Chapter 340
MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
Section 340.010. Following Emergency Vehicle Prohibited.
The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any emergency vehicle traveling in response to an emergency call closer than five hundred (500) feet or drive into or park such vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm.
Section 340.020. Crossing Fire Hose.
No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a Fire Department when laid down on any street or private driveway to be used at any fire or alarm of fire without the consent of the Fire Department official in command.
Section 340.030. Funeral Processions.
A. Definitions. As used in this Section, the following terms shall mean:
FUNERAL DIRECTOR — A person licensed as a funeral director pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 333, RSMo.
FUNERAL LEAD VEHICLE OR LEAD VEHICLE — Any motor vehicle equipped with at least one (1) lighted circulating lamp exhibiting an amber or purple light or lens or alternating flashing headlamps visible under normal atmospheric conditions for a distance of five hundred (500) feet from the front of the vehicle. A hearse or coach properly equipped may be a lead vehicle.
ORGANIZED FUNERAL PROCESSION — Two (2) or more vehicles accompanying the remains of a deceased person from a funeral establishment, church, synagogue or other place where a funeral service has taken place to a cemetery, crematory or other place of final disposition or a funeral establishment, church, synagogue or other place where additional funeral services will be performed if directed by a licensed funeral director from a licensed establishment.
B. Driving Rules.
1. Except as otherwise provided for in this Section, pedestrians and operators of all other vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which is a part of an organized funeral procession.
2. Notwithstanding any traffic control device or right-of-way provision prescribed by State or local law, when the funeral lead vehicle in an organized
funeral procession lawfully enters an intersection, all vehicles in the procession shall follow the lead vehicle through the intersection. The operator of each vehicle in the procession shall exercise the highest degree of care toward any other vehicle or pedestrian on the roadway.
3. An organized funeral procession shall have the right-of-way at all intersections regardless of any traffic control device at such intersections, except that operators of vehicles in an organized funeral procession shall yield the right-of-way to any approaching emergency vehicle pursuant to the provisions of law or when directed to do so by a Law Enforcement Officer.
4. All vehicles in an organized funeral procession shall follow the preceding vehicle in the procession as closely as is practical and safe under the conditions.
5. No person shall operate any vehicle as part of an organized funeral procession without the flashing emergency lights of such vehicle being lighted.
6. Any person who is not an operator of a vehicle in an organized funeral procession shall not:
a. Drive between the vehicles comprising an organized funeral procession while such vehicles are in motion and have the flashing emergency lights lighted pursuant to Subsection (B)(5) above, except when required to do so by a Law Enforcement Officer or when such person is operating an emergency vehicle giving an audible or visual signal;
b. Join a funeral procession for the purpose of securing the right-of-way; or
c. Attempt to pass any vehicle in an organized funeral procession, except where a passing lane has been specifically provided.
7. When an organized funeral procession is proceeding through a red signal light as permitted herein, a vehicle not in the organized funeral procession shall not enter the intersection unless such vehicle may do so without crossing the path of the funeral procession.
8. No ordinance, regulation or any other provision of law shall prohibit the use of a motorcycle utilizing flashing amber lights to escort an organized funeral procession on the highway.
C. Any person convicted of violating any provision of this Section shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00).
Section 340.040. Driving in Procession.
Each driver in a funeral or other procession shall drive as near to the right-hand edge of the roadway as practicable and shall follow the vehicle ahead as close as is practicable and safe.
Section 340.050. When Permits Required For Parades and Processions.
No funeral, procession or parade containing two hundred (200) or more persons or fifty (50) or more vehicles except the forces of the United States Army or Navy, the military forces of this State, and the forces of the Police and Fire Departments shall occupy, march or proceed along any street except in accordance with a permit issued by the Chief of Police and such other regulations as are set forth herein which may apply.
Section 340.060. Vehicle Shall Not Be Driven On A Sidewalk — Prohibition On Obstruction of Bicycle Lanes — Drivers To Yield To Bicycles in Designated Bicycle Lanes.
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not drive within any sidewalk area except on a permanent or temporary driveway. A designated bicycle lane shall not be obstructed by a parked or standing motor vehicle or other stationary object. A motor vehicle may be driven in a designated bicycle lane only for the purpose of a lawful maneuver to cross the lane or to provide for safe travel. In making an otherwise lawful maneuver that requires traveling in or crossing a designated bicycle lane, the driver of a motor vehicle shall yield to any bicycle in the lane. As used in this Section, the term “designated bicycle lane” shall mean a portion of the roadway or highway that has been designated by the Governing Body having jurisdiction over such roadway or highway by striping with signing or striping with pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicycles.
