JEFFERSON CITY – Enforcement has officially begun for the Siddens-Bening Hands-Free Law, which prohibits people from holding their phones while driving. The law went into effect in the summer of 2023, but started with an educational awareness campaign. As of Jan. 1, law enforcement officers can now issue tickets to drivers on their phones. The law does not prevent the use of hands-free devices such as Bluetooth or Apple Car Play. 
The Siddens-Bening law is under secondary enforcement, which means if a driver is pulled over for another offense, such as speeding or reckless driving, they can be ticketed for being on their phone as well. Since the law went into effect, there has been a 5% reduction in deaths from distracted driving, saving an estimated five lives. The law is named after Randall Siddens and Michael Bening, who both were killed in deadly crashes as a result of distracted drivers. Since those avoidable tragedies, their loved ones have advocated for safer driving habits and stronger law enforcement, which ultimately led to the passing of this law by the General Assembly in 2023. You can learn more about the newly enforced hands-free law at SaveMOLives. | 