Parson signs law prohibiting hand-held cellphone use while driving
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Drivers in Missouri will no longer be able to hold their cell phone in their hand while behind wheel after Gov. Mike Parson signed the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law Thursday.
The law – passed in SB398 -- "prohibits a number of uses of electronic communication devices while operating motor vehicles, as detailed in the act, as well as provides exceptions," according to the bill. Examples include drivings typing, scrolling, or holding their cellphone while driving.
The law allows drivers to utilize hands-free features. The law takes effect Aug. 28.
Between 2012-21, there were 197,564 distracted driving-related crashes that killed 801 people, according to Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety data.
The Siddens Bening Hands Free Law is named after Randall Siddens, 34, of Columbia, died from injuries he sustained from being hit by a driver in 2019 who was video chatting on a cell phone and speeding, according to AAA Missouri.
