You’ll likely save lives by treating your phone like a banned passenger whenever you drive — Missouri’s Siddens Bening Hands‑Free Law bars holding or manually using devices and shifts enforcement into full effect, with escalating fines for repeat or school/work‑zone violations. Employers and commercial drivers face stricter responsibilities and penalties, so you’ll want clear policies and hands‑free setups in place to avoid costly citations and serious criminal exposure — and there’s more to know about what’s allowed and how enforcement works.
Quick Navigation
Key Takeaways
- Missouri’s Siddens-Bening Hands-Free Law prohibits holding or manually using cell phones while driving.
- Hands-free options like Bluetooth, voice commands, and mounted navigation are permitted.
- Law effective August 28, 2023; full enforcement as primary offense began January 1, 2025.
- Fines start at $150 for first offense, escalating to $500 for repeats.
- Exceptions include emergencies and parked vehicles; employer liability applies.
What the Siddens Bening Hands‑Free Law Requires
Missouri’s Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law prohibits you from holding, supporting, or manually using a cell phone while driving, including texting, scrolling, typing, dialing, social media, games, videos, photos, or video calls.
This targets distracted driving by banning all cell phone usage that distracts your attention from the road. You’re allowed hands-free calling, voice commands, and mounted devices for navigation with a single touch or voice activation.
Effective since August 28, 2023, the grace period ends January 1, 2025—citations start then. Stay compliant to avoid fines up to $150 initially, escalating to $500, and protect lives amid Missouri’s 200,000+ distracted driving crashes over the past decade.
Timeline: Enactment, Grace Period, and Full Enforcement
The Siddens Bening Hands‑Free Law was enacted on August 28, 2023, then followed a public‑education grace period during which officers emphasized compliance over citations.
> The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law was enacted on August 28, 2023, followed by a public-education grace period emphasizing compliance over citations.
Full enforcement—when police may issue fines of $150 up to $500 depending on prior convictions and zones—began January 1, 2025.
This timeline provides historical context amid rising distracted driving fatalities, shifting Missouri’s stance from partial bans to comprehensive hands-free mandates.
During the grace period, public perception improved as awareness campaigns highlighted risks like texting and video use, fostering safer habits.
Now, you face steeper penalties for violations—stick to hands-free to avoid them and protect lives.
Specific Prohibitions: Holding, Typing, Scrolling, and Video Use
You can’t hold or physically support your phone with any body part while driving, even if you’re not actively using it, as Missouri’s hands-free law treats this as a violation.
You’re also banned from typing, scrolling, or engaging in video calls, watching videos, or playing games, since these distract you from the road.
Distinguish holding from using: a single swipe to activate hands-free is allowed, but anything more counts against you.
Holding vs. Using
Because holding or manipulating a phone takes your hands and attention off driving, the hands‑free law bans holding, typing, scrolling, and any video use while the vehicle is in operation to cut predictable sources of distraction.
You must grasp the difference between holding definitions and using distinctions: holding means physically supporting a device with any body part, so a phone in your lap counts, while using covers interactive functions like typing, scrolling, video calls, watching videos, or multi‑touch actions.
If an action needs more than a single swipe or touch, it’s prohibited, and violations carry fines escalating from $150 up to $500.
Video & Text Bans
- Texting penalties start at $150 for your first offense, escalating to $500 for repeats within two years.
- You can’t support devices with your body, even passively.
- Multiple touches to activate functions are illegal while moving.
- Distracted driving has caused over 200,000 Missouri crashes and 800 deaths in a decade—don’t risk it.
What Is Allowed: Hands‑Free Options and Voice Commands
| Device | Allowed for Calls | Allowed for Texts |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth headset | Yes | Yes (voice only) |
| Built-in car system | Yes | Yes (voice only) |
| Phone mount | Yes | Yes (voice only) |
| Handheld phone | No | No |
| Video call | No | No |
Penalties and Fine Structure for Repeat Offenses
You’ll face escalating fines for repeat hands‑free violations: up to $150 for a first conviction, $250 for a second within two years, and $500 for a third or subsequent conviction in that period.
Work‑or‑school‑zone violations carry fines up to $500 regardless of prior offenses.
If your violation causes serious injury, you can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $1,000.
First Offense Fine
- Pay up to $150 for your initial conviction, keeping costs low if you’re compliant.
- Avoid repeats: a second offense jumps to $250, third to $500.
- Watch zones: school or work violations hit $500 immediately.
- Stay safe—crashes causing injury mean $1,000 fines/jail; fatalities risk 7 years prison.
Second Offense Penalty
If your first offense costs up to $150, a second violation within two years raises the fine to $250.
You’ll face stiffer penalties as repeat offenses pile up, with third or subsequent violations reaching up to $500 and work or school zone breaches triggering up to $500 regardless of history.
Law enforcement began ticketing under the hands‑free rule on January 1, 2025, increasing enforcement and public awareness.
Beyond fines, multiple offenses within two years can escalate legal implications, including license points and, if a distracted‑driving crash causes serious injury, potential jail time and higher fines.
