Missouri State Highway Patrol — Public Information and Education Division
Traffic Laws & Regulations
This brochure assists residents and nonresident tourists of Missouri to become familiar with traffic laws and regulations. Missouri highways are patrolled by troopers of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The primary responsibilities are to promote safety and enforce traffic laws.
Driver's License
New Resident: You must apply for a Missouri driver's license as soon as you take residence, even with a valid license from another state. Commercial drivers have 30 days.
Non-Resident: A valid license from your home state is sufficient. No non-resident under age 16 may operate a motor vehicle on Missouri highways.
Motorcycles: Riders 26 or older with proof of valid medical insurance are not required to wear a helmet. All other riders must wear a DOT approved helmet. A motorcycle endorsement is required.
Speed Limits
Speed limits vary and are posted. The minimum speed on interstate highways is 40 mph. The maximum fine for speeding is $500 and/or six months in jail. State troopers use radar, aircraft, and calibrated speedometers for enforcement.
Hands-Free Law
• Drivers may not hold or support a cell phone while driving. Bluetooth and voice-activated features are permitted.
• May not manually type, write, send, or read text-based communications.
• May not watch, record, post, send, or broadcast video.
Penalties: First: up to $150. Second: up to $250. Third: up to $500.
Seat Belts
Missouri law requires the operator and front seat occupants to wear a properly adjusted seat belt. Children under four must be in a child safety seat. Children ages 4-7 who weigh 40-80 lbs and are under 4'9" must be in a booster seat. Children 8-16 must be secured by a safety belt.
Financial Responsibility Law & Traffic Crashes
If involved in a crash where a person is killed or injured, or property damage exceeds $500, and one motorist has no insurance with no settlement agreed, you must file a Missouri Motor Vehicle Accident Report (DOR-1140) within 60 days. Leaving the scene of a crash can be a felony.
Miscellaneous Information
• Rest Areas: No costs or restrictions prohibit overnight stays. Tent camping is generally prohibited.
• Litter Laws: Maximum fine is $1,000 per offense.
• School Bus Law: Motorists must stop when a school bus is loading/unloading children.
• Emergency Vehicle: Drive to the right and stop when emergency vehicles approach. Move over for stationary emergency vehicles.
• Railroad Crossings: Stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet when signals are activated or a train approaches.
• Studded Tires: Not permitted April 1 to November 1.
• Following Distance: Commercial vehicles must maintain 300-foot interval. Passenger vehicles must follow at a reasonably safe distance.
Contact
Public Information and Education Division
Missouri State Highway Patrol
1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-3313
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov
Email: mshppied@mshp.dps.mo.gov
Emergency Highway Assistance: 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55
Road Conditions: 1-888-275-6636