§ 577.709 RSMo – Bus Passenger Misconduct & Penalties in Missouri

Posted by Christopher Combs on July 22, 2025

577.709. Vulgar or profane language — passenger under influence of alcohol or drugs, penalties, exceptions — driver may remove passenger from bus, when

Bad behavior, drug use, or refusing the driver’s orders on a bus is illegal

Passengers on buses or at terminals can be charged with a misdemeanor if they use offensive language, are intoxicated, have illegal drugs, or refuse to follow a driver’s instructions. The driver can also remove them from the bus.

1. It is against the law for any person on a bus, in the terminal, or nearby to:

(1) Use vulgar, obscene, or profane language or make threats that could disturb the peace;
(2) Be drunk, illegally high, possess illegal drugs (unless properly prescribed), or drink alcohol on a passenger bus (except on a chartered bus);
(3) Refuse to follow a reasonable order from the bus driver or an authorized staff member.

2. If someone breaks this law, the bus driver or person in charge may stop the bus at the location of the offense or the next stop and require the person to leave.

3. Violating this section is a class C misdemeanor.

View the full statute here