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Missouri cracks down on texting and driving

Missouri this year raised penalties for distracted drivers with its "hands free" law. The state has joined 29 other states and Washington, D.C., in banning phones behind the wheel.

Corporal Justin Howard with the Missouri State Highway Patrol explained the reasoning behind the law, and laid out the possible penalties, with KCUR's Steve Kraske on Up To Date.

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Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love, and KCUR Studios, and edited by Lisa Rodriguez and Gabe Rosenberg.

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Corrected: January 15, 2025 at 10:14 AM CST
This interview contains an inaccurate statement about Missouri's penalties for distracted driving. The first offense is a $150 fine, the second offense is a $250 fine and subsequent offenses are $500.
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