CAN YOU BE TICKETED FOR DRIVING TOO SLOW ON THE HIGHWAY IN MISSOURI?

Everyone knows speeding is illegal — but what about driving too slowly? Believe it or not, in Missouri, you can get pulled over not just for going too fast, but also for going too slow. It may sound strange, but driving significantly below the speed limit can be just as dangerous as speeding.

So yes — under certain conditions, Missouri drivers can be ticketed for driving too slowly, especially if they’re impeding traffic or creating a safety hazard on highways or interstates.

If you’ve been ticketed in Missouri for driving too slowly on the highway, don’t try and handle the ticket yourself. Call Speeding Ticket KC. Our team of experienced Kansas City traffic lawyers can help you keep your record clean and get you back on the road legally.

WHAT IS MISSOURI’S “TOO SLOW” LAW?

The law against slow driving falls under RSMo 304.011, which says:

“No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.”

In simple terms:

• If you’re driving below the flow of traffic for no valid reason, you can be cited.
• The rule applies on highways, interstates, and major roads — anywhere normal traffic flow is expected.

For example:

• If the speed limit is 65 mph and you’re cruising at 45 in the right lane with clear weather and no traffic issues, you’re impeding traffic.
• If you’re slowing down to exit or because of rain, fog, or heavy congestion — that’s fine.

It’s all about context.

WHEN “DRIVING TOO SLOW” BECOMES A TRAFFIC TICKET IN MISSOURI

Missouri officers typically issue “impeding traffic” or “failure to drive at a reasonable speed” tickets when a slow driver:

• Forces others to brake or change lanes suddenly,
• Drives below the minimum posted speed (some highways have one listed),
• Blocks the passing lane by driving slower than traffic, or
• Creates a backup that affects traffic flow.

In Kansas City and St. Louis, slow drivers in the left lane can also be cited under the state’s “Keep Right” law (RSMo 304.015) — which requires drivers to stay in the right lane except when passing. Staying in the passing lane while driving under the speed limit is a quick way to get pulled over.

WHY DRIVING TOO SLOW ON A MISSOURI HIGHWAY IS DANGEROUS

It might sound counterintuitive, but driving too slowly can cause accidents.

When one car travels much slower than the rest of traffic, it can lead to:

• Rear-end collisions,
• Sudden lane changes,
• Aggressive driving from frustrated motorists, and
• Increased risk in high-speed merging zones.

Missouri highway patrol officers are trained to spot “speed differentials” — when one car is moving much faster or slower than others — because both create danger on the road.

PENALTIES FOR DRIVING TOO SLOW IN MISSOURI

A “too slow” or “impeding traffic” citation is typically treated as a moving violation, which can include:

• A fine (usually between $75–$150, depending on jurisdiction),
• 2 points on your Missouri driving record, and
• A possible increase in insurance rates.

Repeat offenses or violations that cause an accident can lead to harsher penalties, including higher fines or even license suspension if you accumulate too many points.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE TICKETED FOR DRIVING TOO SLOW IN MISSOURI

Many drivers are shocked to learn they can get cited for being overly cautious. But don’t just pay the ticket — it’s not worth the long-term damage to your record.

An experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyer can often:

• Get the charge reduced to a non-moving violation (no points).
• Argue that traffic or weather conditions justified your reduced speed.
• Challenge the officer’s interpretation of “impeding traffic.”
• Appear in court on your behalf — so you don’t have to.

At Speeding Ticket KC, we’ve seen dozens of cases where slow-driving tickets were reduced or dismissed completely because the driver was operating safely for the conditions.

WHY YOU NEED TO HIRE A SKILLED MISSOURI CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER TODAY

Even if the fine seems small, the points and insurance impact can be costly. Missouri’s point system adds up fast, and once you hit 8 points in 18 months, your license can be suspended.

Hiring an attorney costs far less than losing your license or paying years of increased insurance premiums. Your lawyer can help ensure your ticket doesn’t spiral into bigger problems later.

Don’t let a simple speeding ticket turn into a long-term headache. At Speeding Ticket KC, our knowledgeable Kansas City traffic lawyers help drivers fight tickets quickly, affordably, and effectively. A single violation can raise your insurance rates and add points to your license — but it doesn’t have to. We know how to negotiate with Missouri courts and prosecutors to reduce or dismiss your ticket altogether. Whether it’s speeding, careless driving, or failure to yield, our experienced attorneys can help you avoid costly penalties.

WE CAN HELP. CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC

Yes — you can get ticketed for driving too slow on Missouri highways, especially if you’re impeding traffic or blocking the passing lane. But that doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty.

If you’ve been cited for driving too slow, impeding traffic, or any other moving violation, contact Speeding Ticket KC today. Our affordable Kansas City traffic defense lawyers will fight to protect your record, your license, and your peace of mind — whether you were going too fast or too slow.

With Speeding Ticket KC, you get fast, local service from lawyers who know Kansas City traffic laws inside and out. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and protect your record before it’s too late.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.