The following information is updated periodically. However, laws and regulations can change between updates. State statutes and local ordinances are the ultimate authorities for these issues.
Points of Interest
Speed Limits
Rural Interstates: Cars 70, Trucks 70
Urban Interstates: Cars 60, Trucks 60
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars 65, Trucks 65
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/speedlimit_laws.html)
These speed limits apply unless a different limit is posted.
Speed limits are absolute--exceeding the speed limit is illegal per se (regardless of whether it was safe under the specific conditions).
Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
Pacing: Yes
Radar: Yes
Vascar: No
Automated Speed Enforcement: Yes
Aircraft: Yes
Laser: No
Ticket Payment Methods
Consult your ticket or clerk of courts
Trial By Declaration Allowed
No
Jury Trial Allowed
Speeding: Yes
Parking: Yes
Equipment: Yes
DWI: Yes
Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes
Member of Driver License Compact
Yes
When and Where to File Accident Reports
The operator or owner of every motor vehicle which is involved in an accident within this state or the owner of a legally or illegally parked car which is in any manner involved in an accident within this state, with an uninsured motorist, upon the streets or highways thereof, or on any publicly or privately owned parking lot or parking facility generally open for use by the public, in which any person is killed or injured or in which damage to property of any one person, including himself, in excess of five hundred dollars is sustained, and the owner or operator of every motor vehicle which is involved in an accident within this state if such owner or operator does not carry motor vehicle liability insurance shall, within thirty days after such accident, report the matter in writing to the director.
(Missouri Statute 303.040, http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c300-399/3030000040.htm)
Resident Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required (although some states allow posting a cash bond or such as an alternative)
Minimum Coverage Required:
Injury to one person: $25,000
All injuries: $50,000
Property Damage: $10,000
Phone Restrictions
Novice Drivers: Text-messaging prohibited for ages 21 and younger, using primary enforcement
School Bus Drivers: No special restrictions
All Drivers: No restrictions
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html)
Other Regulations
General Information
Telephone: 573/751-3313 (State Highway Patrol) or http://www.courts.mo.gov/ ("Your Missouri Courts")
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: 55
Go Back To NMA State Chapter Home Page
These pages are created and managed by the volunteer efforts of NMA Activists, State Chapter Coordinators and members.
If your state doesn't currently have anyone serving in these roles, perhaps you'd like to consider it.
Across the United States, even the most careful, safe drivers on the road would probably admit to being nervous when they spot a police officer enforcing traffic laws. Instead of inspiring feelings of safety, our traffic laws are used to create fear. Can this ever change?
This page was last updated: August 2010