Signed by Governor Mike Parson

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with house amendments and pass a bill that prohibits hand-held cell phone use while driving.

Highlights:

• Prohibits hand-held cell phone use while driving, but authorizes bluetooth talk-to-text and other talk and navigation functions beginning February 23, 2024 (Sec. A).

• Specifies that while a vehicle is in motion, drivers shall be prohibited from the following, including (Sec. A):

• Physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their body;

• Manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages;

• Recording, posting, sending, or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media posts; or

• Watching a video or movie.

• Authorizes drivers to do the following, including (Sec. A):

• Place or receive voice calls utilizing voice-operated or hands-free functions that can be engaged/disengaged with a single touch or swipe

• Talk on the phone, hands-free, utilizing features like built-in phone speaker, in-car bluetooth, or ear bud/headset;

• Send or receive text-based communication through voice-to-text features; and

• Utilize cell phone GPS navigation and music or podcast functions.

• Specifies that violations will result in the following fines, including, (Sec. A):

• $150 for first violation;

• Increasing up to $500 for repeat convictions within a 2-year period; and

• Additional penalties can occur, including a misdemeneaor or felony charge, if the distracted driver causes a crash that results in significant property damage, serious injury, or death.

• Exempts the following individuals from the aforementioned prohibitions, including (Sec. A):

• Drivers communicating in emergency situations;

• Emergency first responders and other emergency road-side workers; and

• For-hire drivers.

• Prohibits school bus drivers from using an electronic communication device while the school bus in in motion or while loading or unloading passengers (Sec. A).

• Specifies that the aforementioned penalty provisions will be enacted January 1, 2025 (Sec. A).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that establishes additional provisions for motor vehicles and includes penalty provisions.

Highlights:

• Prohibits hand-held cell phone use while driving, but authorizes bluetooth talk-to-text and other talk and navigation functions beginning February 23, 2024 (Sec. A).

• Specifies that while a vehicle is in motion, drivers shall be prohibited from the following, including (Sec. A):

• Physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their body;

• Manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages;

• Recording, posting, sending, or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media posts; or

• Watching a video or movie.

• Authorizes drivers to do the following, including (Sec. A):

• Place or receive voice calls utilizing voice-operated or hands-free functions that can be engaged/disengaged with a single touch or swipe

• Talk on the phone, hands-free, utilizing features like built-in phone speaker, in-car bluetooth, or ear bud/headset;

• Send or receive text-based communication through voice-to-text features; and

• Utilize cell phone GPS navigation and music or podcast functions.

• Specifies that violations will result in the following fines, including, (Sec. A):

• $150 for first violation;

• Increasing up to $500 for repeat convictions within a 2-year period; and

• Additional penalties can occur, including a misdemeneaor or felony charge, if the distracted driver causes a crash that results in significant property damage, serious injury, or death.

• Exempts the following individuals from the aforementioned prohibitions, including (Sec. A):

• Drivers communicating in emergency situations;

• Emergency first responders and other emergency road-side workers; and

• For-hire drivers.

• Prohibits school bus drivers from using an electronic communication device while the school bus in in motion or while loading or unloading passengers (Sec. A).

• Specifies that the aforementioned penalty provisions will be enacted January 1, 2025 (Sec. A).

Full Bill Text