Using a mobile phone while driving in Missouri (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Missouri's Siddens Bening Hands Free Law bans physically holding or supporting an electronic communication device while driving, and manually texting or typing. Voice-operated or hands-free use is allowed. The fine is up to USD 150 for a first offence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers: you may not write, send or read text messages, e-mails or social media on a device while driving. Voice-to-text through a hands-free function is allowed; the ban does not apply while lawfully stopped or parked. [1] |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a car | Secondary: no one may be stopped, inspected or detained solely for a violation of the hands-free law. [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- The ban applies on any highway or property open to public vehicular traffic, and also covers writing, sending or reading text, watching video and manual entry. Warnings only were issued before 1 January 2025 (subsection 11).
- Calls through a voice-operated or hands-free feature are allowed. A single touch or swipe is allowed to activate or deactivate the feature.
- Section 304.822 classes the violation as an infraction and states no penalty points.
- Up to USD 150 with no prior conviction in 24 months, up to USD 250 with one and up to USD 500 with two or more. In a work zone with workers present or a marked school zone the fine is up to USD 500.
Sources
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes: Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 304.822 (Siddens Bening Hands Free Law) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Missouri and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arkansas | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: Texting only Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School zones: Banned in school zones Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Highway work zones: Banned in work zones | Allowed (not under 18) | USD 25 to 250 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Illinois | Banned | Allowed (hands-free or one-button) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kansas | Texting only | Allowed | USD 60 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kentucky | No (texting banned) | Calls not restricted | USD 25 | 3 points |
| Nebraska | No (texting/reading banned) | Calls not restricted | USD 200 | 3 points |
| Oklahoma | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School and construction zones: Banned in zones | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None |
| Tennessee | Banned | Allowed | USD 50 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Missouri
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes, with a registration card
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph unless posted · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 60 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers) · Minimum age to buy: 14 (under 14 with parent)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed carry banned only in restricted areas
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and front-seat passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: No for adults; children under 16 must be secured
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (supplying under 21 banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (supplying under 21 banned)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.