Lesser-known Missouri traffic laws to watch out

Lesser-known Missouri traffic laws to watch out

Laws are meant to be broken, but NEVER on the road! Roads are where some vehicles ply daily, and the entire system of traffic works on one concept – ‘understanding’. For instance, when a vehicle ahead flashes its right indicator, you’ll understand that they are about to take a right turn, and you’ll slow down. Similarly, there are many other ways in which any two vehicles communicate on the road, and the traffic system goes on smoothly. The concept isn’t much different from that of human relationships. 

Even if one fails to comply with the rules on the road, this understanding gets interrupted, and an accident might occur. 

Now tell me, are you a seasoned driver? And, are you aware of all the rules of the Missouri State Driving Laws? Let’s see!

There are ample laws that most of us tend to overlook or forget over time. However, the state makes these laws with certain principles in mind that are entirely directed towards making the roads safer for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. So here are a few lesser-known Missouri traffic laws you might not be aware of. Have a look!

1. You must use your headlights anytime weather conditions require the use of your windshield wipers.

You might have to use your windshield wipers when it snows or rains. However, not all are aware that, along with the windshield, it is mandatory in Missouri to switch on your headlights too. To get into the crux of this, the law makes it easier to increase your visibility range under such harsh weather conditions. Besides, other vehicles on the road will also be able to perceive your presence on the road from a distant location.

2. Drivers below 21 cannot use a cell phone while driving

 Most states have a complete ban on cell phone usage when on the wheels. Albeit, not many are aware that drivers below the age of 21 are prohibited from using cell phones to call, text or any other purpose while driving. On top, if you are involved in an accident, and it is found that the reason for your negligence was cell phone usage, you can be punished for this through a ticker, irrespective of your age.

          3. Laws to follow around a School Bus Stop

There are a certain set of instructions that you’ll have to follow when driving near a school bus. As per Missouri Traffic laws, all school buses have an electric signaling system in place using which the bus driver notifies other drivers on the road that it is about to halt on the road. Firstly, you must immediately halt when a school bus flashes its amber warning lights. This will be applicable to you even if you are driving in the opposite lane. Secondly, you must not move unless the children cross the road or the driver signals you to move on.

4. Do not enter a roundabout when an emergency vehicle approaches.

All the emergency vehicles, be it ambulances, police cars, etc with a flashing light have the right of way as per Missouri traffic laws. Whenever you notice that an approaching emergency vehicle near a roundabout, do not enter the roundabout and move on to the right side of the road. At the same time, if you are already in the roundabout and an emergency vehicle approaches, you must not halt in any case, and try to exit immediately. 

More often than not, it’s a small error that can lead to a dramatic accident. At times even fatal! It could be texting your spouse kid or colleague. Or drinking water while driving, or the inability to comply with simple laws that involve lane usage, parking, using headlights, etc. While you might claim that you are a seasoned driver, there are certain scenarios, when other vehicles on the road are unable to perceive your vehicle in time. Apart from the four most overlooked laws on the state roads, you must stay equally vigil towards following the Missouri traffic laws, and contribute towards making roads safe for all!

Ref: 

https://dor.mo.gov/pdf/DriverGuide.pdf 

http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/Root/PassingandLaneUsageStatutes070113.html 

https://www.gabrielelawfirm.com/watch-out-for-these-lesser-known-traffic-laws-headlight-and-windshield-wiper-law-yield-to-emergency-vehicles-and-texting-while-driving/