Missouri

GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Missouri. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.

Missouri
Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Motorcyclists may ride without helmets if they are 26 yrs or older and have medical insurance.

Missouri
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

6 years

Missouri
Provisions for Mature Drivers

70 and over: renewal every 3 years

Missouri
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

None

Missouri
Marijuana Possession and Use

None

Missouri
Marijuana Impaired Driving

Decriminalized and legal for medical use

Missouri
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)

70

Missouri
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

70

Missouri
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)

60

Missouri
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

60

Missouri
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)

70

Missouri
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)

70

Missouri
Increased penalty for high BAC

0.15

Missouri
Administrative license suspension on first offense

90 days

Missouri
Limited driving privileges during suspension

After 0 days with interlock use (restricted); After 30 days (restricted)

Missouri
Ignition Interlocks

Mandatory for repeat convictions

Missouri
Open container laws

No

Missouri
Repeat Offender Laws

Yes

Missouri
Adult Safety Belt Permissible

At least 8 yrs and 80 lbs or taller than 4'9" 

Missouri
Child Restraint Required

Under 4 yrs or under 40 lbs in child safety seat
4-7 yrs and 40-80 lbs and 4'9" or shorter in child safety seat or booster seat
At least 80 lbs or taller than 4'9" in booster seat or safety belt

Missouri
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

Missouri
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Missouri
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Missouri
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40 (10)

Missouri
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Missouri
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

1 a.m. - 5 a.m.

Missouri
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no more than 1 under 19 Thereafter: no more than 3 under 19

Missouri
Type of Law

Secondary; Primary for riders ages 8 through 15

Missouri
Who is Covered?

8 and over

Missouri
In What Seat?

8-15 yrs: All (primary enforcement) 16 and over: Front

Missouri
Hand-Held Ban?

Yes. Secondary Law. (Effective 8/29/2023)

Missouri
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers

Yes. Secondary Law. (Effective 8/29/2023)

Missouri
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers

No

Missouri
Text Messaging Ban?

For drivers 21 and under. Primary law.
All drivers. Secondary Law. (Effective 8/29/2023)

Missouri
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

Permitted by city ordinance

Missouri
Speed Cameras: State Law

No state law

Missouri
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

Permitted by city ordinance

Missouri
Red Light Cameras: State Law

No state law

New Report Analyzes Impact of Hands-Free Laws on Distracted Driving

GHSA and Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) today released a new report addressing the growing concern over smartphone-induced distracted driving. The report proposes states implement a multi-faceted approach to improve road safety that includes the adoption of strong and clear laws, which CMT research confirms have a positive impact on distraction rates.

Innovative Programs To Combat Drunk And Drug-Impaired Driving Get A Boost

Alcohol, cannabis and multi-substance impaired driving have surged in recent years and account for about one-third of traffic fatalities annually in this country. A new round of grants aims to help lower that death toll by providing law enforcement officers with tools, resources and training to better identify impaired drivers and remove them from the road.

GHSA and Responsibility.org Fund Drunk and Drug-Impaired Driving Prevention Programs in Four States

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Responsibility.org have awarded $120,000 in grants to four State Highway Safety Offices (SHSO) for programs designed to combat alcohol, cannabis and multi-substance impaired driving, which accounts for approximately one-third of U.S. traffic deaths annually.

GHSA and Responsibility.org Fund Drunk and Drug-Impaired Driving Prevention Programs in Four States

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Responsibility.org have awarded $120,000 in grants to four State Highway Safety Offices (SHSO) for programs designed to combat alcohol, cannabis and multi-substance impaired driving, which accounts for approximately one-third of U.S. traffic deaths annually.

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