.

By following these precautions, you can avoid unnecessary tickets and help make Missouri’s roads safer.

HIRE AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER

Missouri’s new Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law marks a major shift in how the state addresses distracted driving. Now that all drivers are required to follow strict hands-free rules, Kansas City residents must adjust their driving habits to avoid citations and keep themselves and others safe on the road.

If you or someone you know has been cited for a texting and driving violation, it’s important to understand your legal options. A skilled Kansas City traffic defense lawyer can assess your case and help fight the charges.

Have questions about your ticket? Contact one of our affordable Kansas City traffic defense attorneys at Speeding Ticket KC today for a free case evaluation to discuss your case details and explore your legal options.