Section 340.070. Limitations On Backing.
The driver of a vehicle shall not back the same unless such movement can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with other traffic.
Section 340.080. Opening and Closing Vehicle Doors.
No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a motor vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.
Section 340.090. Riding On Motorcycles — Additional Passenger — Requirements.
A. A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, and such operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than one (1) person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two (2) persons or upon another seat firmly attached to the rear or side of the operator.
B. The operator of a motorized bicycle shall ride only astride the permanent and regular seat attached thereto and shall not permit more than one (1) person to ride thereon at the same time, unless the motorized bicycle is designed to carry more than one (1) person. Any motorized bicycle designed to carry more than one (1) person must be equipped with a passenger seat and footrests for the use of a passenger.
Section 340.100. Riding Bicycle On Sidewalks — Limitations — Motorized Bicycles Prohibited.
A. No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district.
B. Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.
C. No person shall ride a motorized bicycle upon a sidewalk.
Section 340.110. All-Terrain Vehicles — Prohibited — Exceptions — Operation Under An Exception — Prohibited Uses — Penalty.
A. No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle, as defined in Section 300.010, upon the streets and highways of this City, except as follows:
1. All-terrain vehicles owned and operated by a governmental entity for official use; or
2. All-terrain vehicles operated for agricultural purposes or industrial on-premises purposes between the official sunrise and sunset on the day of operation.
B. No person shall operate an off-road vehicle, as defined in Section 304.001, RSMo., within any stream or river in this City, except that off-road vehicles may be operated within waterways which flow within the boundaries of land which an off-road vehicle operator owns, or for agricultural purposes within the boundaries of land which an off-road vehicle operator owns or has permission to be upon, or for the purpose of fording such stream or river of this State at such road crossings as are customary or part of the highway system. All Law Enforcement Officials or Peace Officers of this State and its political subdivisions shall enforce the provisions of this Subsection within the geographic area of their jurisdiction.
C. A person operating an all-terrain vehicle on a street or highway pursuant to an exception covered in this Section shall have a valid license issued by a State authorizing such person to operate a motor vehicle but shall not be required to have passed an examination for the operation of a motorcycle, and the vehicle shall be operated at speeds of less than thirty (30) miles per hour. When operated on a street or highway, an all-terrain vehicle shall have a bicycle safety flag, which extends not less than seven (7) feet above the ground, attached to the rear of the vehicle. The bicycle safety flag shall be triangular in shape with an area of not less than thirty (30) square inches and shall be dayglow in color.
D. No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle:
1. In any careless way so as to endanger the person or property of another;
2. While under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance; or
3. Without a securely fastened safety helmet on the head of an individual who operates an all-terrain vehicle or who is being towed or otherwise propelled by
an all-terrain vehicle, unless the individual is at least eighteen (18) years of age.
E. No operator of an all-terrain vehicle shall carry a passenger, except for agricultural purposes.
F. A violation of this Section shall be an ordinance violation.
Section 340.115. Utility Vehicles, Operation On Highway and in Streams or Rivers Prohibited — Exceptions — Passengers Prohibited — Violations, Penalty.
A. No person shall operate a utility vehicle, as defined in Section 300.010 of this Title, upon the highways of this State, except as follows:
1. Utility vehicles owned and operated by a governmental entity for official use;
2. Utility vehicles operated for agricultural purposes or industrial on-premises purposes between the official sunrise and sunset on the day of operation, unless equipped with proper lighting;
3. Utility vehicles operated by handicapped persons for short distances occasionally only on the State’s secondary roads when operated between the hours of sunrise and sunset;
4. Governing Bodies of the City may issue special permits for utility vehicles to be used on highways within the City limits by licensed drivers. Fees of fifteen dollars ($15.00) may be collected and retained by Cities for such permits;
5. The City may by resolution or ordinance allow utility vehicle operation on streets or highways under the City’s jurisdiction. Any person operating a utility vehicle pursuant to a municipal resolution or ordinance shall maintain proof of financial responsibility in accordance with Section 303.160, RSMo., or maintain any other insurance policy providing equivalent liability coverage for a utility vehicle.
