2023 Missouri Revised Statutes
Title XIX – Motor Vehicles, Watercraft and Aviation
Chapter 304 – Traffic Regulations
Missouri Chapter 304: Traffic Regulations
Chapter 304 of the Missouri Revised Statutes covers many of the traffic laws that drivers encounter daily—like speeding, distracted driving, and failure to use caution. While some violations result in minor fines, others can lead to points on your license or even criminal charges. If you’re facing a traffic ticket or citation under Chapter 304, it’s important to understand the statute behind it and what options you have.
Key Issues Covered in Chapter 304
- Speeding and point violations
- Distracted driving under Missouri’s hands-free law
- Failure to drive with due care
- Traffic citations that affect your driving record
Click any of the links below for a clear explanation of the statute, what it means in plain terms, and how it may apply to your case.
Chapter 304 Statutes Explained
- Overview: Chapter 304 – Traffic Regulations
- § 304.009 – Minor Speeding Violations (No Points)
- § 304.012 – Failure to Use Highest Degree of Care
- § 304.822 – Hands-Free Law (Siddens Bening)
Dealing with a Traffic Violation?
Whether you were pulled over for speeding, cited for distracted driving, or charged with careless driving, you still have rights—and often options. At Combs Waterkotte, we help Missouri drivers fight back against unfair or excessive traffic penalties. Don’t let a traffic ticket turn into a bigger problem. Contact us online today or call (314) 900-HELP for a free consultation with an experienced Missouri traffic defense attorney.
304.001. Definitions for chapter 304 and chapter 307.
Explains key words used in Missouri traffic and vehicle laws
This section defines important terms used throughout chapters 304 and 307 so readers understand what specific words mean in those laws.
1. “Abandoned property” means any unattended vehicle, trailer, ATV, outboard motor, or boat removed from public or private property under §§304.155 or 304.157. If a vehicle is towed from an accident scene and not claimed within five days, police must write a report.
2. “Commercial vehicle enforcement officers” are Missouri State Highway Patrol employees (not patrol members) who enforce laws for commercial vehicles and their drivers.
3. “Commercial vehicle inspectors” are also non-member employees of the patrol who run weigh stations and check commercial vehicle rules.
4. “Commission” means the State Highways and Transportation Commission.
5. “Department” refers to the State Transportation Department.
6. “Freeway” is a divided highway with four or more lanes, no at-grade crossings, and access only through ramps or interchanges.
7. “Interstate highway” is any highway in Missouri that is part of the national interstate system, approved by both the Missouri commission and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
8. “Members of the patrol” are officers of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, including the superintendent, lieutenants, captains, patrolmen, and others.
9. “Off-road vehicle” is any vehicle that can travel on natural terrain without a road or trail.
- Includes: Jeeps, ATVs, dune buggies, trail bikes, vehicles with treads or low-pressure tires, and any motorized vehicle not powered by muscle or wind.
- Does not include: Boats, aircraft, police/fire/military vehicles, farm or construction vehicles used on-site, lawnmowers, golf carts, vehicles for transporting disabled persons, or electric bicycles under §301.010.
10. “Person” means any individual, company, or legal entity.
11. “Right-of-way” is the full width of land between the edges of a state highway, including the road.
12. “Roadway” is the part of the highway meant for vehicle traffic—not including the shoulder or berm.
13. “State highway” is any highway built or maintained by the state or with federal help, including the full right-of-way.
14. “Towing company” is any business or person that tows, removes, or stores abandoned vehicles.
15. “Urbanized area” means a place with 50,000+ people, marked by the Census Bureau, with boundaries set by the state and local officials and approved by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri traffic tickets lawyer.
