Missouri State Speed Limits

Missouri State Speed Limits will vary depending on the type of road you are traveling and on the current road and weather conditions.  On all interstate highways in Missouri, it is unlawful to travel at speeds less than 40 mph in ideal road and weather conditions.  The following is a list of Missouri State Speed Limits and should be committed to memory in the event that a speed limit sign is not clearly posted during your travels:

• Rural interstates and freeways – 70 mph

• Rural expressways – 65 mph

• Interstate highways, freeways or expressways in urbanized areas – 60 mph

• All other roads and highways not located in an urbanized area – 60 mph

• Lettered roads – 55 mph

• City, Towns and Villages – 25 mph unless otherwise posted

Missouri school zones are clearly identifiable by use of a sign and/or flashing lights.  A sign may indicate the times during which the school zone speed limit applies and flashing lights indicate that the school zone speed limit is in effect.  If flashing lights are not present and it is not within the time-frame specified, you may travel at the posted speed; however, if it is within the time-frame specified and/or flashing lights are present and/or children are present, a Missouri school zone speed limit is 20 to 25 mph, depending on the jurisdiction, and must be obeyed.

Fines For Speeding In A Missouri School Zone

When flashing lights, the time of day, or the presence of children indicates that a school zone is active, school zone speed limits must be obeyed.  A driver who is cited for a moving violation or given a school zone speeding ticket in a Missouri school zone will be ordered to pay fines in excess of the fines that will also be imposed for the other traffic violations committed at that time.  For example, if you receive a school zone speeding ticket, you will pay the fine for the speeding ticket PLUS up to a $350.00 fine for speeding in a Missouri school zone.  The schedule of fines is as follows:

• First time conviction of a moving violation in a school zone – Pay all fines associated with the moving violation PLUS $35.00 because the violation occurred in a school zone

• Subsequent conviction of a moving violation in a school zone – Pay all fines associated with the moving violation PLUS $100.00 because the violation occurred in a school zone

• First time conviction of speeding in a school zone – Pay all fines associated with the speeding ticket PLUS $100.00 because you were speeding in a school zone

• Subsequent conviction of speeding in a school zone – Pay all fines associated with the speeding ticket PLUS $350.00 because you were speeding in a school zone

It is important to note that, because you are endangering the life of children when you commit a traffic violation in an active Missouri school zone, it is well within an officer’s rights to issue other violations such as reckless driving if your driving behavior deems it necessary.

Importance of Child Safety

Children are generally carefree and are often oblivious to their surroundings; that is why it’s important that drivers go the extra length to protect them.  If you are entering a school zone or are traveling in a heavily populated area, be aware of the activity surrounding you.  It only takes a moment for a child to run out in front of your vehicle and, if you are speeding, you may not have enough time to react.  A child is fragile and is still in the developmental stage of their life, so the impact of your car will likely maim them for life or, even worse, kill them.  Be alert to your environment, be aware of traffic signs, obey the speed limit, and even take it a little slower if there is a buzz of activity in parks or on the sidewalks surrounding you.  Your prudence as a driver just might save the life of a child.

Missouri School Zone Identifiers

Missouri School Zones are clearly identified in several ways:

• A yellow, pentagon shaped sign indicates a school crossing

• Lettering on the asphalt may also be present to indicate that you are entering a school zone

• A white sign will indicate to the driver the school zone speed limit and the hours during which it is enforced

• A flashing light will indicate that a school zone is currently active

• A school bus driver will use a stop sign and flashing lights to indicate that they are about to come to a stop and will be loading and unloading children

Speed limits are strictly enforced in Missouri school zones.  Also, if you are driving behind or nearing a school bus that is giving indication of stopping, do not try to pass the bus.  Children may enter the street to either get to or leave the bus, so traffic must stop in both directions.  You cannot proceed until the bus driver has indicated to you that it is safe by deactivating the stop sign and flashing lights.  Even then, proceed with caution as there may still be children lingering near the road.