B. No person shall operate a utility vehicle within any stream or river in this State, except that utility vehicles may be operated within waterways which flow within the boundaries of land which a utility vehicle operator owns, or for agricultural purposes within the boundaries of land which a utility vehicle operator owns or has permission to be upon, or for the purpose of fording such stream or river of this State at such road crossings as are customary or part of the highway system. All Law Enforcement Officials or Peace Officers of this State and its political subdivisions or Department of Conservation Agents or Department of Natural Resources Park Rangers shall enforce the provisions of this Subsection within the geographic area of their jurisdiction.
C. A person operating a utility vehicle on a highway pursuant to an exception covered in this Section shall have a valid operator’s or chauffeur’s license, except that a handicapped person operating such vehicle under Subparagraph (3) of Subsection (A) of this Section, but shall not be required to have passed an examination for the
operation of a motorcycle, and the vehicle shall be operated at speeds of less than forty-five (45) miles per hour.
D. No persons shall operate a utility vehicle:
1. In any careless way so as to endanger the person or property of another; or
2. While under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.
E. No operator of a utility vehicle shall carry a passenger, except for agricultural purposes. The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to any utility vehicle in which the seat of such vehicle is designed to carry more than one (1) person.
F. A violation of this Section shall be an ordinance violation.
Section 340.117. Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles, Operation On Highways Prohibited, Exceptions — Operation Within Streams and Rivers Prohibited, Exceptions — License Required For Operation, Exception.
A. No person shall operate a recreational off-highway vehicle, as defined in Section 300.010 of this Code, upon the highways of this City, except as follows:
1. Recreational off-highway vehicles owned and operated by a governmental entity for official use;
2. Recreational off-highway vehicles operated for agricultural purposes or industrial on-premises purposes;
3. Recreational off-highway vehicles operated within three (3) miles of the operator’s primary residence. The provisions of this Subparagraph shall not authorize the operation of a recreational off-highway vehicle in a City unless such operation is authorized by such City as provided for in Subparagraph (5) of this Subsection;
4. Recreational off-highway vehicles operated by handicapped persons for short distances occasionally only on the State’s secondary roads;
5. The City may issue special permits to licensed drivers for special uses of recreational off-highway vehicles on highways within the City limits. A fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) may be collected and retained by the City for such permit.
B. No person shall operate a recreational off-highway vehicle within any stream or river in this State, except that recreational off-highway vehicles may be operated within waterways which flow within the boundaries of land which a recreational off-highway vehicle operator owns, or for agricultural purposes within the boundaries of land which a recreational off-highway vehicle operator owns or has permission to be upon, or for the purpose of fording such stream or river of this State at such road crossings as are customary or part of the highway system. All Law Enforcement Officials shall enforce the provisions of this Subsection within the geographic area of their jurisdiction.
C. A person operating a recreational off-highway vehicle on a highway pursuant to an exception covered in this Section shall have a valid operator’s or chauffeur’s license, except that a handicapped person operating such vehicle pursuant to Subdivision (4) of Subsection (A) of this Section, but shall not be required to have passed an examination for the operation of a motorcycle. An individual shall not operate a recreational off-highway vehicle upon a highway in this City without displaying a lighted headlamp and a lighted tail lamp. A person may not operate a recreational off-highway vehicle upon a highway of this City unless such person wears a seat belt. When operated on a highway, a recreational off-highway vehicle shall be equipped with a roll bar or roll cage construction to reduce the risk of injury to an occupant of the vehicle in case of the vehicle’s rollover.
Section 340.120. Riding Bicycles, Sleds, Roller Skates By Attaching To Another Vehicle, Prohibited — Pulling A Rider Behind Vehicle Prohibited.
No person riding upon any bicycle, motorized bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself/herself to any vehicle upon a roadway. Neither shall the driver of a vehicle knowingly pull a rider behind a vehicle.
Section 340.130. Controlled Access.
No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled access roadway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority.
Section 340.140. Railroad Trains Not To Block Streets.
It shall be unlawful for the directing officer or the operator of any railroad train to direct the operation of or to operate the same in such a manner as to prevent the use of any street for purposes of travel for a period of time longer than five (5) minutes; provided that this Section shall not apply to a moving train or to one stopped because of an emergency or for repairs necessary before it can proceed safely.
