Missouri Driving Laws: A Complete Guide

Minimum Driving Age

• Instruction Permit: Available at age 15 after passing the vision, road sign, and written tests.
  
  
• Intermediate License: Eligible at age 16 after holding an instruction permit for at least 182 days and completing 40 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night).
  
  
• Full License: Available at age 18 or after holding an intermediate license for at least 12 months without traffic convictions or alcohol-related offenses.

Instruction Permit Rules

• Supervision: Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older with at least 3 years of driving experience.
  
  
• Driving Hours: 40 supervised hours required (10 at night).
  
  
• Cell Phone Use: Prohibited for all drivers under 21, including permit holders.

License Types

• Instruction Permit: For new drivers starting at age 15.
  
  
• Intermediate License: For drivers 16–18 with limited privileges.
  
  
• Full License (Class F): Standard driver’s license.
  
  
• Commercial Licenses (Class A, B, C): Required for operating commercial vehicles.
  
  
• Motorcycle Permit/License (Class M): Needed to operate a motorcycle.

Required Documents for Driving

To apply for a permit or license, you must provide:

• Proof of Identity: Birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID.
  
  
• Social Security Number: SSN card or approved document.
  
  
• Proof of Missouri Residency: Two documents (e.g., utility bills, lease).
  
  
• Parental Consent: Required if under 18.

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws

• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all front-seat occupants and all passengers under 16.
  
  
• Child Restraints:
  
  
  • Under 4 years or under 40 lbs: Rear- or forward-facing car seat.
    
    
  • Ages 4–7 and under 80 lbs or 4’9”: Booster seat required.
    
    
  • Ages 8+ or over 80 lbs and 4’9”: Seatbelt allowed.

Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules

• Texting While Driving:
  
  
  • Banned for drivers under 21 and commercial drivers.
    
    
  • As of 2023, a statewide hands-free law is being phased in, with full enforcement beginning in 2025.
    
    
• Handheld Use: Will be prohibited for all drivers in 2025.
  
  
• Hands-Free Devices: Allowed for most adult drivers until full ban is in effect.

DUI/DWI Laws

• Legal BAC Limit: 0.08% for drivers 21+; 0.02% for under 21.
  
  
• First Offense:
  
  
  • License Suspension: 90 days (limited driving privileges may be granted).
    
    
  • Fine: Up to $500.
    
    
  • Jail Time: Up to 6 months.
    
    
  • May require participation in substance abuse education or an ignition interlock device.

Speed Limits

• Interstate Highways: Up to 70 mph.
  
  
• Rural Roads/Divided Highways: Typically 65 mph.
  
  
• Residential Areas: 25–30 mph.
  
  
• School Zones: Typically 20 mph.

Road Rage and Reckless Driving Laws

• Reckless Driving: Charged as “careless and imprudent driving.”
  
  
• Penalties:
  
  
  • Fine: Up to $1,000.
    
    
  • Jail: Up to 6 months for a first offense.
    
    
  • License Suspension possible for repeat or severe offenses.

Points System

Missouri operates a points-based system for traffic violations:

• 3 points: Speeding.
  
  
• 4 points: Stop sign/light violations.
  
  
• 8 points: DUI or driving while suspended.
  
  
• Accumulating 8+ points in 18 months can lead to license suspension.

Insurance Requirements

Minimum required liability coverage:

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident.
  
  
• Property Damage: $25,000 per accident.
  
  
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Required at the same minimum levels.

Renewal Frequency and Testing

• License Renewal: Every 3 or 6 years depending on age.
  
  
• Vision Test: Required at every renewal.
  
  
• Written/Driving Test: Only required for new drivers or if ordered after violations or medical concerns.

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