Failure to follow the correct protocol before passing another vehicle equates to an Improper pass. Drivers who face charges of an Improper pass in Missouri can face hefty fines. It is even more severe when accidents or injuries result from an improper pass.

So, what are the types of unsafe passing that frequently get drivers an improper passing citation?

Types of Improper Passing

A driver should know the proper lanes for normal driving and the right time to safely change lanes. Changing lane rules in Missouri differ from one type of road to another. It is essential to understand that passing should only be done when the rules allow, and when the driver has confirmed, it is safe to make a pass.

Below are some of the mistakes drivers make during passing;

(i) Passing on the Right

According to the 2005 Missouri Revised Statutes 304.016. 2, all vehicles on public roads or highways should not overtake or pass to the right except when;

• The car being overtaken is about to make a left turn
• On a one-way-street
• On a city street with unobstructed pavement wide enough for two or more lines of traffic in each direction.
• On a highway outside the city with unobstructed pavement wide enough for four or more lines of traffic.

Even under the exceptions above, drivers can only  make a right pass “under conditions permitting such movement in safety.” And by so doing, the driver shall not drive or force other drivers to drive off the main traveled section of the roadway.

(ii) A Pass That Endangers Other Vehicles

If by passing right, you disturb the safe passage of other vehicles, either by causing an accident or forcing another car off the road, then that constitutes an improper pass. And a police officer can write you a ticket for that.

(iii) Making an Unsafe Blind Pass

Under the 2005 Missouri Revised Statutes 304.016. 4, drivers should never make a pass under the following conditions;

• When approaching a hilly area, or a curve on a highway where the driver’s view is obstructed and cannot see oncoming traffic within a distance that can cause an accident in case another vehicle approaches from the opposite direction.
• When a bridge or tunnel obstructs driver’s view or when within one hundred feet or approaching a railroad grade crossing.

Fines and costs

Violation of the 2005 Missouri Revised Statutes 304.016, Passing regulations, is a class C misdemeanor. A driver who has been convicted of improper passing can be subjected to fines between $150 and $750.

The fines would be on the upper scale if the offense is committed in a highway where construction or repair work was ongoing.

Contact a qualified traffic lawyer

If you are charged with an improper pass, contact an experienced traffic attorney to mount a defense against the charges. Our Improper lawyer will come up with a defense strategy to help you get off the hook.

Some strategies your lawyer will use may include identifying mistakes that the accusing police officer may have made while preparing a report about the improper pass. The attorney can also claim that there was no evidence to show that you were too close to an obstruction like a curve to make a pass.

If you are facing improper pass charges or know someone with similar charges in Missouri, you should contact Speeding Ticket KC traffic law firm to help you with your case. You will be happy you did!

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