What are the DUI insurance laws in Missouri?
Penalties for drunk driving in Missouri include fines up to $5,000, up to four years in jail, and SR-22 requirements. Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers increase by $137.75/mo.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
UPDATED: Feb 21, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Missouri refers to any conviction of driving under the influence as a DWI.
- The BAC level to be classified as a drunk driver is 0.8 percent for persons over age 21.
- Those under the age of 21 caught driving while intoxicated could lose their licenses.
If you have run into trouble with DUI, or driving under the influence, in Missouri, you must find an automobile insurance company that is willing to insure you before you can get your license back.
It is helpful to compare car insurance rates of several companies so that you can get the best deal.
Enter your ZIP code above for a chance to compare car insurance rates for any state!
Missouri Information
Missouri became a state on August 10, 1821. It encompasses 69,709 square miles and borders Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
The state nickname for Missouri is the “Show Me State.” The state is best known for being the birthplace of President Harry Truman and for the magnificent Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
The state speed limit on freeways is 70 miles per hour. Missouri has a zero-tolerance policy for those who exceed the speed limit. Drivers going faster than 90 mph can also be cited for reckless driving.
Missouri operates on the point system for driving privileges. Drivers earn “points” whenever they violate any traffic laws. Speeding is worth three points. Drivers who receive eight points within an 18-month timeframe will have their licenses suspended for 30 days.
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Missouri DUI Requirements
Any person under the age of 21 will be cited for driving under the influence if
- He or she buys or attempts to buy alcoholic beverages
- He or she is found to be in possession of alcoholic beverages
- His or her Blood Alcohol Content, or BAC, is above .02
Any person over the age of 21 will be cited for driving under the influence if his or her BAC equals or exceeds .08.
Missouri DUI Laws
Missouri has two statutes that relate to driving under the influence. The first says that a person shall not operate a motor vehicle “while intoxicated or in a drugged state.”
It is illegal to drive with any amount of a controlled substance, such as heroin or marijuana in one’s system. The second defines intoxication as a BAC of .08 or over.
When referring to these laws, the Missouri courts call the offense DWI or “driving while intoxicated.”
Missouri is an “implied consent” state, meaning that, if you operate a vehicle on public roads, you have implicitly given permission to have your breath, blood, saliva or urine tested for alcohol or illegal substances at the request of the police.
Those who refuse to provide a blood sample or a breath sample can expect to have a license suspension for a year.
The first two DUI/DWI offenses in Missouri are treated as misdemeanors. The third and all subsequent conditions are viewed as felonies.
Missouri is one of more than forty states that have joined the “Driver’s License Compact.” This means that if you live in Missouri, but are convicted of a DUI offense in another state, Missouri DMV will suspend your license when the state learns of your conviction.
Missouri DUI Penalties
The Missouri DWI penalties vary depending on offenses.
First Offense Penalties
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to a $500 fine
- 30 days full suspension of license
- 60 days restricted license (after the first 30 days are up)
- $45 License Reinstatement fee
- Missouri SR22 Insurance (proof of the minimum accepted amount of liability insurance)
- Possibly ordered by court to install an ignition interlock device
Second Offense Penalties
- Up to one year in jail
- Up to $1000 fine
- Driver’s license suspended for one year. The driver’s license may be suspended for five years if the previous DUI offense took place less than five years ago.
- Installment of ignition interlock device required
- Missouri SR22 Insurance
- $45 License Reinstatement Fee
Third Offense Penalties
- Driver is charged with a felony
- Up to four years in jail
- Up to $5000 fine
- Driver’s license suspended for up to ten years
- Installment of ignition interlock device required
- Missouri SR22 Insurance
- $45 License Reinstatement Fee
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Missouri DUI Statistics
According to the Century Council, in 2009 there were 300 substance-related driving fatalities in Missouri. Thirteen percent of the alcohol- or drug-impaired were under the age of 21.
Seventy-two percent of the people involved in fatalities were known as “hardcore” offenders and had a BAC of .15 or above – nearly twice the legal limit.
Missouri also reported 33,020 arrests for DWI/DUI in the year 2009.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving claims that only one out of 88 intoxicated drivers will actually be stopped and arrested. This makes the probable total of people who actually drove under the influence in Missouri much higher.
Nationwide, 10,839 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in the year 2009.
Missouri DUI Insurance Options
After a first DUI/DWI offense in Missouri, a driver is required to do three things to get his or her license back.
- Pay a $45 License Reinstatement fee
- Attend a Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program, or SATOP, at the average cost of $190
- Provide the DMV with an SR22 Insurance Certificate and carry SR22 coverage for at least three years. The SR22 Certificate proves that the driver carries at least the minimum required amount of liability insurance.
The third step can be a stumbling block for drivers who have been convicted of DWI. Their auto annual insurance rate are likely to skyrocket. Worse, not all companies offer SR-22 coverage.
With so much money at stake, it makes good sense for drivers to go to websites that will allow them to compare state car insurance rates among companies that offer SR22 coverage.
When drivers take the time to compare car insurance quotes, they can make sure that they are paying the lowest premiums possible, and that they are getting the coverage the law requires them to have.
Additional Missouri DUI Information
If you are stopped under suspicion of driving while intoxicated, and you refuse to take a chemical test, or if your chemical test comes back showing a BAC of .08 or higher, the arresting officer will immediately take your license and give you a 15-day driving permit. That means you have 15 days to respond to the allegations against you.
That means you have 15 days to go to court, enter a plea, and ask for an extension of your temporary license while the court case is ongoing. Because of the legal complexities involved, many people arrested for DUI retain an attorney to help them deal with the court case. Getting legal advice is highly suggested as well
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the DUI insurance laws in Missouri?
In Missouri, the penalties for drunk driving include fines up to $5,000, up to four years in jail, and SR-22 requirements. Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers increase by $137.75 per month.
How can I compare car insurance rates in Missouri after a DUI?
It is helpful to compare car insurance rates from several companies to find the best deal. You can enter your ZIP code on our website to use the free quote tool and compare quotes from top car insurance companies.
What are the penalties for a first DUI offense in Missouri?
The penalties for a first DUI offense in Missouri may include license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, and possible jail time. It is important to consult the specific laws and regulations for accurate information.
Do all insurance companies offer SR-22 coverage in Missouri?
Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 coverage in Missouri. It is recommended to compare car insurance quotes from different companies that provide SR-22 coverage to find the most suitable and affordable option for you.
What should I do if I am stopped for suspicion of DUI in Missouri?
If you are stopped under suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Missouri, it is important to cooperate with the officer. Refusing a chemical test or having a BAC of 0.08 or higher can lead to immediate license suspension. Seek legal advice and respond to the allegations within the designated time frame.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.