Missouri’s New Hands-Free Driving Law: What Drivers Need to Know
Missouri teens roll their eyes when told to put down the phone. Unfortunately, the statistics related to cell phone related crashes are eye opening. Missouri’s New Hands-Free Driving Law seeks to address this.
In the past ten years, auto accidents caused by talking and texting drivers has increased over 30%. Distracted driving is not just a younger driver problem. About 70% of drivers using cell phones in Missouri traffic crashes are over 21 years old.
To address this problem, Missouri implemented the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law.
- Under this law, drivers are prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their body; manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages; recording, posting, sending or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media posts; and watching a video or movie. In essence, Missouri drivers need to put down the phone when operating a vehicle.
- The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law became effective on August 28, 2023, but law enforcement officers won’t begin issuing citations until January 1, 2025. Breaking this law can get expensive. A first-time offense will result in a fine of up to $150. A second offense within two years of the first gets you a $300 fine. A third or subsequent offense within that same two years will result in a $500 fine and can lead to the suspension of a driver’s license.
- Commercial drivers are subject to the same rules under this hands-free law. Commercial drivers who violate the law may face additional penalties, including the loss of their commercial driver’s license. Employers can also be held responsible for damages when a distracted driver is acting in the course and scope of employment. The State of Missouri recommends that employers update handbooks and driving policies ahead of the 2025 enforcement date.
Missouri’s new hands-free driving law doesn’t mean that Missouri drivers have to leave their phones at home. Use of handheld electronic devices is allowed if the vehicle is stopped, parked safely on the side of the road, or in a designated parking space. The law permits the use of hands-free devices like Bluetooth headsets, dashboard mounts, and voice-activated systems. In addition, drivers are still allowed to use handheld electronic devices in emergency situations, such as reporting an accident or contacting emergency services.
The best way to steer clear of distracted driving is to instill good driving habits from the start. Missouri Driving School is a great choice to learn driving without bad habits. If your teenager has their driver’s permit, we are ready to get them behind the wheel with professional and patient instructors. Lessons are given in our newer mid-size cars equipped with dual brake controls to ensure safety. Students can even use our cars to take the driver’s test.
Your teen can schedule lessons between 8am and 8pm Monday through Saturday. If you have a new driver that needs reminding to forgo texting and driving, or if you need to unlearn some bad driving behaviors, Missouri Driving School can be a great solution. Call us at 314-849-4590 and find out how our qualified St. Louis driving instructors can help you reach your driving goals.