ST. LOUIS – Just days away from the new calendar year, Missouri is preparing for several new laws to take effect.
While new Missouri laws generally take effect in August of each calendar year, there are some new laws, updates to laws and new provisions taking effect when 2025 begins. Here’s a closer look at three of those laws heading into the new year:
NEW PROVISION IN HANDS-FREE LAW
Starting on New Year’s Day, drivers caught violating Missouri’s hands-free phone law could face fines as opposed to only warnings.
The state’s “Siddens Bening Hands Free Law” itself took effect in August 2023 to prohibit drivers from distractions like holding a phone to text, call, or perform other tasks while behind the wheel.
For the first time in 16 months with the hands-free law, violations could result in citations. A first-time offense will result in a $150 fine, while penalties range from $250 to $500 for subsequent violations over two years, according to state statutes.
The full article is available at ozarksfirst.com.
(Story by Joey Schneider, ozarksfirst.com)
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