No, cursing while driving is not against the law in Missouri under any statewide statute. This is another urban legend from “weird laws” compilations, often misattributing local ordinances or outdated decency codes to modern traffic rules.​
Missouri Driving Laws
Missouri’s Siddens-Benning Hands-Free Law (effective 2025) bans handheld phone use, texting, and distractions like video viewing, with fines up to $500 for repeats, but nothing targets profanity. General disorderly conduct (RSMo §574.010) could theoretically apply if swearing incites public alarm or fight, but isolated cursing in a car—windows up—stays private and legal.
Origins of the Myth
Such claims echo defunct 19th-century vagrancy laws or municipal profanity bans (e.g., in parks), not vehicles. No citations exist for “cursing while driving” in Missouri case law; focus remains on reckless driving or road rage escalating to assault. Your mouth is safe behind the wheel.​
