Understanding Traffic Laws in Missouri
Introduction
Driving in Missouri offers a wonderful mix of scenic routes, bustling cities, and serene rural views. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, understanding the state’s traffic laws is crucial for safe and legal driving. Let’s explore the key regulations that apply to Missouri roads.
Quick Rules of the Road
- Seat Belts: Safety first! Missouri law mandates that all occupants must wear seat belts while in a moving vehicle. So, buckle up to protect yourself and your passengers.
- Cell Phones: Texting while driving is a big no-no for all drivers. It’s prohibited. Instead, opt for hands-free devices if you need to make calls or navigate.
- Right of Way: When it comes to yielding, pedestrians and other vehicles take priority. Always follow traffic signs and signals to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
- Stop Signs and Signals: When you see a stop sign, come to a complete stop. Obey traffic signals—green means go, yellow means slow down, and red means stop!
- Speed Limits: Adhere to posted speed limits based on the type of road and prevailing conditions. Let’s keep things safe and steady.
Speed Limits in Missouri
- Urban Areas: In city limits, speeds typically range from 25 to 35 mph. However, always check local signs for specific speed limits.
- Rural Roads: On rural roads, the usual speed limit is 55 mph. But keep an eye out for any exceptions or higher limits on certain highways.
- Interstates: When cruising on the interstates, the general speed limit is 70 mph. But remember, always follow the posted limits.
Toll Roads in Missouri
Missouri doesn’t have an abundance of toll roads. However, there’s one Well-known exception—the “Gateway Arch Expressway” (I-44/I-70). If you’re driving on certain sections of this expressway, be prepared to pay a toll.
Driving Ages and License Requirements
- Learner’s Permit: You can obtain a learner’s permit in Missouri at age 15. To get one, complete driver education and pass written and vision tests.
- Intermediate License: At 16, after holding a learner’s permit for at least 6 months, you can upgrade to an intermediate license. Keep in mind that nighttime driving restrictions apply during this stage.
- Full License: Once you turn 18 and meet the intermediate requirements, you’re eligible for a full driver’s license.
Essential Equipment to Carry in Your Car
- Emergency Kit: Always have an emergency kit in your car. It should include essentials like a flashlight, first aid supplies, and jumper cables. You never know when you might need them.
- Spare Tire and Tools: Flat tires happen unexpectedly. Make sure you’re prepared by carrying a spare tire, a jack, and the necessary tools to change a tire.
- Valid Insurance Card: Keep your insurance card handy. You’ll need it in case of an accident or if you’re pulled over by law enforcement.
Missouri Speed Violations, Infractions, and Penalties
- Speeding Tickets: If you exceed the speed limit, fines can vary based on how much over the limit you were driving. Be cautious and obey posted speed limits.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving can result in fines, license suspension, or even jail time. Avoid aggressive behavior behind the wheel.
- DUI/DWI: Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) carries strict penalties. Never drive impaired—it’s not worth the risk.
Driving with Children
- Child Safety Seats: If you’re traveling with children under 8 years old or weighing less than 80 pounds, they must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat.
- Booster Seats: For children aged 4 to 7 who have outgrown safety seats, booster seats are essential to ensure proper seat belt fit.
- Seat Belt Use: Once children outgrow booster seats, they should use regular seat belts. Buckle up for safety!
Gas Prices in Missouri
Gas prices in Missouri tend to be lower than the national average. Keep an eye out for local stations offering the best deals.
Electric Car Charging in Missouri
Charging stations for electric vehicles are becoming more common. Use apps or websites to locate charging points during your travels.
Driving Between Missouri and Other States
Missouri connects to neighboring states via major highways. Plan your route, explore scenic drives, and enjoy the journey!
Driving Conditions in Missouri
- Weather: Be prepared for severe weather changes, especially during tornado season. Stay informed about weather alerts and adjust your driving accordingly.
- Construction Zones: Slow down and follow detours in construction zones. Safety comes first.
- Wildlife: Watch out for deer and other animals, especially in rural areas. Stay alert to avoid collisions.