Section 340.150. Driving Through Safety Zone Prohibited.
No vehicle shall at any time be driven through or within a safety zone.
Section 340.160. Manner of Operation of Motor Vehicles — Careful and Prudent.
Every person operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this City shall drive the vehicle in a careful and prudent manner and at a rate of speed so as not to endanger the property of another or the life or limb of any person and shall exercise the highest degree of care.
Section 340.170. Driving To The Right.
A. Upon all public roads or highways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right-half of the roadway, except as follows:
1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction pursuant to the rules governing such movement;
2. When placing a vehicle in position for and when such vehicle is lawfully making a left turn in compliance with the provisions of this Title;
3. When the right-half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair; or
4. Upon a roadway designated by local ordinance as a one-way street and marked or signed for one-way traffic.
B. It is unlawful to drive any vehicle upon any highway or road which has been divided into two (2) or more roadways by means of a physical barrier or by means of a dividing section or delineated by curbs, lines or other markings on the roadway except to the right of such barrier or dividing section or to make any left turn or semi-circular or U-turn on any such divided highway, except at an intersection or interchange or at any signed location designated by the State Highways and Transportation Commission or the Department of Transportation. The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to emergency vehicles, law enforcement vehicles or to vehicles owned by the Commission or the Department.
C. Whenever any roadway has been divided into three (3) or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules in addition to all other consistent herewith shall apply:
1. A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
2. Upon a roadway which is divided into three (3) lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway ahead is clearly visible and such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn, or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signposted to give notice of such allocation.
3. Upon all highways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic thereon shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except as otherwise provided in Sections 304.014 to 304.026, RSMo.
4. Official signs may be erected by the State Highways and Transportation Commission or the Highway Patrol may place temporary signs directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or allocating specified lanes to traffic moving in the same direction and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such sign.
5. Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right and, except when a roadway has been divided into traffic lanes, each
driver shall give to the other at least one-half (½) of the main traveled portion of the roadway whenever possible.
D. All vehicles in motion upon a highway having two (2) or more lanes of traffic proceeding in the same direction shall be driven in the right-hand lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or when preparing to make a proper left turn or when otherwise directed by traffic markings, signs or signals.
E. All trucks registered for a gross weight of more than forty-eight thousand (48,000) pounds shall not be driven in the far left-hand lane upon all interstate highways, freeways, or expressways within urbanized areas of the State having three (3) or more lanes of traffic proceeding in the same direction. This restriction shall not apply when:
1. It is necessary for the operator of the truck to follow traffic control devices that direct use of a lane other than the right lane; or
2. The right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair.
F. As used in Subsection (E) of this Section, “truck” means any vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer, or any combination thereof, propelled or drawn by mechanical power and designed for or used in the transportation of property upon the highways. The term “truck” also includes a commercial motor vehicle as defined in Section 300.010 of this Title.
Section 340.180. Passing Regulations.
A. The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to the limitations and exceptions hereinafter stated:
1. The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle; and
2. Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle and shall not increase the speed of such driver’s vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
B. The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
1. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
2. Upon a City street with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two (2) or more lines of vehicles in each direction; or
3. Upon a one-way street.
C. Except when a roadway has been divided into three (3) traffic lanes, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the centerline of a highway or public road in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken.
D. No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:
1. When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve of the highway where the driver’s view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.
2. When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred (100) feet of any bridge, viaduct, tunnel or when approaching within one hundred (100) feet of or at any intersection or railroad grade crossing.
Section 340.190. Hand and Mechanical Signals.
A. No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of or turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein.
1. An operator or driver when stopping, or when checking the speed of the operator’s vehicle if the movement of other vehicles may reasonably be affected by such checking of speed, shall extend such operator’s arm at an angle below horizontal so that the same may be seen in the rear of the vehicle.
2. An operator or driver intending to turn the vehicle to the right shall extend such operator’s arm at an angle above horizontal so that the same may be seen in front of and in the rear of the vehicle and shall slow down and approach the intersecting highway as near as practicable to the right side of the highway along which such operator is proceeding before turning.
3. An operator or driver intending to turn the vehicle to the left shall extend such operator’s arm in a horizontal position so that the same may be seen in the rear of the vehicle and shall slow down and approach the intersecting highway so that the left side of the vehicle shall be as near as practicable to the centerline of the highway along which the operator is proceeding before turning.