Third Offense Escalation
- First conviction: Up to $150 fine.
- Second within two years: Up to $250 fine.
- School or work zones: Up to $500, regardless of priors.
- Serious injury crashes: Up to $1,000 fine and/or six months jail.
You’re responsible—stay hands-free. Officers can cite you directly as a primary offense. Obey to avoid steep penalties.
Enhanced Penalties: School and Work Zone Violations
Missouri imposes increased penalties of up to $500 for hands-free law violations in school or work zones. These stricter fines protect vulnerable children and workers in high-risk areas, deterring distracted driving where dangers peak. You’ve got to prioritize safety measures—enforcement kicked in January 1, 2025, alongside full implementation. Don’t risk it: a violation causing serious injury crashes nets fines up to $1,000 and/or jail time. Stay hands-free to safeguard lives and avoid these escalated penalties in zones teeming with pedestrians.
Criminal Charges When Distracted Driving Causes Injury or Death
If your distracted driving in Missouri causes serious injury, you face misdemeanor charges with up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines. When it results in death, prosecutors pursue felony charges that carry up to seven years in prison. You heighten these criminal risks dramatically, as over 200,000 crashes in a decade link directly to distraction.
Injury Misdemeanor Charges
- Causing serious physical injury triggers Class B misdemeanor charges, with up to six months in jail and $1,000 fines.
- Fatal crashes lead to Class D felony charges, risking up to seven years in prison.
- Repeat offenses within two years hike fines from $150 to $500.
- Over 200,000 distracted-driving crashes in the past decade underscore these misdemeanor consequences.
Death Felony Penalties
When distracted driving causes a death, prosecutors can charge you with a Class D felony, exposing you to up to seven years in prison and severe legal consequences like probation, a permanent criminal record, and license loss. Missouri law (RSMo 304.822) deems such violations proximate causes of fatalities as felonies, escalating from misdemeanors for injuries. You’ve seen over 800 deaths in the past decade from this peril—don’t risk it. Violations breaching hands-free rules prove negligence per se, bolstering wrongful death claims against you.
Exceptions: Emergencies, Parked Vehicles, First Responders, and Commercial Uses
Missouri’s hands-free law carves out narrow exceptions for emergencies, parked vehicles, first responders, and commercial uses, so you stay legal in critical scenarios.
- You may place emergency calls or report crimes/crashes under the emergency exemptions without penalty.
- You can use a device if your car is lawfully parked; stopped at a red light doesn’t count as a parked vehicle rule exception.
- First responders may use devices while performing official duties; that exemption is job‑specific.
- Commercial drivers may use mounted/mobile data terminals or approved hands‑free systems for work.
How Enforcement Works: Officer Training and Secondary Offense Status
Officers receive specific training to spot hands-free law violations, gearing up for enforcement that kicks off January 1, 2025. You’ll face stops solely for this primary offense—no other infraction needed. Public awareness campaigns boost compliance strategies, while officers issue citations during patrols, enhancing safety.
| Offense | Fine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First | $150 | Within 2 years |
| Second | $250 | Escalates risks |
| Third+ | Up to $500 | Work/school zones |
Adopt officer training-informed habits: mount devices, use voice commands. Stay compliant—drive distraction-free.
How the Law Affects Employers and Commercial Drivers
Employers face employer responsibilities too:
- Liability for your compliance, hiking insurance premiums.
- Potential legal hits from violations.
- Mobile data terminal exemption, but no distractions allowed.
Stay compliant—protect your career and roads.
Safety Tips and Practical Ways to Comply While Driving
Adopt hands-free habits to stay safe and compliant on Missouri roads. Use voice commands for calling and dictation—you won’t physically hold your phone, aligning with the hands-free law. Mount your phone and enable “Do Not Disturb” mode for distraction prevention and safe driving. Plan routes and set GPS before driving to avoid mid-trip fiddling. Pull over to a safe spot for texts or calls—even at red lights, it’s illegal. Know penalties escalate with repeats, so prioritize safe driving to dodge fines and risks.
Resources, Outreach, and Where to Report Access or Website Issues
Boost your safety through:
- Community engagement in public outreach for safer roads.
- Statistics proving awareness campaigns reduce crashes.
- Hands-free law tools to promote compliance.
- Email the webmaster for website access issues—your input aids troubleshooting.