In conclusion, whether you’re cruising along Route 66 or exploring the picturesque Ozarks, drive responsibly and enjoy the beauty of the Show-Me State! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
List of Missouri Moving violations
From Missouri Form 899
Operate at Night Ordinance (Municipal Only)
Activate Red Light Non-Emergency
Aggressive Driving (Municipal Only)
Alter/Counterfeit license Identification Cards
Alter Driver License
Assault-3rd Degree Involve Motor Vehicle
Attempted Driving while Intoxicated (State Only)
Attempted Leaving Scene of Accident
Coast with Gears Disengaged
Collided with/Vehicle/Property
Cruising (Municipal Only)
Disobey Emergency Vehicle Ordinance (Municipal Only)
Disobey Funeral Proc Ordinance
Disobey Traffic Device Railroad
Disobey Traffic Control Device
Disobeyed Traffic Officer
Drive with/Child on Lap/Municipal Tank
Drive Out of Service–15 Pass/Hazard
Drive Under Min Speed Limit
Drive Commercial Motor Vehicle without Obtaining a Commercial Driving Lenience
Drive Motorcycle Between Vehicle’s
Drive Motor Vehicles without Owners Consent
Drive too Fast for Condition
Drive While Disqualified
Drive While Out of Service
Driver’s View Obstructed
Driving Across Fire Hose
Driving on Shoulder (Municipal Only)
Driving Over Curb
Driving Over Sidewalk
Driving Through Barricade (Municipal Only)
Driving Wrong Side of Road
Eluding Police Officer
Endanger Welfare of Child (State Only)
Engage in Speed Competition
Erratic Speed
Excessive Vehicle Noise–Squeal Tire
Excessive Passenger Violence
Fail to Obey Rail Road Device/Officer
Fail to Remain in Moving Vehicle
Fail to Report an Accident
Fail to Slow at Rail Road Crossing
Fail to Stop at Rail Road Crossing
Fail to Stop for School Bus
Fail to Stop Before Rail Road Cross
Fail to Yield Right of Way
Fail to Yield/Collide with/Pedestrian
Failed to Reduce Speed
Failure to Dim Lights
Failure to Keep Right
Failure to Obey Rail Road Restrictions
Failure to Sound Horn
Failure to Stay on Pavement (Municipal Only)
Failure/Improper Signal
Fictitious/Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked/Alter License
Fishtailing Following too Close
Follow with Insufficient Space
Gave False Info to Officer
Hot-Rodding (Municipal Only)
Impending Class/End/Violence Restrictions
impending Start From Parked Position
Impending Traffic movement
Improper Backing
Improper Emerging From Drive Improper Lane
Improper Passing
Improper Turn
Inattention/negligence /Careless Driver
Increased Speed When Passed
Insufficient Space to Drive Thru Rail Road
Insufficient Clearance Railroad Cross
Interfere With Officer/Traffic System
Leave Main Portion of Roadway (Municipal Only)
Minor in Possession (State Only)
Miscellaneous -Convert From Prior System (Miscellaneous Conviction)
Motor Fuel Theft (State Only)
No License-Possess or on Demand
Obstructing Traffic
Operating All Terrain Vehicle/Utility Terrain Vehicle Under Influence Alcohol/Drug
Operating All Terrain Vehicle/Utility Terrain Vehicle with Passenger
Operating Commercial Motor Vehicle with/Hand-Held Phone
Operating Commercial Motor Vehicle While Texting
Operating Off-Highway Vehicle on Roadway
Operating without Double/Triple Endorse
Operating without Hazardous Materials Endorse
Operating without Passenger Endorse
Operating without Tank Vehicle Endorse
Operating Without School Bus Permit
Open Car Door into Traffic
Operate Motorcycle 3 Passengers
s
Operated All Terrains Vehicle-Under Age of 16
Operating Motor Vehicle without Headlights
Operating Where Prohibited
Off Street Hit and Run
Off Street Hit and Run- Fatal
Overtake/Strike Rear of Vehicle
Present Another’s License as Own
Riding Side saddle–Motorcycle (Municipal Only)
SB Drive Not Permit Vehicle to Pass (State Only)
Strike a Legally Stopped Car
Tamper with/Ignition Interlock Device
Tampering with Motor Vehicle
Texting While Driving Traffic
Turn/Signal Viol
Unauthorized Lane Use
Use Toolkit for sensing people in spaces to Control Traffic (State Only)
Viol of Ignition Interlock
Viol of Instruction Permit
Viol of Restricted License
Violated Open Container Law (Municipal Only)
Warning of Radar
Weaving
Wrong Direction–Divided Street
Wrong Direction–One Way Street
TRAFFIC LAWYER SERVING THE KANSAS CITY METRO AND BEYOND
Speedingticketkc.com is a modern traffic law firm in the digital age with an old fashioned personal touch by our Traffic Attorney.
