2023 Missouri Revised Statutes
Title XXXVIII – Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders
Chapter 577 – Public Safety Offenses
Missouri Chapter 577: Public Safety Offenses
Chapter 577 of the Missouri Revised Statutes outlines a wide range of offenses that impact public safety—including DWIs and boating while intoxicated, chemical test procedures, and conduct related to accidents, transit systems, and child safety. These laws exist to reduce harm on Missouri roadways, waterways, and public spaces. Penalties range from infractions and license suspensions to serious misdemeanors and felonies.
What Chapter 577 Covers
- Driving or boating while intoxicated (DWI/BWI)
- Refusing or failing chemical tests
- Accident reporting and leaving the scene
- Ignition interlock and alcohol monitoring laws
- Transit safety and public conduct regulations
Use the links below for a plain-English breakdown of each statute, including definitions, penalties, and what the prosecution must prove.
Chapter 577 Statutes Explained
- § 577.010 – Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- § 577.012 – Driving With Excessive BAC
- § 577.013 – Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)
- § 577.014 – Boating With Excessive BAC
- § 577.017 – Alcohol Consumption While Driving
- § 577.020 – Implied Consent Law
- § 577.021 – Pre-Arrest Chemical Testing
- § 577.023 – DWI/BWI Repeat Offender Status
- § 577.029 – Blood Alcohol Test Procedures
- § 577.037 – Chemical Test Evidence in DWI Cases
- § 577.041 – Refusing a Chemical Test
- § 577.060 – Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- § 577.068 – Failure to Report a Shooting
- § 577.073 – Damaging State Park Property
- § 577.300 – Leaving a Child Unattended in a Vehicle
- § 577.599 – Ignition Interlock Violation
- § 577.612 – Tampering With Ignition Interlock
- § 577.703 – Bus Hijacking / Weapon Possession
- § 577.706 – Bomb Threats at Bus Terminals
- § 577.709 – Misconduct on a Bus
Facing Charges Under Missouri Chapter 577?
Whether you’re dealing with a first-time DWI or more serious public safety allegation, the consequences can be severe. Get immediate legal support from our experienced Missouri criminal defense team. Contact Combs Waterkotte online or call (314) 900-HELP today for a free consultation and take the first step toward defending your rights.
577.001. Chapter definitions.
This section defines key terms used in Missouri’s DWI and boating while intoxicated laws.
These definitions help explain how Missouri classifies repeat offenders, different types of vehicles, and terms related to alcohol and drug monitoring.
(1) Aggravated offender: Someone found guilty of either:
- (a) Three or more separate DWI or similar traffic offenses; or
- (b) Two or more DWI-type offenses where at least one involved injury or death while the person was driving intoxicated.
(2) Aggravated boating offender: Someone guilty of either:
- (a) Three or more boating-while-intoxicated offenses; or
- (b) Two or more such offenses where at least one involved injury or death caused while boating intoxicated.
(3) All-terrain vehicle: An off-road motorized vehicle weighing 1,500 pounds or less, with:
- (a) A straddle seat or room for more than one person and handlebars, or
- (b) A width of 50 inches or less from tire rim to tire rim.
(4) Court: Any circuit, associate circuit, or municipal court — excluding juvenile or treatment courts.
(5) Chronic offender: A person guilty of:
- (a) Four or more separate DWI-type offenses; or
- (b) Three or more where at least one caused injury or death; or
- (c) Two where both involved injury or death while driving intoxicated.
(6) Chronic boating offender: A person guilty of:
- (a) Four or more separate boating-while-intoxicated offenses; or
- (b) Three or more where one involved injury or death; or
- (c) Two where both involved injury or death while boating intoxicated.
(7) Continuous alcohol monitoring: Automatic testing of alcohol levels at least once per hour, with alerts for tampering and location-independent tracking. It qualifies as electronic monitoring under Missouri law.
(8) Controlled substance: Any drug or chemical listed in Schedules I–V under Missouri law (section 195.017).
(9) Drive, driving, operates, or operating: Physically controlling or using a vehicle or boat.
(10) Flight crew member: Includes pilots, copilots, flight engineers, and navigators.
(11) Habitual offender: Someone found guilty of:
- (a) Five or more DWI-type offenses; or
- (b) Four or more with at least one causing injury or death; or
- (c) Three or more where at least two caused injury or death while driving intoxicated.
(12) Habitual boating offender: A person guilty of any of the following:
- (a) Five or more separate boating-while-intoxicated offenses;
- (b) Four or more such offenses where at least one caused injury or death;
- (c) Three or more such offenses where at least two caused injury or death; or
- (d) While boating intoxicated, acted with criminal negligence to:
- a. Cause the death of someone not riding in the boat (including deaths from the boat leaving the water);
- b. Cause the death of two or more people; or
- c. Cause someone’s death with a blood alcohol content of 0.18% or higher.
(13) Intoxicated or intoxicated condition: Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances, or any combination of those.
(14) Intoxication-related boating offense: Operating a vessel while intoxicated, including when someone is hurt or killed, under any state, federal, local, or military law.
(15) Intoxication-related traffic offense: Driving while intoxicated or with excessive blood alcohol, or any DUI/DWI offense (including those involving injury or death) under state, local, federal, or military law.
(16) Law enforcement officer or arresting officer: Includes officers as defined in Missouri law and military police enforcing traffic laws on federal bases in Missouri.
(17) Operate a vessel: Physically controlling a boat or watercraft that’s moving under engine or sail power.
(18) Persistent offender: A person who has been found guilty of:
- (a) Two or more separate intoxication-related traffic offenses; or
- (b) One such offense involving injury or death.
(19) Persistent boating offender: A person found guilty of:
- (a) Two or more separate boating-while-intoxicated offenses; or
- (b) One such offense involving injury or death.
(20) Prior offender: A person found guilty of one intoxication-related traffic offense within the last five years.
(21) Prior boating offender: A person found guilty of one intoxication-related boating offense within the last five years.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
