JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri highway workers have been banned from sending cell phone text messages while operating equipment or driving agency vehicles.

The Missouri Transportation Department policy also bars employees from sending text messages while on the clock and driving their own vehicles. Director Pete Rahn says the transportation department focuses on safety, and the new policy is designed to ensure department employees don't put themselves or others at risk by texting while driving.

A Missouri law that took effect in August bars people 21 and younger from sending text messages while driving.