Missouri Traffic Laws: A Guide (2025)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
- Common Traffic Offenses and Violations
- Unusual Driving Laws Specific to Missouri
- Missouri Car Seat and Passenger Safety Laws
- Missouri's Hands-Free Driving Law
- Vehicle Equipment and Seasonal Driving Rules
- Legal Right-of-Way and Signal Rules
- Licensing and Permit Laws
- Seeking Legal Help for Traffic Violations
Summary
- DUI, reckless driving and hit and run are among the most serious offenses
- Missouri recently implemented a hands-free law
- If you’ve been charged with a violation, a traffic lawyer may help
With attractions like the Gateway Arch and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, each year, Missouri boasts more than 40 million visitors. More than 6 million people also call the state home, making traffic heavy on major roadways like I-64 and I-70.
Whether you’re local or just driving through, it’s a good idea to brush up on Missouri traffic laws before you get behind the wheel again. Here’s a look at some key laws in the state.
Common Traffic Offenses and Violations
Some of the most common traffic offenses in Missouri are similar to those in other states:
- Speeding
- Driving without insurance
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Running a red light or stop sign
Most violations of Missouri traffic laws are infractions. However, DUI, reckless driving, and other serious violations are crimes.
Technically speaking, Missouri doesn’t have a law against “reckless” driving. Instead, this offense is referred to as “careless and imprudent driving” in Missouri statutes.
Unusual Driving Laws Specific to Missouri
Some Missouri traffic laws are stranger than others. For instance, it’s illegal to honk your horn for any reason other than warning another driver. It’s also illegal to hang anything from your rearview mirror.
Missouri Car Seat and Passenger Safety Laws
Missouri’s child restraint laws are designed to keep children safe in vehicles. These are the state car seat requirements:
- Kids under 4/under 40 pounds must have safety seats.
- Kids 4-7/40+ pounds must be in a safety or booster seat.
- Kids 8+/80+ pounds or at least 4’9” must have a booster seat or wear a seat belt
Missouri also requires drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts.
Missouri's Hands-Free Driving Law
On January 1, 2025, Missouri began enforcing a hands-free law:
- First Offense in Two Years: Up to $150 fine
- Second Offense in Two Years: Up to $250 fine
- Third or Subsequent Offense in Two Years: Up to $500 fine
Fines become more severe if violations occur in a work/school zone or lead to accidents.
Vehicle Equipment and Seasonal Driving Rules
Missouri requires cars to be kept in safe condition. Snow chains and studded tires are allowed in inclement weather, but studded tires are only legal from November 1 to March 31.
Legal Right-of-Way and Signal Rules
Missouri right-of-way laws are similar to those in other states:
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks/at intersections.
- The first vehicle to arrive goes first at a four-way stop.
- If two vehicles get to a four-way stop at once, the one on the right goes first.
If a driver fails to yield and causes an accident, they may be held liable.
Licensing and Permit Laws
Missouri has a graduated licensing law. New drivers obtain an instruction permit, an intermediate license, and an under-21 full license.
Seeking Legal Help for Traffic Violations
If you’ve been ticketed, a traffic lawyer may be able to help you challenge it. Likewise, if you’ve been injured by a driver who was violating traffic laws, a Missouri personal injury lawyer can offer valuable advice.
ConsumerShield is here to help you find a lawyer. Fill out our contact form to get started today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes — as long as you come to a complete stop first.
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The online Missouri Driver Guide is a comprehensive resource.
