Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law Goes Into Full Effect in 2025

Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law

As of 2025, the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law is officially in full effect in Missouri, marking a significant shift in the state’s road safety regulations. Initially enacted on August 28, 2023, the law prohibits the use of electronic devices while driving. The 16-month period between August 2023 and December 2024 served as a grace period, during which violators received warnings rather than penalties. However, with the law now fully enforceable, offenders will face fines for violations.

The Missouri car accident lawyers at Patterson Legal Group are here to explain what the law entails, the penalties for breaking it, and how it aims to improve road safety.

What Is the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law?

The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law is Missouri’s effort to reduce distracted driving by making it illegal to operate an electronic device while driving, unless it is used in a hands-free manner. The law applies to a wide range of electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, gaming devices, and other handheld electronics.

The key provisions of the law include:

  • Prohibition on Handheld Use: Drivers are not allowed to hold or operate electronic devices while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Hands-Free Operation: Drivers may use devices only in hands-free mode, such as via Bluetooth, voice commands, dashboard mounts, or advanced infotainment systems (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, etc.).
  • Ban on Texting: Sending, reading, or typing text messages while driving is strictly prohibited.
  • Applies to All Drivers: The law applies to drivers of all ages and includes both personal and commercial vehicles.

Penalties for Violating the Missouri’s Hands-Free Driving Law

As of 2025, the grace period has ended, and violations of the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law now carry monetary penalties. Police officers may issue citations for violations, with fines starting at $150 for a first offense and increasing to $250 for a second offense within two years. For subsequent violations or offenses committed in designated work or school zones, fines may escalate further, reflecting the increased risks in these areas.

It’s important to note that breaking the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law is a secondary offense. Authorities cannot pull drivers over solely to enforce it. However, if a driver is stopped for another traffic violation and an officer observes a breach of the hands-free law during the stop, a citation can still be issued.

Why Was the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law Enacted?

Distracted driving has become a leading cause of traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities nationwide. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), distracted driving has been a significant contributor to automobile crash fatalities in recent years. Since 2019, there have been 414 deaths caused by crashes involving distracted drivers. In 2023 alone, 106 fatalities were attributed to distracted driving–an alarming increase from 84 fatalities the previous year.

While overall traffic fatalities have shown a slight decline–from 991 in 2023 to an estimated 910 in 2024–the rise in distracted driving-related deaths underscores the critical need for continued efforts to combat this dangerous behavior. The hope is that the new law will improve road safety and prevent avoidable car crashes.

Related: Five Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving Car Accidents

How Can You Stay Compliant?

To comply with the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law and ensure safe driving practices, consider these tips from our Missouri car wreck attorneys:

  • Invest in Hands-Free Technology: Equip your car with Bluetooth-enabled devices or dashboard mounts.
  • Plan Ahead: Set navigation and playlists before starting your journey to avoid interacting with your device while driving.
  • Use Voice Commands: Take advantage of voice-activated features for calling or texting.
  • Pull Over if Necessary: If you must use your phone, find a safe place to pull over before doing so.

Contact a Missouri Car Crash Attorney

Despite the new law, accidents caused by distracted driving may still occur. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, the Missouri injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group are here to help. Our experienced trial lawyers can assist you in understanding your rights, navigating the legal process, and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

You can reach Patterson Legal Group by phone at (816) 920-0000 and online through our secure contact form or connecting with our LiveChat representatives. For more than 25 years, Patterson Legal Group has helped injury victims throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado receive the highest settlement allowable by law. Our knowledgeable trial lawyers have recovered more than $250-million in settlements for thousands of clients. Reach out to us today for the legal representation that you deserve.

The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as legal advice for an individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship nor does viewing this material constitute an attorney-client relationship.