MO HB1419

Prohibits drivers age 21 and younger from sending, reading, or writing text messages or electronic messages using hand-held devices while operating a moving motor vehicle on Missouri highways.

Exempts authorized emergency vehicles and allows hand-held device use for reporting illegal activity, summoning emergency help, preventing injury, or relaying information between transit/for-hire operators and dispatchers if the device is permanently affixed to the vehicle.

Permits making or receiving telephone calls using hand-held devices, and allows use of permanently embedded vehicle devices, GPS systems, voice-operated technology, and amateur radio transmitters.

Prohibits law enforcement from stopping, inspecting, or detaining a person solely to determine compliance with this section; violations are classified as infractions and moving violations.

Establishes state preemption over local laws and ordinances regulating hand-held electronic wireless communications device use in motor vehicles.