Phone's Down, It's the Law!

Enforcement

Law enforcement officers will begin issuing citations for violations of the hands-free law beginning January 1, 2025. 

Penalties

• 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

In Missouri, it is illegal to hold or support a cell phone or an electronic communication device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Missouri roads.

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 use includes, but is not limited to:

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: 

• 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
• Drivers cannot be stopped solely for violation of the law.