State-by-State Distracted Driving Laws: Texting Bans, Handheld Rules & Penalties
| Alabama | Texting and handheld phone use banned for all drivers; primary enforcement with fines for violations. |
| Alaska | Handheld phone use prohibited for all drivers; texting is banned; escalating fines apply. |
| Arizona | Texting while driving is banned; handheld phone use discouraged with primary enforcement and penalties. |
| Arkansas | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone use restricted with fines and points on license. |
| California | Strict texting and handheld phone ban for all drivers; hands-free required with significant fines. |
| Colorado | Texting while driving prohibited; handheld phone use restricted; fines for primary enforcement. |
| Connecticut | Texting ban and handheld phone restrictions; primary enforcement with tiered fines. |
| Delaware | Texting and handheld phone use banned for all drivers; hands-free recommended with penalties. |
| Florida | No texting while driving; handheld phone use restricted in school/zones; fines apply for violations. |
| Georgia | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone restrictions with secondary enforcement and fines. |
| Hawaii | Statewide texting ban; handheld use restrictions; hands-free strongly advised with penalties. |
| Idaho | Texting while driving prohibited; handheld phone use discouraged with fines and points. |
| Illinois | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone use limited; primary enforcement rights granted to police. |
| Indiana | Texting and handheld phone restrictions in place; fines and possible license points apply. |
| Iowa | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone use restricted; enforcement with financial penalties. |
| Kansas | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited for novice drivers; restrictions and fines apply. |
| Kentucky | Texting ban and restrictions on handheld devices for all drivers; penalties and points apply. |
| Louisiana | Texting prohibited; limited handheld use restrictions; fines and ticketing enforced. |
| Maine | Texting and handheld phone bans in place; primary enforcement with fines and points. |
| Maryland | Statewide texting ban; handheld phone use restricted; graduated fines for violations. |
| Massachusetts | Texting and handheld restrictions; primary enforcement with escalating penalties. |
| Michigan | Texting while driving banned; handheld use discouraged; fines and potential points apply. |
| Minnesota | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited; hands-free preferred with fines for violations. |
| Mississippi | Texting ban and phone restrictions; enforcement with fines and possible points. |
| Montana | Texting while driving prohibited; handheld use limitations enforced with penalties. |
| Nebraska | Texting ban in effect; handheld phone restrictions apply with graduated fines. |
| Nevada | Texting and handheld phone use banned; hands-free strongly recommended with penalties. |
| New Hampshire | Texting prohibited; handheld phone use discouraged; enforcement with fines and tickets. |
| New Jersey | Texting and handheld phone use banned; primary enforcement; significant penalties apply. |
| New Mexico | Texting ban and restrictions on handheld device use; fines and enforcement in effect. |
| New York | Strict texting and handheld phone bans; primary enforcement; high penalties for violations. |
| North Carolina | Texting and handheld use prohibited; enforcement leads to fines and possible license actions. |
| North Dakota | Texting banned; handheld phone use restricted; tickets issued for violations. |
| Ohio | Texting and handheld phone bans; handheld use restricted; fines and points apply. |
| Oklahoma | Texting prohibited; some handheld phone use restrictions; citations and fines enforced. |
| Oregon | Texting ban and handheld phone restrictions; primary enforcement and fines apply. |
| Pennsylvania | Texting and handheld use banned; hands-free preferred with penalties for violations. |
| Rhode Island | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited; primary enforcement with fines. |
| South Carolina | Texting ban in effect; handheld phone use restricted with fines and enforcement. |
| South Dakota | Texting while driving banned; handheld phone rules enforced with penalties. |
| Tennessee | Texting and handheld limits in place; fines assessed for violations. |
| Texas | Texting ban; handheld phone restrictions; citations and fines for distracted driving violations. |
| Utah | Texting prohibited; handheld phone use restricted; enforcement includes fines. |
| Vermont | Texting ban and handheld phone limitations; fines apply for violations. |
| Virginia | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited; hands-free preferred with fines for violations. |
| Washington | Strict texting ban; handheld phone restrictions; high enforcement and fines. |
| West Virginia | Texting prohibited; handheld use restrictions; penalties enforced with fines. |
| Wisconsin | Texting and handheld phone bans; enforcement with fines and possible license points. |
| Wyoming | Texting ban in place; handheld phone use restricted; citations issued for violations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the New Law for Distracted Driving in Missouri?
Missouri’s Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law bans you from holding or using phones while driving; use hands-free only. You’ll face distracted driving penalties starting at $150, rising to $500. Enforcement measures by police guarantee compliance now.
Can I Refuse to Show My ID in Missouri?
Even knights of old yielded to the king’s guard—you can’t refuse to show your ID in Missouri during stops. Missouri law limits ID refusal rights; comply or face arrest for obstruction.
Is It Illegal to Look at Your Phone While Driving in Missouri?
Yes — you can’t look at or hold your phone while driving; Missouri’s hands‑free law bans handheld phone usage and many phone activities to protect driving safety, with fines and limited exceptions for emergencies and parked vehicles.
What Is Jake’s Law in Missouri?
Jake’s Law bans you from texting or using handheld phones while driving, making distracted driving a primary offense in Missouri. You’ll face fines up to $200 first-time, escalating for repeats, plus jail for crashes—stay hands-free to protect lives.
Conclusion
You commit to Missouri’s Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law by ditching handheld devices—you use voice commands or mounts instead, slashing distraction risks. This saves lives: Missouri saw over 1,000 roadway fatalities two years running before enforcement ramped up in 2025. Don’t risk $150+ fines or worse; drive hands-free now—you protect yourself, others, and stay legal. (68 words)
