Drinking and Driving Laws in Missouri
It is illegal in the State of Missouri to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above. The limit is lower for commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21. In Missouri a DUI is a DWI, meaning "Driving While Intoxicated". The Missouri DWI law includes alcohol and/or drugs. While the DWI specify's a .08 BAC in the case of alcohol, it is illegal to drive with any amount of a controlled substance such as marijuana or cocaine present in the driver's blood.
How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Missouri?
Without the medical equipment used by licensed and state approved personnel, determining how much alcohol it will take you to reach the .08 percent legal limit is only an educated guess. There are calculators and charts that can serve as reference tools, however these devices should not be used to decide if you should drink and drive.
The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of Missouri has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in Missouri, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.
Drunk Driving Laws in Missouri
State of Missouri BAC Laws:
All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Missouri Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first DWI you are convicted of in Missouri will cost you up to a $500 fine. In addition, you will also spend up to 6 months in jail. Your drivers license will be suspended for 30 days, followed by a 60 day restricted driving period. To get your license back you will need to pay a $45 fee and attend a substance abuse traffic offender program. You must also provide proof of insurance for 2 years.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second time you are arrested for drunk driving in Missouri you could spend up to 1 year in jail and pay a fine up to $1,000. Your drivers license will be revoked for 5 years (If within 5 years of the first) and you will need to pay a $45 fee to get your license back. You will also be ordered to attend a substance abuse traffic offender program. You must also provide proof of insurance for 2 years. The court may order the convicted driver to install an ignition interlock device at the driver's expense.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
The 3rd time you are convicted of drunk driving in Missouri you could spend up to 5 years in jail and pay a fine up to $5,000. You will also be denied a drivers license for a period of 10 years and you will need to pay a $45 fee to get your license back. You will also be ordered to attend a substance abuse traffic offender program. You must also provide proof of insurance for 2 years after your 10 year suspension. The court may order the convicted driver to install an ignition interlock device at the driver's expense.
The Implied Consent Law in Missouri
The State of Missouri has an implied consent law. This law means that all drivers must submit to a chemical analysis of their blood, breath or urine if they are suspected of driving while intoxicated. If you refuse to submit to this test, your drivers license will be taken away for 1 year. To get your license back you will need to pay a $45 fee and attend a substance abuse traffic offender program.
Additional Information on Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines in Missouri
|
