Missouri's Commercial Vehicle Regulations

Missouri State Highway Patrol — Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division

Introduction

In order to make your travels into and through our state safer and less complicated, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is pleased to provide this informational booklet which summarizes many of the rules and regulations concerning the operation of commercial motor vehicles and trailers.

Definitions

Commercial Motor Vehicle — One designed or regularly used for carrying freight and merchandise or more than eight passengers.

Local Commercial Motor Vehicle — One whose operations are confined to a municipality and that area extending not more than 50 miles therefrom.

Tractor, Truck Tractor — A self-propelled motor vehicle designed for drawing other vehicles, but not for the carriage of any load when operating independently.

Truck — A motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of property.

Chauffeur — An operator who operates a motor vehicle in the transportation of persons or property and who receives compensation for such services.

General Regulations and Safety Laws

Speed Law (Section 304.010 RSMo) — Rural interstates and freeways: 70 mph; rural expressways: 65 mph; interstate within urbanized areas: 60 mph. All other roads not in urbanized areas: 60 mph. Lettered state two-lane roads: 55 mph maximum unless set higher by MoDOT (not exceeding 60 mph). Minimum 40 mph on divided federal interstate highways.

Distance Between Vehicles — Drivers shall not follow more closely than is reasonably safe. The driver of any truck or bus shall not follow within 300 feet of another such vehicle, except when passing.

Weigh Stations (Section 304.235 RSMo) — All commercial motor vehicles, except those licensed for 18,000 pounds or less, are required to stop at an official weigh station.

Markings (Section 301.330 RSMo) — Each commercial vehicle used for commercial purposes or registered for more than 36,000 pounds gross weight must display the owner's name and address.

Hazardous Materials (Section 307.177 RSMo) — Transportation must comply with USDOT Title 49 CFR regulations. Missouri does not require additional licensing beyond federal requirements and does not have designated hazardous material routes.

Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection — A Missouri approval certificate must accompany applications for annual registration or transfer. Commercial vehicles must comply with Parts 390-397 of Title 49 CFR. Missouri is a member of CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance).

Safety Responsibility Law (Section 303.040) — If involved in a traffic crash where any person is killed or injured, or damage exceeds $500, you must file a traffic crash report within 60 days.