Missouri

Missouri Motorist Info

Points of Interest

• Missouri allows carrying a concealed firearm while traveling in a continuous journey peaceably through the state.
• Missouri has a confusing mix of speed limits. Lettered (county) highways, which are almost always paved, are generally posted at 55 mph. Meanwhile, gravel county roads are posted at 60 mph. A safe bet in Missouri is to diligently watch for speed limit signs and adjust your speed accordingly.

Speed Limits

Rural Interstates: Cars 70, Trucks 70
Urban Interstates: Cars 60, Trucks 60
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars 70, Trucks 70
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/speedlimit_laws.html)

These speed limits apply unless a different limit is posted.

Speed limits are absolute–exceeding the speed limit is illegal per se (regardless of whether it was safe under the specific conditions).

Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
Pacing: Yes
Radar: Yes
Vascar: No
Automated Speed Enforcement: Yes
Aircraft: Yes
Laser: No

Ticket Payment Methods
Consult your ticket or clerk of courts

Trial By Declaration Allowed
No

Discovery
Allowed with limitations

Jury Trial Allowed
Speeding: Yes
Parking: Yes
Equipment: Yes
DWI: Yes

Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes

Member of Driver License Compact
Yes

When and Where to File Accident Reports
The operator or owner of every motor vehicle which is involved in an accident within this state or the owner of a legally or illegally parked car which is in any manner involved in an accident within this state, with an uninsured motorist, upon the streets or highways thereof, or on any publicly or privately owned parking lot or parking facility generally open for use by the public, in which any person is killed or injured or in which damage to property of any one person, including himself, in excess of five hundred dollars is sustained, and the owner or operator of every motor vehicle which is involved in an accident within this state if such owner or operator does not carry motor vehicle liability insurance shall, within thirty days after such accident, report the matter in writing to the director.

Resident Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required (although some states allow posting a cash bond or such as an alternative)
Minimum Coverage Required:
Injury to one person: $25,000
All injuries: $50,000
Property Damage: $10,000

Phone/Texting Restrictions
Hand-Held Ban: No
All Cell Phone Ban: No
Texting Ban: Drivers 21 years or younger
Enforcement: Primary: drivers 21 years or younger
http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/cellular-phone-use-and-texting-while-driving-laws.aspx

Other Regulations

• Open intoxicants are permitted in the vehicle. Consumption while operating a vehicle is prohibited.
• The BAC level is .08%.
• Missouri has an administrative license suspension law and an implied consent law. The breathalyzer refusal penalty is a 1-year driver’s license revocation.
• Loaded firearms may not be concealed while carried in a vehicle; however, plain view carry of rifles, shotguns, and handguns is unregulated.
• Studded tires are permitted from November 1 to April 1.
• Tire chains are not required.
• Missouri has a seat belt law with secondary enforcement for all front seat occupants.
• Missouri has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 5 years of age. Adult safety belt may be substituted for rear seat occupants.
• Missouri has a mandatory motorcycle helmet law.
• Registration is not required to be carried in the vehicle. Insurance card must be carried in the vehicle.

General Information
Telephone: 573/751-3313 (State Highway Patrol) or http://www.courts.mo.gov/ (“Your Missouri Courts”)
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: 55