Our electronic process allows you to handle your basic traffic matter without ever leaving home. But, you will always know our traffic lawyer is available to answer your questions by just making a call. Kansas City local traffic attorney Chris Simons handles your matter from beginning to end, giving each client his direct email and personal cell phone number.
OUR TRAFFIC ATTORNEY HANDLES TRAFFIC TICKETS IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
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, Weston,
Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our traffic lawyer Missouri can be of assistance.
Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff
Counties we serve: Bates County, Benton County, Caldwell County, Cass County, Chariton County, Christian County, Clay County, Clinton County, Cooper County, Daviess County, Dekalb County, Henry County, Holt County, Jackson County, Johnson County(MO), Livingston County, Nodaway County, Pettis County, Platte County, Ray County, Saline County, St. Clair County,
Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our traffic lawyer Missouri can be of assistance.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE A TRAFFIC LAWYER?
Keep Insurance Rates Low
Insurance companies review your record to see if you have had traffic tickets when you apply for insurance. If you have traffic tickets on your license, they are known to raise your rates as much as 22% for over 3 years. This can cost you over a thousand dollars.
Do not waste your money on high insurance premiums. Let our speeding ticket attorney negotiate a plea to amend your traffic ticket to a non-moving violation
Convenience
Do not waste your time going to court and trying to plea your case in front of a judge. Let our traffic lawyer do the work for you.
Speedingticketkc.com has a simple process. Quick and Easy. Our traffic attorney has you covered. Put the flashing lights behind you and move on with your life! Let our traffic lawyer contact the prosecutor and negotiate a plea to amend your traffic ticket to a non-moving violation!
Keep Points Off Your License
Missouri has a point system that keeps track of traffic tickets in Missouri. Speeding tickets are moving violations in Missouri and add points to your license. If you get too many points you can lose your license. These points last on your record for up to 3 years. Losing your license can be devastating to your personal and professional life. Do not let traffic tickets curtail your life. Let our traffic lawyer contact the prosecutor and negotiate a plea to amend your traffic ticket to a non-moving violation.
- No Court Appearance (in most cases),
- No Office Visit,
- Flexible Hours to Contact Our Traffic Lawyer
- Most Matters Can Be Handled By Phone or Email.
- Pay with Credit Card. Check, Cash or Money order.
How Our Traffic Ticket Defense Works
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Call or Click “Amend Your Ticket Today” and Inform us your ticket number and any other information relating to your ticket. If you are under 21, tell me your age.
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2
An email will be sent to you containing all pertinent information including an electronic contract(you can sign it online with your smartphone, tablet or computer), request for pertinent information, fine and court costs, and a link to pay.
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I will file on your case and set a court date and request a recommendation from the prosecutor.
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If the prosecutor accepts my offer you pay your fine online(KCMO Tickets only) or the firm pays it with a check. Receipt from jurisdiction is sent and your email.
$75 FLAT FEE FOR A TRAFFIC ATTORNEY?
Speedingticketkc is now handling misdemeanors, felonies, animal control tickets, driving while suspended, DUI’s, and DWI’s.
Contact us now to find out our flat rates on those criminal matters.
$75
flat free
It is true, $75.00* is our traffic attorney’s fee for basic traffic tickets. Examples of basic traffic tickets are: speeding under 19 mph over the limit, failure to have or produce insurance(but you have it now), stop sign or signal violation, turning violations, following too closely(non-accident), and several other 2-4 point violations.
Click here for a list of 2-4 point violations. Some Exceptions are made, contact our traffic lawyer to find out. More complex traffic tickets have different rates. Remember, the traffic lawyer’s fee does not cover fines/court costs due to the court. Contact us for a detailed quote.
*on basic traffic tickets
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