Missouri’s New Hands-Free Law: What Drivers in Hannibal Need to Know
New Cell Phone Laws in Missouri (2025)
As of January 1, 2025, Missouri has officially enacted the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, making it illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving. This law is designed to reduce distracted driving accidents and make Missouri’s roads safer.
If you’re a Missouri driver, you need to know what’s legal, what isn’t, and how to avoid penalties. Violating this law can lead to fines, points on your license, and even criminal charges in serious cases.
Why Was This Law Passed?
Missouri was one of the last states in the U.S. to fully adopt a hands-free driving law. Before 2025, Missouri only prohibited texting while driving for drivers under 21 years old and commercial drivers. However, with the rise in distracted driving crashes, lawmakers saw the need for stricter regulations.
📊 Distracted Driving in Missouri:
- In 2023, there were over 2,000 crashes in Missouri related to phone use.
- More than 20% of fatal crashes in Missouri involved a distracted driver.
- Texting while driving increases the risk of an accident by 23 times compared to normal driving.
By making handheld phone use illegal for all drivers, Missouri aims to reduce accidents and save lives.
What Is the Missouri Hands-Free Law?
The Missouri hands-free law makes it illegal to hold, type on, or scroll through a phone or electronic device while driving. This includes:
🚫 Texting
🚫 Holding the phone to talk
🚫 Scrolling social media
🚫 Watching or recording videos
🚫 Typing an address into GPS while driving
💡 What IS allowed?
✅ Hands-free options like Bluetooth, voice commands, or mounted devices can be used.
🚨 Exceptions to the law:
- Calling 911 or emergency services
- Law enforcement and first responders using devices for official duties
- Commercial truck drivers using mobile data terminals
⚠ If you violate this law, you could face fines starting at $150 and going up to $500. If a violation causes an accident or injury, you may face criminal charges.
How Does This Law Affect Drivers in Hannibal, MO?
For drivers in Hannibal, this law is being strictly enforced. Local police officers are actively watching for violations, especially in high-traffic areas like Broadway, US-61, and Market Street.
Where Are Violations Most Likely to Happen?
🚔 Busy intersections: Broadway & Shinn Lane, US-61 & Market St.
🚔 School zones: Areas near Hannibal High School & Eugene Field Elementary
🚔 Highways: US-61 and MO-79, where traffic moves fast
💡 Best Practices to Stay Compliant:
- Use hands-free devices like Bluetooth or wired headsets
- Mount your phone on your dashboard for navigation
- Set up GPS and playlists before you start driving
- Enable voice commands for calls and texts
🚗 Following these steps will help you avoid a ticket and keep Hannibal’s roads safer.
Real-World Scenarios: Could You Be in Violation?
To fully understand how this law works, here are some common situations where drivers in Hannibal might unknowingly break the law:
❌ Scenario 1: Checking a Text at a Red Light
Even though your car isn’t moving, holding your phone to read a message at a red light is still illegal under Missouri law.
✅ Solution: Use voice-to-text or wait until you’re legally parked.
❌ Scenario 2: Using Speakerphone While Holding the Phone
Even if you aren’t texting, holding the phone while on a call violates the law.
✅ Solution: Use a dashboard mount or Bluetooth to stay hands-free.
❌ Scenario 3: Typing an Address into GPS While Driving
You’re late for an appointment and decide to punch in an address while driving down Market Street.
✅ Solution: Enter destinations before driving or use voice navigation.
Penalties for Violating the Hands-Free Law
If you are caught using a handheld phone while driving in Missouri, penalties include:
- First Offense: Up to $150 fine
- Second Offense: Up to $250 fine
- Third Offense (or if in a school/work zone): Up to $500 fine
- If a violation causes an accident: Possible criminal charges
🚛 For commercial drivers, violations may result in disqualification from operating a commercial vehicle.
📌 Missouri law enforcement officers will be issuing citations for handheld phone use, so it’s crucial to comply.
What If You Get a Ticket Under the New Law?
If you receive a ticket or are charged with a distracted driving offense, Bond Law Firm, LLC can help fight your charges, reduce fines, and protect your driving record.
Call Bond Law Firm, LLC Today
📍 Address: 102 N. Main St., Palmyra, MO 63461
📞 Phone: (573) 769-6155
📠 Fax: (573) 303-3774
📧 Email: eric@bondlawfirm.com
⏳ Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use my phone while driving in Missouri?
✅ Yes, but only hands-free. You can use Bluetooth, speakerphone, or a mounted device.
2. Is it illegal to use GPS while driving?
🚫 Yes, if you are manually typing an address into your phone while driving.
✅ You can use GPS if the phone is mounted and set up before driving.
3. What happens if I get a ticket for using my phone while driving?
📌 You may face fines, points on your license, and increased insurance rates.
💼 Bond Law Firm, LLC can help you fight the ticket and reduce penalties.
4. Can I hold my phone at a red light?
🚦 No. Missouri law applies even when stopped at a red light.
5. What are the penalties for commercial drivers?
🚛 Commercial drivers face higher fines and potential license suspension for violations.
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe & Know Your Rights
The Missouri hands-free law is now in effect, and law enforcement will be cracking down on violators.
📌 To avoid fines, use hands-free technology and stay focused on the road.
📌 If you receive a citation, Bond Law Firm, LLC can help protect your driving record.
💼 Need Legal Help? Call Bond Law Firm, LLC Today!
📞 (573) 769-6155 | 📍 102 N. Main St., Palmyra, MO
🔹 Serving Hannibal, MO, and surrounding areas.
Stay safe, drive smart, and know your rights!