On January 1, 2025, Missouri’s new Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law took effect, representing a major step forward in the fight against distracted driving. This update to Missouri’s traffic regulations is designed to improve road safety and reduce car accidents caused by phone use behind the wheel.
Drivers across the state need to understand and comply with the new hands-free cell phone law to avoid legal consequences and ensure everyone’s safety on the road.
Understanding What the Law Used to Be
Before implementing the Hands-Free Law, Missouri’s regulations on cell phone usage while driving were relatively lenient. Under the prior legislation, texting while driving was only prohibited for drivers under the age of 21 and commercial vehicle operators. This meant that the majority of adult drivers were legally allowed to text and engage in other phone-related activities while behind the wheel.
What the New Missouri Cell Phone Law Means
This law was approved in August 2023 and is now in effect. The new Hands-Free Law represents a critical shift in Missouri’s approach to addressing distracted driving and is designed to enhance safety for everyone on the road.
Under this law, all drivers are now prohibited from using handheld devices for various activities, including:
- Sending text messages
- Making calls
- Browsing social media
- Watching videos
- Taking photos or videos
- Using apps
- Playing games
- Reading emails or notifications
- Typing on the phone
- Facetiming
The law allows the use of hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth systems, speakerphones, or dashboard mounts.
This update to the law applies to drivers of all ages and vehicle types, erasing the leniencies of the past that applied to certain demographics. The goal is to emphasize equality in enforcement and universal attention to the dangers of distracted driving.
Law enforcement officers across Missouri are now actively ensuring compliance with this law, focusing on reducing accidents and protecting vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.
The Fines and Penalties
Under Missouri’s new hands-free law, drivers who violate the regulations will face clear and escalating fines:
- First offense: Fine up to $150
- Second offense: Fine up to $250
- Subsequent offenses: Fine up to $500
Penalties for special circumstances:
- If a violation occurs in a school or work zone, fines up to $500.
- If a violation causes a serious injury crash, up to 6 months in jail and/or fines up to $1,000.
- If a violation causes a fatal crash, up to 7 years in prison.
These fines aim to enforce compliance and serve as a critical reminder of the potential dangers of distracted driving. By following these guidelines, drivers can avoid unnecessary penalties while contributing to safer roadways, ultimately protecting their own lives and the lives of others.
How It Could Help Personal Injury Cases
Implementing the Missouri cell phone law significantly shapes personal injury cases involving distracted driving. Understanding how the law affects personal injury cases can provide clarity for victims seeking justice and compensation.
Establishing Negligence
The Missouri Hands-Free law provides a clear standard of behavior for drivers, making it easier to establish negligence in personal injury cases. If a driver is found to have violated the law by using a phone or other device while operating their vehicle, this can be used as evidence of their liability. A violation of the hands-free law can demonstrate that the driver was not exercising reasonable care, which is a core element in most personal injury claims.
Strengthening Evidence in Legal Proceedings
This new law allows law enforcement officers to issue citations to offenders, creating an official record of the violation. These police records can support your personal injury case by showing the at-fault party was illegally and unsafely driving at the time of the accident.
Additionally, testimony from officers or witnesses regarding a driver’s use of a phone can further solidify the plaintiff’s claims.
Read More: How to Obtain a Police Report After a Car Accident
Impact on Compensation
A violation of the hands-free law can significantly influence the settlement or court-awarded damages in personal injury cases. Clear evidence of negligence can tip the scales in favor of the injured party, potentially leading to higher compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Hurt in a Distracted Driving Accident? Speak to an Attorney for Free.
If you were the victim in a Missouri distracted driving accident, you need a lawyer who will fight for your rights and seek the settlement you deserve. DM Injury Law has offices throughout Missouri, including:
Schedule your free consultation today to tell us your story. We are a contingency-fee-based law firm, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case.