Three new Missouri laws for drivers to know for 2025

ST. LOUIS - Next year will mark the start of one key traffic law in Missouri and the first full year of two others for drivers to keep in mind as they navigate the roadways.

Here's a brief look at what's different for drivers to start the 2025 calendar year compared to the start of 2024:

Violating the state's hands-free law

Officially 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.

The big change for next year? For the first time in 16 months with the hands-free law, violations can now 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.

However, violating the hands-free law still remains a secondary violation, similar to the seat belt law. This means law enforcement can only write a citation for violating Missouri's hands-free law after pulling the driver over for a primary violation, like speeding or weaving lane lines.

Valentine's Law

Valentine’s Law, which increases penalties for fleeing officers from an attempted traffic stop, will be in effect for its first full year next year, after officially becoming part of Missouri law on August 28.

Under Valentine’s Law, the consequences of running from a traffic stop are now more severe. A violation could lead to a Class D felony if it's deemed that the driver created "substantial risk of serious physical injury or death to any person."

Penalties upgrade to a Class B felony if the situation leads to a physical injury and a Class A felony if the situation leads to death, according to the legislation.

Traffic infractions in court

Passed in tandem with Valentine's Law is a measure that prohibits the courts from issuing arrest warrants for drivers who fail to respond, pay a fine, or appear in court for a traffic infraction. This technically also took effect on August 28.

In cases where the driver does not take action on this infraction, the courts must issue a notice of failure instead of a warrant and schedule a second court date.

Unlike past years, this law ensures that drivers have multiple opportunities to respond to or pay a fine before a court may issue a default judgment to finalize a penalty for an infraction. The law aims to loosen punitive procedures for low-level traffic offenses.