Can you text at a stop light in Missouri? State law says it depends how old you are

Missouri is one of the few states that doesn’t have a law that outright prohibits distracted driving, except for one law that only applies to people 21 or younger.

If a driver causes an accident, they can still be ticketed for reckless driving or another similar offense. But they won’t receive a ticket specifically for being on their phone, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Andy Bell.

“It would be a contributing factor, like if the person is operating the vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner. But if someone, a 41-year-old, was simply, let’s say, texting and driving, and they run into the back of somebody... we would write them like a careless and imprudent ticket,” he said.

Distracted drivers are often weaving in and out of their lane or running into the back of other cars, said Bell, adding that drivers who aren’t careful could risk their lives or the lives of others.

In 2019, at least 91 people died from accidents caused by distracted driving in Missouri. Another 7,000 people were injured, according to Bell. In 2021, more than 3,500 people died from distracted driving nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Distracted driving is a real thing,” Bell said. “We have to take it very seriously. We see people on their phones all the time.”

What’s the rule for drivers 21 years and under?

If the driver is 21 years old or younger, it’s a different story. Missouri state law says that drivers under 21 years old or younger are prohibited from using any hand-held wireless device to “send, read, or write a text message or electronic message.”

“It’s against the law for a person 21 years of age or younger, to read, write, send a text message while operating a vehicle. Even If you’re stopped at a stoplight or a stop sign, you’re still considered operating a vehicle,” Bell said.

Commercial drivers

Commercial truck and bus drivers are also prohibited from using their phones to text and scroll while driving. Commercial operators are still allowed to take and receive phone calls. The rule has an exception for anyone in a moving vehicle that is trying to report illegal activity or get emergency help.

What are the consequences of distracting driving?

If someone causes an accident or commits a traffic violation, they could receive a careless or imprudent driving ticket, according to Bell, which can lead to up to four points added to your license. A person who receives more than eight points in 18 months can have their driving privileges suspended by the Department of Revenue. Depending on how severe the case is, a person can also see up to $1,000 in fines or six months in jail.

Younger drivers who are caught on their phones may have to pay a $20.50 fine for each offense, according to Kansas City-based law firm Dickerson Oxton. The fine stays the same even for repeat offenders, according to the law firm’s website.

Are the penalties going to change?

Pretty soon.

In May, Missouri lawmakers passed a bill that would create a Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law. If signed by Gov. Mike Parson, the new law will prohibit all drivers from using their phones and other devices while driving. The law would also create penalties for repeat offenders. After Parson signs the bill into law, drivers will have until 2025 to adapt to the new rules.