4. The signals herein required shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by a signal light or signal device in good mechanical condition of a type approved by the State Highway Patrol; however, when a vehicle is so constructed or loaded that a hand and arm signal would not be visible both to the front and rear of such vehicle, then such signals shall be given by such light or device. A vehicle shall be considered as so constructed or loaded that a hand and arm signal would not be visible both to the front and rear when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab or load exceeds twenty-four (24) inches, or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load thereon exceeds fourteen (14) feet, which limit of fourteen (14) feet shall apply to single vehicles or combinations of vehicles. The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to any trailer which does not interfere with a clear view of the hand signals of the operator or of the signaling device upon the vehicle pulling such trailer; provided further, that the provisions of this Section as far as mechanical devices on vehicles so constructed that a hand and arm signal would not be visible both to the front and rear of such vehicle as above provided shall only be applicable to new vehicles registered within this State after the first (1st) day of January, 1954.
Section 340.200. Stopping For School Bus.
A. The driver of a vehicle upon a highway upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children and whose driver has in the manner prescribed by law given the signal to stop shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus and shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion or until signaled by its driver to proceed.
B. Every bus used for the transportation of school children shall bear upon the front and rear thereon a plainly visible sign containing the words “School Bus” in letters not less than eight (8) inches in height. Each bus shall have lettered on the rear in plain and distinct type the following: “State Law: Stop While Bus is Loading and Unloading”. Each school bus subject to the provisions of Sections 304.050 to 304.070, RSMo., shall be equipped with a mechanical and electrical signaling device approved by the State Board of Education which will display a signal plainly visible from the front and rear and indicating intention to stop.
C. Every school bus operated to transport students in the public school system which has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than ten thousand (10,000) pounds, which has the engine mounted entirely in front of the windshield and the entrance door behind the front wheels, and which is used for the transportation of school children shall be equipped with a crossing control arm. The crossing control arm, when activated, shall extend a minimum of five (5) feet six (6) inches from the face of the front bumper. The crossing control arm shall be attached on the right side of the front bumper and shall be activated by the same controls which activate the mechanical and electrical signaling devices described in Subsection (B) of this Section. This Subsection may be cited as “Jessica’s Law” in commemoration of
Jessica Leicht and all other Missouri school children who have been injured or killed during the operation of a school bus.
D. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the driver of a school bus in the process of loading or unloading students upon a street or highway shall activate the mechanical and electrical signaling devices, in the manner prescribed by the State Board of Education, to communicate to drivers of other vehicles that students are loading or unloading. A public school district has the authority pursuant to Section 304.050, RSMo., to adopt a policy which provides that the driver of a school bus in the process of loading or unloading students upon a divided highway of four (4) or more lanes may pull off of the main roadway and load or unload students without activating the mechanical and electrical signaling devices in a manner which gives the signal for other drivers to stop and may use the amber signaling devices to alert motorists that the school bus is slowing to a stop; provided that the passengers are not required to cross any traffic lanes and also provided that the emergency flashing signal lights are activated in a manner which indicates that drivers should proceed with caution and, in such case, the driver of a vehicle may proceed past the school bus with due caution. No driver of a school bus shall take on or discharge passengers at any location upon a highway consisting of four (4) or more lanes of traffic, whether or not divided by a median or barrier, in such manner as to require the passengers to cross more than two (2) lanes of traffic; nor shall any passengers be taken on or discharged while the vehicle is upon the road or highway proper unless the vehicle so stopped is plainly visible for at least five hundred (500) feet in each direction to drivers of other vehicles in the case of a highway with no shoulder and a speed limit greater than sixty (60) miles per hour and at least three hundred (300) feet in each direction to drivers of other vehicles upon other highways, and on all highways, only for such time as is actually necessary to take on and discharge passengers.
E. The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or overtaking a school bus which is on a different roadway, which is proceeding in the opposite direction on a highway containing four (4) or more lanes of traffic, or which is stopped in a loading zone constituting a part of, or adjacent to, a limited or controlled access highway at a point where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
Section 340.210. Right-Of-Way At Intersection — Signs At Intersections. 1
1. State Law Reference — This Section has additional penalties based on certain circumstances, §304.351, RSMo.
A. The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway, provided however, there is no form of traffic control at such intersection.
