Failure to Signal in Missouri

Missouri laws require motor vehicle operators or drivers to use appropriate turn signals, brake lights or hand signals when making a turn, checking the speed of the vehicle, moving right or left or when making any other movement that may affect traffic upon a roadway. According to section 304.019 of Missouri laws, it’s prohibited to stop or suddenly decrease the speed of or turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway unless it is safe to do so and only after giving an appropriate signal.

The law requires drivers to use either state-approved signal devices (turn signals and brake lights) or hand signals as long as the hand signal is visible from the front and the rear of the vehicle.  However, when a vehicle is constructed or loaded in a manner that a hand or arm signal would not be visible both to the front and rear of such vehicle then such signals shall be given by a signal device.

When giving a signal by means of the hand and arm, the driver shall indicate his or her intention to stop, decrease speed, or turn by extending the hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle ( for instance, through the window).

The appropriate hand signals to indicate turning and stopping include:

• Left turn

A driver intending to make a left turn shall extend his or her arm horizontally so that it’s visible in the rear end of the vehicle, and shall slow down and approach the intersecting highway so that the left side of the vehicle shall be as near as practicable to the center line of the highway along which the driver is proceeding before making the turn.

• Right turn

A driver intending to make a right turn shall extend his or her arm upward so that the arm is visible in front of and in the rear of the vehicle. Such driver is required to slow down and approach the intersecting highway as near as practicable to the right side of the highway along which the driver is proceeding before making the turn.

• Stop or decrease speed

A driver who intends to stop or check the speed of the vehicle shall extend his or her arm downwards such that the arm is visible in the rear of the vehicle so as to avoid interfering with the movement of other vehicles upon the roadway.

Failure to give the appropriate signal in Missouri is considered a class C misdemeanor, and can result in a $75 fine and other penalties. In addition, an offender may get two points on their Missouri driving record which could lead to increased insurance rates, license suspension and even revocation. If an accident occurs as a result of failure to signal, it may be considered careless driving and the consequences could be more serious.

Missouri Traffic Ticket Attorney Can Help

If you are facing failure to signal charges in Missouri, don’t pay the ticket without considering the potential penalties. Paying a traffic ticket is an admission of guilt, and you could face various serious administrative penalties. It’s a good idea to consult with an experienced traffic attorney in Missouri to see what options are available to you.

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