Though Missouri has had a law that prohibits texting while driving on the books since 2023, law enforcement officials issued warnings to drivers instead of ticketing them for breaking the law. That informal grace period has ended. Beginning in 2025, Missouri drivers can now expect fines and other penalties. Here are the key facts you need to know about Missouri’s distracted driving law.
What Missouri’s Distracted Driving Law Says
Missouri’s distracted driving law prohibits drivers of passenger or commercial vehicles from doing certain activities with their phones while they’re behind the wheel, including:
- Holding or supporting an electronic device with any part of the body
- Texting, emailing, or engaging in social media activities, whether writing or reading, unless using a voice-operated or hands-free system
- Making or receiving calls without a hands-free feature
- Viewing, recording, or broadcasting videos, except for navigation purposes
- Entering data manually into a device, including website browsing
- Using electronic devices while operating a school bus (except for emergencies or official communications)
Exceptions
Certain individuals and situations are exempt from the law’s requirements, such as:
- Law enforcement officers and emergency vehicle operators performing their official duties
- Drivers reporting emergencies or communicating with emergency personnel
- Drivers using hands-free features or operating devices while the vehicle is parked or stopped
Penalties for Violations
Violating Missouri’s distracted driving law typically results in fines, but more severe consequences apply for repeat offenses or when a violation causes harm. The penalties for breaking this law include:
- First offense: Fine up to $150
- Second offense within 24 months: Fine up to $250
- Third or subsequent offense within 24 months: Fine up to $500
Additional penalties:
- In work or school zones: Fines up to $500
- Causing property damage over $5,000: Class D misdemeanor
- Causing serious injury: Class B misdemeanor
- Causing a fatality: Class D felony
What To Do After a Crash with a Distracted Driver
Even though Missouri authorities are cracking down on distracted driving, collisions with drivers using their phones can and will occur. If a driver hits you while talking on the phone or texting, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Call 911 to report the crash and summon emergency responders.
- Check yourself and anyone else involved in the crash for injuries.
- If possible, take pictures of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and the positions of the cars at the scene.
- Once the police complete their investigation or release you from the scene, seek immediate medical attention.
- Follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Save your medical records and receipts for proof of your physical injuries and financial losses.
- Report the crash to your insurance company, but don’t give any recorded statements or speculate about who caused the accident.
- Contact a Missouri distracted driving accident lawyer.
Call Our Missouri Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys Now
Talking on the phone, texting, and other distracted driving behaviors put people’s lives in danger. If you sustained injuries in a crash with a distracted driver, Attorney Ryan R. Cox, and his team can help you seek fair compensation. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.