Although there is no federal (nationwide) law that prohibits texting or using a wireless phone while driving, many states have passed laws that prohibit such activities—and some municipalities (cities, towns) have also passed ordinances that restrict texting, talking, or emailing while driving. For example:

• 25 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned drivers from hand-held phone use while driving.

• 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned texting while driving for all drivers.

• 37 states and the District of Columbia prohibit all cell phone use by novice drivers.

• 23 states and the District of Columbia prohibit school bus drivers from cell phone use while driving.

For more information on state laws, visit the Governor Highway Safety Association page by copying this link and pasting it into your internet browser: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving

In Missouri, texting while driving is prohibited for drivers 21 years old or younger. However, Missouri does not have a statewide ban on the use of hand-held devices for all drivers. Instead, the state's approach to distracted driving primarily focuses on young drivers and texting. It's important to note that some municipalities within Missouri may have their own ordinances that provide stricter regulations on texting or using a wireless phone while driving. These local laws can impose additional restrictions beyond state statutes, so drivers should be aware of the rules that apply in the areas where they are driving. For novice drivers and school bus drivers, Missouri adheres to the broader trend of imposing stricter regulations, aligning with many other states that restrict cell phone use for these specific categories of drivers.