7 Missouri traffic laws you’ll want to follow to avoid a ticket

Missouri’s driving laws focus heavily on maintaining roadway safety, governing various driving behaviors and traffic regulations. But there are rules some drivers might be unaware of or confused by.

Speeding, even when passing another vehicle or in an empty construction zone, remains strictly prohibited with substantial penalties regardless of context. Unsafe maneuvers such as “brake checking” and changing lanes in intersections face legal scrutiny due to their potential to cause accidents. The state encourages drivers to exercise caution and prudence at all times, emphasizing the importance of signaling and adhering to speed limits.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

No. 1: Can you speed to pass a vehicle on a Missouri road? Here’s what the state law says

Should you speed past a vehicle to get to your destination quicker? More importantly, is it legal for you to do? Here’s what Missouri law says. | Published June 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

No. 2: Is it illegal to speed in Missouri road construction zones if no workers are around?

Tickets for speeding in a work zone can be higher. See what Missouri law says about when the additional fees apply. | Published July 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

No. 3: Is it legal to ‘brake check’ a driver following you too closely? What Missouri law says

A brake check can happen when you feel that the vehicle behind you is tailgating your car. Who’s at fault if it causes a crash? | Published June 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

No. 4: Can you get a ticket for changing lanes in the middle of an intersection in Missouri?

Moving safely from one lane to another is up to the driver’s discretion, but it can land you in trouble if you put yourself or other drivers at risk. | Published September 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

No. 5: Can I wear earbuds or headphones while driving in Missouri? Here’s what state law says

“Operating a vehicle in today’s traffic requires your full attention,” the Missouri Highway Patrol warns. | Published June 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

No. 6: When does Missouri law say you have to use a turn signal? How much a ticket could cost

Do you remember this from your driver’s ed course? | Published January 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

No. 7: Is it OK to drive in Missouri with expired car tags? Here’s what the law says

Kansas City and Missouri police have been cracking down on drivers with expired temporary tags and license plates. Here’s what the law says about driving with expired tags, and what you need to do to renew. | Published June 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.