Starting in 2025 Missouri’s Hands-Free Phone Law goes into effect

CAPE GIRARDEAU Mo. (KBSI) – Officials are asking people in Missouri to focus on safe driving. 

Starting in 2025 drivers caught violating Missouri’s Hands-Free Phone Law could face fines.

On January 1, 2025, the state of Missouri issues a law called the No Hands Law as you cannot hold your mobile device while driving even if it’s on speaker phone. 

Missouri Govenor Mike Parson approved legislation last year to reduce texting and other distractions. 

Missouri’s law also outlines enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, violations occurring in a work zone when workers are present. Violations also include driving in a school zone as well. However, violating the hands-free law is a secondary violation similar to the seat belt law.

Law enforcement can only write a citation for the no hands law after pulling the driver over for a primary violation like speeding or weaving lane lines. 

Jamie Foster is a resident from Missouri who drives often. He says his car does not have the Bluetooth feature where you can use the screen for GPS, but he still thinks this law will be helpful for a lot of people when it comes to driving. 

“I believe that they are doing it of course because I think they decided about 10% of our accidents are through cell usage so personally even though I know younger people currently have the stereotype that we’re always on our phones. I believe it’s a good effort and I do believe the only times you should be using your phone is through GPS,” said Foster. 

Warnings are still in effect for violation of Missouri’s hands-free law through December 31, 2024. 

Most car companies are enhancing their Bluetooth technology to make it as easy as possible when it comes to driving distraction free.