MO SB701

Prohibits any person operating a moving motor vehicle on Missouri highways from sending, reading, or writing text messages or electronic messages using a hand-held wireless communications device.

Violations are classified as infractions and moving violations for point assessment purposes under Missouri law.

Exempts authorized emergency vehicles, law enforcement officers, firefighters, ambulance operators, and vehicles that are lawfully parked or stopped.

Allows exceptions for reporting illegal activity, summoning emergency help, preventing injury, relaying dispatcher information, using GPS/navigation systems, voice-operated technology, and amateur radio communications.

Permits telephone calls via hand-held devices and preempts all local laws, ordinances, and regulations on hand-held wireless device use while driving.