New Missouri Driving laws preparing to take affect January First

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) -Missouri drivers will have new rules to be aware of, one key law, and the first full year for two other elements on the way for Missouri drivers in 2025.

First up, the state’s hands-free law, on January first, Drivers caught violating the law could face a fine.

Of course we know there are laws against distracted driving, but now for the first time in 16 months with the hands free law, violations can now result in citations.

A first offense will result in a $150 fine, and penalties are stiff, ranging from $250 to $500 dollars.

One thing to know thought, the hands free law is still a secondary violation, kind of like the seat belt law in Missouri.

This means that law enforcement can only write a citation if they pull the driver over for a primary violation, like speeding or weaving in between traffic.

Next up is valentine’s law, that increases penalties for trying to get away from officers during a traffic stop. It will be in effect for the first time for a full year in 2025 in Missouri, it has been a law since late august.

The consequence is pretty severe, a class D felony if authorities decide the driver created a substantial risk of physical injury or death.

It can be upgraded to a class B or a felony if it leads to death.

And traffic infraction in court, that’s passed in tandem to valentine’s law.

This prohibits the court from issuing arrest warrants for drivers who do not respond to, pay a fine, or appear in court for disobeying traffic laws, it also first took effect August 28.

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