Missouri Chapter 302: Driver License Laws
Chapter 302 of the Missouri Revised Statutes lays out the rules, restrictions, and penalties related to driving privileges in the state. From driving without a license to getting your privileges back after a suspension, these laws impact thousands of Missouri drivers every year—especially in DWI and traffic-related cases. If you’re dealing with a license issue, understanding these statutes can be the first step toward fixing it.
Common Chapter 302 Issues We Handle
- Driving while suspended or revoked
- License reinstatement after a DWI or drug offense
- Limited driving privileges and hardship licenses
- Point accumulation and automatic suspensions
- SATOP requirements and ignition interlock rules
Below are all the key laws we’ve broken down under Chapter 302, explained in simple terms. Click any link to learn what the statute says, what penalties apply, and what options you may have for defense or reinstatement.
Chapter 302 Statutes Explained
- § 302.020 – Driving Without a License or Helmet
- § 302.060 – License Restrictions & Reinstatement Rules
- § 302.190 – Suspension Durations & Reinstatement Timelines
- § 302.200 – Driving While Suspended or Revoked
- § 302.302 – Missouri Driver License Point System
- § 302.304 – Point-Related Suspensions
- § 302.309 – Limited Driving Privileges & Reinstatement
- § 302.311 – Appealing a Suspension or Revocation
- § 302.321 – Driving While Suspended or Revoked (Criminal Offense)
- § 302.410 – Suspension After Drug or Alcohol Offense
- § 302.420 – Reinstatement After Drug or Alcohol Offense
- § 302.425 – Underage Alcohol & SATOP Requirement
- § 302.454 – Ignition Interlock Required on Probation
- § 302.530 – Suspension Hearing Process
- § 302.540 – Reinstatement After DWI & SATOP
- § 302.580 – Court-Ordered SATOP for DWI or Drug Offenses
Facing a Driver License Suspension or Charge?
If your license is at risk—or already suspended—you have options. Combs Waterkotte can help you challenge a suspension, seek limited driving privileges, or defend against a criminal charge like driving while revoked. We understand the ins and outs of Missouri traffic law and how to protect your ability to drive.
Contact us today or call (314) 900-HELP for a free consultation with a traffic ticket and criminal defense attorney who can help you take the right next step.
302.010. Definitions.
What this law means in simple terms
This law explains what certain words mean when talking about Missouri driver’s license laws. It helps make sure everyone understands the same thing.
(1) “Circuit court” means every circuit court in Missouri.
(2) “Commercial motor vehicle” is a vehicle used to carry goods or more than 15 people.
(3) “Conviction” means a final guilty decision in court, or a bail forfeiture that hasn’t been canceled. If appealed, the original decision still counts for license points and suspension timing.
(4) “Criminal history check” is a search of state or federal records for offenses involving alcohol or drugs.
(5) “Director” refers to the director of revenue or their staff.
(6) “Farm tractor” is a vehicle mainly used on farms to pull equipment.
(7) “Highway” includes any public road or street for vehicles.
(8) “Incompetent to drive a motor vehicle” means someone physically unable to pass a driving test or legally declared incapacitated.
(9) “License” means a state-issued driver’s license.
(10) “Motor vehicle” is any self-moving vehicle not on tracks, except certain bikes.
(11) “Motorcycle” means a two-wheeled motor vehicle, not including motorized or electric bicycles.
(12) “Motortricycle” means a three-wheeled motor vehicle, but not electric bicycles.
(13) “Moving violation” means a traffic offense when the vehicle was moving, except size or weight violations and driving without registration.
(14) “Municipal court” means the city court that handles ordinance violations.
(15) “Nonresident” means someone who doesn’t live in Missouri.
(16) “Operator” means the person physically driving a vehicle on the road.
(17) “Owner” is the person who holds the title, lease, or legal right to a vehicle.
(18) “Record” includes all types of documents or electronic info filed with the Department of Revenue.
(19) “Residence address” is where someone lives and considers home.
(20) “Restricted driving privilege” is a limited license for specific reasons like work, school, treatment, court, or family duties after a suspension.
(21) “School bus” is a vehicle for more than 10 passengers used to transport students, unless it’s a public transit bus not on a school route.
(22) “School bus operator” is someone paid to drive a school bus. It doesn’t include other school staff unless hired as a driver.
(23) “Signature” includes any method approved by the director to sign a document.
(24) “Substance abuse traffic offender program” is a certified program to help people with alcohol or drug-related driving offenses based on their personal assessment.
(25) “Vehicle” means anything with wheels used on roads, except certain bikes, horse-drawn items, trains, cotton trailers, or motorized wheelchairs.
Contact Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
