Missouri’s Hands-Free Law Takes Effect, Prohibiting Handheld Cell Phone Use While Driving

Employers with employees in Missouri who drive as a part of their employment may want to take appropriate measures to inform employees of a new law that prohibits the use of cell phones and other handheld devices while driving on any highway or public roadway in Missouri.

Quick Hits

The Siddens Bening Hands Free Law bans individuals from using electronic communication devices for a broad range of activities while driving on highways or public roads in Missouri.
The law became effective on August 28, 2023, but law enforcement officers may not issue citations until January 1, 2025.
Employers may want to update their handbooks and driving policies ahead of the law’s enforcement date.

Under the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law, which went into effect on August 28, 2023, the following activities are generally prohibited for individuals who are driving on any public roadway:

Physically holding or supporting any electronic communication device
Writing, reading, or sending any text-based communication (including text messages, instant messages on social media, and email)
Making any communication on an electronic communication device (including phone calls and voice messages) unless the driver is using a voice-operated or hands-free function
Manually entering letters, numbers, or symbols into any electronic communication device
Watching videos or movies on any electronic communication device (except for navigation-related data)

The Siddens Bening Hands Free Law excludes communications made using a hands-free or voice-operated feature. The restrictions also apply only while the driver is operating the vehicle but do not apply while lawfully stopped or parked. Law enforcement officers may not issue citations for violations of the statute until January 1, 2025, so employers may want to update their handbooks and implement or revise their driving policies ahead of the enforcement date, and allow employees time to adapt to the new requirements.

Ogletree Deakins’ St. Louis office will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates on the Missouri blog as additional information becomes available.

Follow and Subscribe
LinkedIn | Instagram | Webinars | Podcasts

Virginia Overtime Wage Act: How Employers Can Prepare for the July 1 Effective Date

The Virginia Overtime Wage Act (VOWA), Va. Code § 40.1-29.2, becomes effective July 1, 2021, and will significantly alter employers’ wage and hour obligations in Virginia. At first glance, the VOWA appears to track federal law under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Upon closer examination, however, this new law contains important nuances that deviate from the FLSA, such as a new method for calculating the regular rate of pay, an extended statute of limitations, automatic liquidated damages, possible treble damages, and the effective elimination of popular pay schemes.

U.S. and Global Employee Data Privacy FAQs

An employer’s response to COVID-19 involves numerous privacy issues. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about these issues within the United States and globally, based on laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (which applies in the United States) and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). While many of these principles can be applied globally, employers should always look to applicable local laws in their jurisdictions and guidance from public health authorities. Employers should also consult any applicable internal policies, data privacy notices, employee collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, and individual employment terms.

Missouri’s Hands-Free Law Takes Effect, Prohibiting Handheld Cell Phone Use While Driving

Recommended Reading

Beltway Buzz, January 21, 2022

Virginia Overtime Wage Act: How Employers Can Prepare for the July 1 Effective Date

U.S. and Global Employee Data Privacy FAQs