Can I text at a red light in Illinois and Missouri? Here’s what state driving laws say

Meredith Howard
·3 min read
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Texting while driving is illegal in many states, with some exceptions for hands-free messaging and calling, but Illinois and Missouri laws vary greatly on the issue.

“It has become all too common to see people driving while looking at their phones,” said Steve Travia, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s director of highways and chief engineer, in an April press release. “People know texting and driving is dangerous and illegal, but they do it anyway, putting others at risk…”

Last year, Illinois State Police officers issued more than 7,200 citations and nearly 10,500 warnings for distracted driving, the release continued, with the most common offenses including texting or making phone calls.

The Illinois Department of Transportation offers these safety tips regarding driving:

  • “If you are expecting a text or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location.

  • Ask your passenger to be your ‘designated texter.’

  • Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

  • Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature.”

Here’s what to know about laws regulating cell phone usage while driving in Illinois and Missouri.

Illinois laws on texting and driving

In Illinois, drivers can only use cell phones that are not in a hands-free mode in the following circumstances, according to the Secretary of State’s website:

  • To report an emergency

  • While parked on the shoulder of a roadway

  • While stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park

Texting while in drive at a stoplight or in traffic would not be considered legal under those guidelines.

Hands-free or Bluetooth device usage is allowed for Illinois drivers 19 years of age or older.

“Even using hands-free technology is considered a distraction while driving and can be dangerous,” the Illinois Secretary of State’s website reads. “If you must make a phone call, even with hands-free technology, it is recommended that you pull off to the side of the road before making the call.”

Drivers who cause a crash by driving distracted may face “criminal penalties and incarceration,” the Illinois Secretary of State website reads.

Is it legal to text while driving in Missouri?

Missouri is one of two states in the country that allow texting while driving for motorists over the age of 21, KSDK reported in May.

There were 1,057 crash fatalities in the state in 2022, and there have already been 394 deaths this year, according to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. These figures represent the total number of reported crashes, not exclusively those caused by distracted driving.

The Show Me state has seen numerous legislative attempts to curb texting while driving, including Senate bills 56 and 61. Senate Bill 56 would prohibit texting and calling while driving, with exceptions for hands-free communication.