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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