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Distracted Driving and Electronic Communication Devices — Missouri Driver's License Practice Test

Distracted Driving and Electronic Communication DevicesQuestion 1 of 15

15 questions in this topic · 15 drawn at random this round

Which hands-free activity does Missouri law allow while driving?

Missouri Driver Guide

All questions are based on the official Missouri Driver Guide (Missouri Dept. of Revenue). Study the relevant chapter to reinforce your knowledge.

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This Missouri Driver's License Distracted Driving and Electronic Communication Devices practice set has 15 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 80% on the real Missouri Driver's License knowledge test to pass.

Topic overview

This section explains distracted driving and Missouri's rules for electronic communication devices. A distraction is anything that keeps you from operating your vehicle safely — texting, phone use, eating or drinking, grooming, adjusting the radio, or even looking at a crash scene — and text messaging is the highest-risk distraction because it demands your eyes, hands, and mind all at once.

It is against the law for any person to read, write, or send a text or electronic message while operating a vehicle, and it is against the law to use an electronic communication device on any highway or property open to public traffic. While the vehicle is in motion you may not hold or support a phone with any part of your body, manually type or read text messages, or record, watch, or broadcast video, including video calls and social media posts.

The law does allow hands-free use: placing or receiving voice calls with voice-operated or hands-free functions engaged with a single touch or swipe, talking through a built-in speaker, Bluetooth, or an earbud or headset, using voice-to-text, and using GPS navigation, music or podcasts, or viewing a map. Before January 1, 2025 a violation could be a warning, but after that date it may be an infraction, and commercial drivers may be subject to disqualification under 304.822 RSMo.

Can I use my phone at all while driving in Missouri?

Only hands-free. You may place or receive voice calls engaged with a single touch or swipe, use voice-to-text, and use GPS navigation, music, or a map. Holding the phone or reading and typing texts while in motion is not allowed.

Is texting while driving illegal in Missouri?

Yes. It is against the law for any person to read, write, or send a text or electronic message while operating a vehicle.

What is the penalty for using a device while driving?

Before January 1, 2025 a violation could be a warning; after that date it may be an infraction, with commercial drivers subject to disqualification under 304.822 RSMo.

Written from the official Missouri Driver Guide — Distracted Driving and Electronic Communication Devices ↗· Last checked: 2026-07-10· Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team· How we verify →

Sample questions

Three questions from the Distracted Driving and Electronic Communication Devices bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 15 questions at random from the same bank.

  1. What are distractions while driving?

    • Events that prevent you from operating your vehicle safely and endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety — Correct answer
    • Only events that occur outside the vehicle
    • Only the use of a cell phone
    • Things that improve your driving focus

    Explanation: Distractions are events or things that prevent you from operating your vehicle safely and endanger the driver, passengers, and bystanders.

    Handbook: Distracted Driving and Electronic Communication Devices — Distracted Driving

  2. Which of the following is considered a driving distraction?

    • Eating, drinking, grooming, reading, or watching a video — Correct answer
    • Keeping both hands on the wheel
    • Checking your mirrors regularly
    • Scanning the road ahead

    Explanation: Distractions include texting, cell phone use, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading, watching video, and adjusting the radio or navigation.

    Handbook: Distracted Driving and Electronic Communication Devices — Types of distractions

  3. Why is text messaging considered the highest-risk distraction?

    • It requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention all at once — Correct answer
    • It only requires cognitive attention
    • It is allowed only at red lights
    • It improves reaction time

    Explanation: Text messaging is the most high-risk distraction because it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver all at once.

    Handbook: Distracted Driving and Electronic Communication Devices — Texting risk