Missouri drivers face fines for using handheld devices

SIKESTON — Local law enforcement is reminding residents beginning with the new year, drivers in the state of Missouri can be cited and fined for distracted driving. 

The Siddens Bening Law, also known as Missouri’s hands-free law, prohibits hand-held cell phone use while driving. 

The Missouri texting and driving ban went into effect in August 2023, and starting Wednesday, Jan. 1, anyone pulled over and found to be driving while using a handheld electronic device in Missouri can be ticketed.

Tyler Rowe, public information officer with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, said DPS officers will be on the lookout for phone usage while driving.

“You’re not even supposed to have the phone up to your ear while you’re driving,” Rowe said. “You are supposed to be completely hands-free.”

According to Rowe, the phone is not even supposed to be supported by being placed on your lap.

“It can’t be supported by the body,” Rowe said. “You can’t have the phone up to your ear to talk on the phone, and you can’t be texting.”

Other prohibited use includes making video calls or FaceTiming, manually dialing a phone number, browsing the internet, watching videos, social media usage, taking pictures or videos and playing games.

Rowe said the big thing residents need to know is that now they can be ticketed for physically holding or supporting their cellphone with any part of their body while driving their car.

Rowe said the hands-free law is a secondary violation, meaning that a police officer cannot pull someone over solely for using their phone while driving.

“The hands-free law is considered a secondary offense,” Rowe said. “Meaning an officer must first stop the driver for another traffic violation, like speeding, before issuing a citation for phone usage while driving.”

Rowe said those who are pulled over and parked don’t have to worry.

“If you are pulled over and stopped in a parking lot or the side of the road, not in a roadway, then you can still use your cellular device,” Rowe said.

Rowe said the hands-free law does also apply to tablets and iPads.

Rowe said drivers can use features like bluetooth, speakerphone or built-in-car systems to make or receive calls, send or receive texts and use navigation. Exceptions to the law include making 911 calls, one-button-push answering and handling in-dashboard screens.