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Missouri’s recently enacted Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law (effective August 2023) is designed to curb distracted driving and improve safety on the roads. Under this law, it’s now illegal for drivers to use their phones in several specific ways. Here’s everything you need to know to stay compliant and avoid costly fines.
What Does the New Law Prohibit?
The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law prohibits drivers in Missouri from:
- Manually typing, sending, or reading text messages while driving.
- Holding a phone to make a call while behind the wheel.
- Watching or recording videos on a mobile device.
- Browsing social media while driving.
This law applies to all drivers, with stricter penalties for commercial drivers. While Missouri previously banned texting only for drivers under 21, the new law extends restrictions to everyone.
What Does “Holding a Phone” Mean?
According to the law, “holding a phone” means physically supporting your mobile device in any way. Even if you’re using features like speakerphone or voice-to-text, holding the phone in your hand is still considered a violation.
However, hands-free devices are still allowed. Drivers can:
- Use Bluetooth or voice-activated systems for calls.
- Use dashboard mounts or phone holders for navigation.
- Use voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant to send hands-free texts.
To stay compliant, invest in a hands-free device like a phone mount or Bluetooth headset to avoid fines and stay safe on the road.
What Are the Penalties for Violating the Law?
Penalties for violating the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law can be steep:
- First offense: Up to a $150 fine.
- Second offense (within two years): Up to a $250 fine.
- Third offense or more: Up to a $500 fine.
If the violation leads to an accident, there could be additional penalties and legal consequences.
Commercial drivers face even more serious repercussions, including points on their license, which could lead to a suspension or revocation.
Remember, this law allows for primary enforcement. This means that law enforcement officers can pull you over and issue a citation for texting and driving, even if no other traffic violation is observed.
For more information about the dangers of distracted driving and the statistics, you can check out this resource from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Need Help with a Texting and Driving Ticket in the St. Louis Area?
If you’ve received a texting and driving ticket, we can help. At Mid-America Law Practice, LLC, we specialize in handling traffic violations and can help reduce penalties or even get your ticket dismissed.
Visit our Traffic Tickets page for more information or contact us directly at 314-818-8807 or info@midamericalaw.com for a consultation and protect your driving record.
