302.020. Operation of motor vehicle without proper license prohibited, penalty — motorcycles — special license — protective headgear, failure to wear, fine, amount — no points to be assessed.
Driving without the right license or motorcycle gear is against the law in Missouri.
This law makes it illegal to drive any vehicle on a public road unless you have the right kind of license—and it also sets helmet rules and penalties if you break these rules.
1. It’s against the law to:
- Drive any vehicle on a highway without a valid driver’s license;
- Ride a motorcycle or motortricycle on a highway without the proper motorcycle endorsement on your license;
- Let someone else ride your motorcycle if they don’t have the proper motorcycle license or permit;
- Use someone else’s instruction permit or license to drive.
2. Helmet requirements for motorcycles:
- If you’re under 26 and you ride (as driver or passenger) a motorcycle or motortricycle, you must wear approved protective headgear whenever it’s moving.
- If you’re 26 or older and only have a motorcycle instruction permit, you also must wear headgear.
- Helmets must meet state standards set by the director.
- No city or county can add extra helmet rules, and police can’t stop you just to check your helmet.
3. Penalties for violations:
- First offense of driving without the proper license (parts 1 or 2): Class D misdemeanor;
- Second offense: Class A misdemeanor;
- Third or later offense: Class E felony;
- Violating parts (3) or (4) above (letting unlicensed rider or using another’s license): first time Class D misdemeanor, second or later Class C misdemeanor;
- Helmet violation under part 2: infraction with fine up to $25, no court costs, and no points on your record.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with an experienced Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
