Jackson officials remind drivers of Missouri’s new hands-free law

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
Sasha Moore,

JACKSON, Mo., (KBSI) — City officials are reminding motorists of Missouri’s recently enacted Hands-Free Law, which restricts a wide range of manual cellphone use while driving and imposes significantly higher fines for repeat offenses.

Under the law, drivers are prohibited from:

  • Making FaceTime or other video calls
  • Sending or reading text messages
  • Manually dialing phone numbers
  • Taking photos or videos
  • Browsing the internet
  • Viewing or posting on social media
  • Watching videos
  • Playing mobile games

Several exemptions are permitted, including:

Hands-free functions such as Bluetooth or voice-activated commands

  • Calling 911
  • Answering with a single-touch button
  • Using in-dashboard display screens
  • Certain allowances for first responders and some for-hire drivers
  • Drivers may not be stopped solely for a hands-free violation

Additional information is available at Welcome to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety | Missouri Department of Transportation.

City leaders say distracted driving continues to claim lives across Missouri and urge residents to prioritize safety over convenience to help keep the community safer for everyone.

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