Missouri Traffic Laws

Brushing up on Missouri's rules of the road is a simple way to help keep yourself and other drivers safe. It may also help you avoid a ticket from a police officer.

In this article, you can learn more about Missouri traffic regulations, driving rules, and motor vehicle laws.

Use the following driving manuals and vehicle codes:

• Missouri Driver Guide
• Title XIX. Motor Vehicles, Watercraft and Aviation

The driving manuals and vehicle codes in the bullets above cover several topics. The links at the end of this article also go in-depth about state-specific traffic laws and safety regulations.

Specifically, the linked materials will help you learn about:

• Basic driving laws, like who has the right-of-way, left turns, one-way streets, and passing zones
• Special rules for construction zones, school zones, and railroad crossings
• Speed limits for varying roads, interstate highways, and residential areas
• Restrictions on where you can drive all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), golf carts, and other specialty motorized vehicles
• Crossing paths with an emergency vehicle or school bus
• Sharing the road with a funeral procession
• Meeting and overtaking approaching vehicles from the opposite direction
• Traffic-control signals and devices like stop lights, stop signs, crosswalk signals, and other traffic signs and signaling devices
• Restrictions on the use of cell phones, text messaging devices, and other wireless communication devices while driving
• Guidelines for towing vehicles
• Required vehicle equipment such as headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and license plates

Types of Traffic Offenses in Missouri

Traffic offenses are categorized as either moving violations or non-moving violations. Moving violations occur when a vehicle is in motion, like speeding or an illegal lane change. Non-moving violations refer to offenses when a vehicle is not moving. These are most often issued for parking, equipment, or vehicle registration.

Most traffic offenses are infractions. Infractions are less severe than misdemeanor or felony crimes and usually don't go on your criminal record, but some traffic violations can have more severe consequences. These types of charges include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI/DWI)
• Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run)
• Reckless driving

Penalties vary for these types of crimes. Depending on the nature of the offense, you could face a steep fine, jail time, and revocation of your driving privileges.

Resources for Missouri Drivers

There are several online resources for Missouri drivers to find details on construction work, road conditions, driver licensing, and more.

Motorists can visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol website for the following information:

• Online traffic accident reports and car accident maps
• Current road conditions and closures

The Missouri Department of Transportation provides updates on construction and work projects.

If you need to know more about driver licensing or vehicle registration, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

Missouri Traffic Laws: Statutes and Links

Find useful Missouri traffic laws and links to their statutes in the table below.

Ticketed for a Traffic Violation? Get Legal Help

If you have been ticketed for a traffic offense in Missouri, you should contact a traffic ticket attorney in your area. An experienced attorney can review the circumstances of your citation and help you plan a strong defense. This could save you a costly fine, points on your driving record, and a spike in your auto insurance rates. In some situations, it could even prevent a driver's license suspension or revocation.