The 2023 Texting and Driving Law in Missouri Explained

Missouri's 2023 texting and driving law comes in response to alarming statistics about distracted driving in the state. According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, drivers aged 20-29 are the most likely to die in a distracted driving incident. Shockingly, nearly 60% of those killed in these accidents were not the distracted driver themselves, but passengers, pedestrians, or other motorists. In addition, 68% of distracted driving incidents involve personal vehicles, further emphasizing the everyday risk posed by cellphone use behind the wheel.

The new law aims to reverse these trends. Research from states with hands-free laws shows a 15% decrease in motor vehicle accidents, underscoring the potential for this legislation to save lives. By adopting stricter rules on cellphone use, Missouri is working to reduce the number of distracted driving incidents and create safer roads for all drivers.

Understanding the 2023 Texting and Driving Law in Missouri

Prior to the 2023 law, Missouri's texting ban only applied to drivers under the age of 21. This limited approach allowed adult drivers to legally use their phones to text, check emails, and navigate social media while driving. However, given the increased risk of accidents linked to distracted driving, this outdated law became a subject of growing concern. Lawmakers acknowledged that distracted driving was not an issue confined to younger drivers, and this recognition ultimately led to the broader ban introduced in the new law.

Under the 2023 texting and driving law in Missouri, it is illegal for drivers of all ages to hold and operate electronic devices while the vehicle is in motion. This includes activities like sending or reading text messages, engaging on social media, or manually entering data into a navigation app. Drivers may still use hands-free technology, such as voice commands or Bluetooth, to make calls or send messages, provided they are not physically holding or supporting a phone with any part of their body.

When Can Drivers Use Their Phones?

The law also provides exceptions for emergency situations, allowing drivers to use their phones to contact emergency services in the event of a life-threatening situation. Hands-free use is permitted while a vehicle is parked or stopped, for instance, at a red light or stop sign. Despite these allowances, drivers must exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings to avoid accidents.

Why Missouri’s 2023 Texting Ban Matters for Road Safety

The implementation of this new law is critical in curbing the dangerous behavior of distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in Missouri, contributing to serious injuries and fatalities on the road each year. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), there were over 400 crashes caused by distracted driving in the state in 2022 alone. These accidents often involve not only the driver at fault but also innocent passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.

What is the Risk of Texting While Driving?

Texting while driving creates a significant risk because it involves all three types of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. When a driver takes their eyes off the road to read a message, their hands off the wheel to type, and their mind off driving to focus on the phone, they are far more likely to cause a crash. Research has shown that even a few seconds of distraction can have life-altering consequences. In fact, taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 miles per hour is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

By expanding the texting ban to all drivers, the 2023 law addresses a longstanding gap and helps reduce the potential for distracted driving incidents across Missouri. With stricter enforcement and widespread awareness, the law aims to create safer driving conditions for everyone, whether you're driving on a busy highway or through a quiet neighborhood.

Penalties for Texting While Driving in Missouri

The updated Missouri texting and driving law comes with penalties for noncompliance. Drivers caught violating the law could face fines, with the possibility of steeper consequences for repeat offenders. Additionally, law enforcement officers are now empowered to stop drivers solely for suspected violations of the texting ban, making it a primary offense. This change from the previous law, where texting while driving could only be cited as a secondary offense for drivers under 21, allows for more effective enforcement and deterrence.

Drivers should also be aware that violations could affect their driving record and insurance premiums. Accumulating traffic violations may lead to points on a driver's license, and repeated offenses could result in higher insurance costs. The risk of financial penalties, combined with the inherent dangers of distracted driving, underscores the importance of adhering to the law.

Building Public Awareness Around Missouri’s New Hands-Free Law

While the 2023 texting and driving law in Missouri represents a critical step forward, public awareness and education are equally important in ensuring its effectiveness. Many drivers may still be unaware of the specifics of the new law or may underestimate the dangers of distracted driving. Efforts from state agencies, advocacy groups, and law enforcement aim to bridge this gap by promoting safe driving habits and informing drivers of the risks associated with cellphone use behind the wheel.

Missouri drivers are encouraged to embrace the shift toward hands-free technology and develop safer driving habits that reduce distractions. By making simple changes, such as setting up navigation apps before driving, using voice commands, or keeping phones out of reach, drivers can significantly decrease the likelihood of accidents.

A Path to Fewer Accidents

Missouri's 2023 texting and driving law is a necessary update to the state's road safety regulations. By extending the ban on handheld cellphone use to all drivers, the law seeks to reduce the prevalence of distracted driving and prevent the devastating accidents it causes. As drivers across the state adjust to these new rules, the ultimate goal is to create safer roads and protect lives.

By understanding and following the new texting and driving law, Missourians can play an active role in improving road safety for themselves and others. Safe driving habits are not just about complying with the law—they are about making Missouri’s roads a safer place for everyone.