CITATIONS CAN NOW BE ISSUED TO DRIVERS
Effective Jan. 1, what used to be a warning can now result in a fine.
Missouri’s texting and driving ban went into effect in 2023. It says drivers cannot physically hold or support their cellphones or any electronic communication device with any part of their body while driving a car.
Though the ban went into effect in 2023, it came with a 16-month grace period where police officers were encouraged not to hand out fines but to warn drivers of what to expect when 2025 arrives.
Well, 2025 is now here.
The state says law enforcement officers will now begin issuing citations for violations of the hands-free law.
However, it’s important to note the law is what is known as a “secondary violation.” In other words, drivers cannot be pulled over solely for violation of the hands-free law. The traffic stop by law enforcement has to be due to some other matter.
Here are more facts drivers will want to know about the hands-free law:
Penalties
The state outlines penalties as being:
1st conviction in two years: up to a $150 fine.
2nd conviction in two years: up to a $250 fine.
3rd or more conviction in two years: up to a $500 fine.
If a violation occurs in a school or work zone, fines up to $500.
If a violation occurs and causes a serious injury crash, up to six months in jail and/or fines up to $1,000.
If a violation occurs and causes a fatal crash, up to seven years in prison.
Missouri’s Hands-Free Law
Drivers can make or receive calls via hands-free devices, such as:
Using speakerphone.
Connecting their phone to the vehicle.
Using aftermarket Bluetooth devices.
In most cases, functions that cannot be activated, deactivated, or initiated with a single swipe or touch are in violation.
What’s Off-Limits?
With very few exceptions, anything that involves typing, scrolling, holding, or supporting a device while driving is off-limits. In addition, the law prohibits watching movies/videos as well as recording, posting, sending, or broadcasting videos, even if the phone is securely mounted.
Prohibited uses include, but not limited to:
*Manually dialing a phone number.
*Texting.
*Updating or browsing social media
*Facetime or video calls.
*Browsing the internet.
*Watching videos.
*Playing games.
*Taking videos or photos.
Staying Connected
and Compliant
Use in-vehicle mounts to support a cell phone while driving.
Use hands-free or voice-operated functions, such as voice-to-text or virtual assistants.
Navigate with GPS/map displays while the cell phone or device is mounted. Engage navigation features while parked and prior to driving.
Play music or audio apps while the cell phone or device is mounted. Connect audio features while parked and prior to driving.
Exceptions Include:
There are some exceptions to the law. Those include:
*Drivers reporting an emergency or crime to law enforcement, fire department, hospital or similar emergency entity.
*Drivers holding or using cell phones and other electronic devices while lawfully stopped or parked.
*First responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency roadside service, public utility), using electronic devices as part of their official duties.
*Commercial truck drivers using a mobile data terminal.
*Transit, for-hire (taxis), or network company (rideshares) drivers provided that the device is mounted or affixed to the vehicle.
