Texting & Driving Laws in Missouri

Imagine that you've just gotten off of work after a long day at the office. Unexpected issues came up at the last minute, causing you stay later than you'd originally planned. You're late for dinner with your family, so you decide to send a quick text once you're on the road to give them an update on your timing.

 Sound like a familiar scenario? We've probably all felt the urge to text someone while we're driving, for a variety of different reasons. The only problem is that by sending that quick, seemingly innocent text you could not only break the law, but it could also endanger the lives of those around you.


Missouri Texting & Driving Laws

Missouri is one of very few states in the U.S. that does not have a total ban on texting and driving. However, it is illegal in the state of Missouri to:
  • Text while driving if you are 21 years of age or younger
  • Text (and talk on the phone) while operating a commercial vehicle
If you are caught violating any of these laws, you can be charged with a traffic violation at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you or someone you know is charged with a traffic violation, contact a Camden County traffic attorney to help minimize the impact.

Dangers of Texting & Driving

If you are over the age of 21 and operating a personal motor vehicle, it is not technically illegal for you to text while driving. Nevertheless, it is extremely dangerous to text and drive. Numerous studies have shown that texting while driving is just as (if not more) dangerous than driving under the influence.
  • If you are texting, you are up to 23 times more likely to get crash.
  • In 2011, an estimated 23% of car accidents involved cell phones
  • On average, drivers will spend at least 5 seconds with their eyes off the road every time they look at their phones. (If you're driving at 55mph, this gives your car enough time to travel the equivalent length of a football field while you aren't looking at the road.)

The Bottom Line

Texting and driving is a dangerous practice that should be avoided at all costs. If you are 21 or younger, it is illegal as well as unsafe. Keep in mind that when you are texting while driving, you are not only putting yourself at risk - you are risking the safety of those around you. 

You are responsible for keeping the roads safe. If you have questions about traffic laws in Missouri, feel free to consult with one of our experienced Camden County attorneys.
Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.

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Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

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