Hands-free law in Missouri prevents more than 1,000 crashes
Ryan Shiner
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Gov. Mike Kehoe joined officials from AAA, the Missouri Department of Transportation and Missouri State Highway Patrol at the Capitol on Tuesday to highlight positive impacts from the new hands-free law.
The latest data from Cambridge Mobile Telematics says the law has prevented more than 1,000 crashes. It also has reduced distracted driving by more than 5%.
Data also indicates the law helped prevent 660 injuries, five deaths and $22 million in economic damage.
The law went into effect in 2023, with a grace period for punishments occurring until Jan. 1 this year. Roughly 250 citations were issued in the first two months of the year.
The law, known as the Siddens Bening Hands Free law makes it illegal for drivers to use hand-held cellphones while driving, with very few exceptions.
Under the law, it is illegal for drivers to to hold or support a cellphone or electronic communication device in their hand, lap or other parts of the body while driving on Missouri roads.
Drivers who continue to do so can face the following penalties:
First conviction in two years: Up to a $150 fine;
Second conviction in two years: Up to a $250 fine;
Three or more convictions 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.