B. When two (2) vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the driver of the vehicle on the right. This Subsection shall not
apply to vehicles approaching each other from opposite directions when the driver of one (1) of such vehicles is attempting to or is making a left turn.
C. The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.
D. The driver of a vehicle intending to make a left turn into an alley, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction when the making of such left turn would create a traffic hazard.
E. The City may, on any section of road where construction or major maintenance operations are being effected, fix a speed limit in such areas by posting of appropriate signs, and the operation of a motor vehicle in excess of such speed limit in the area so posted shall be deemed prima facie evidence of careless and imprudent driving and a violation of Section 340.160.
Section 340.220. Distance At Which Vehicle Must Follow.
The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonably safe and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the roadway. Vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade, whether or not towing other vehicles, shall be so operated, except in a funeral procession or in a duly authorized parade, so as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles as to enable any other vehicle to overtake or pass such vehicles in safety. This Section shall in no manner affect Section 304.044, RSMo., relating to distance between trucks traveling on the highway.
Section 340.230. Endangerment of An Emergency Responder, Elements.
A. Definitions. As used in this Section, the following terms shall have the meanings set out herein:
ACTIVE EMERGENCY — Any incident occurring on a highway, as the term “highway” is defined in Section 302.010, RSMo., that requires emergency services from any emergency responder.
ACTIVE EMERGENCY ZONE — Any area upon or around any highway, which is visibly marked by emergency responders performing work for the purpose of emergency response, and where an active emergency, or incident removal, is temporarily occurring. This area includes the lanes of highway leading up to an active emergency or incident removal, beginning within three hundred (300) feet of visual sighting of:
1. Appropriate signs or traffic control devices posted or placed by emergency responders; or
2. An emergency vehicle displaying active emergency lights or signals.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER — Any law enforcement officer, paid or volunteer firefighter, first responder, emergency medical worker, tow truck operator, or other emergency personnel responding to an emergency on a highway.
B. Offense Of Endangerment Of An Emergency Responder, Elements.
1. A person commits the offense of endangerment of an emergency responder for any of the following offenses when the offense occurs within an active emergency zone:
a. Exceeding the posted speed limit by fifteen (15) miles per hour or more;
b. Passing in violation of Subsection (C)(3) of this Section;
c. Failure to stop for an active emergency zone flagman or emergency responder, or failure to obey traffic control devices erected, or personnel posted, in the active emergency zone for purposes of controlling the flow of motor vehicles through the zone;
d. Driving through or around an active emergency zone via any lane not clearly designated for motorists to control the flow of traffic through or around the active emergency zone;
e. Physically assaulting, attempting to assault, or threatening to assault an emergency responder with a motor vehicle or other instrument; or
f. Intentionally striking, moving or altering barrels, barriers, signs or other devices erected to control the flow of traffic to protect emergency responders and motorists unless the action was necessary to avoid an obstacle, an emergency, or to protect the health and safety of an occupant of the motor vehicle or of another person.
2. Except for the offense established under Subsection (B)(1)(f) of this Section, no person shall be deemed to have committed the offense of endangerment of an emergency responder except when the act or omission constituting the offense occurred when one or more emergency responders were responding to an active emergency.
3. No person shall be cited for, or found guilty of, endangerment of an emergency responder or aggravated endangerment of an emergency responder, for any act or omission otherwise constituting an offense under Subsection (B)(1) of this Section, if such act or omission resulted in whole or in part from mechanical failure of the person’s vehicle, or from the negligence of another person or emergency responder.
C. Violations, Penalties.
1. Upon the first conviction, finding of guilt or plea of guilty by any person for a moving violation, as the term “moving violation” is defined in Section 302.010, RSMo., or any offense listed in Section 302.302, RSMo., other than a violation described in Subsection (C)(2) of this Section, when the violation or offense occurs within an active emergency zone, the court shall assess a
fine of thirty-five dollars ($35.00) in addition to any other fine authorized by law. Upon a second or subsequent conviction, finding of guilt, or plea of guilty, the court shall assess a fine of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) in addition to any other fine authorized by law.
2. Upon the first conviction, finding of guilt or plea of guilty by any person for a speeding violation under either Section 304.009 or 304.010, RSMo., or Chapter 320 of this Code, or a passing violation under Subsection (C)(3) of this Section, when the violation or offense occurs within an active emergency zone and emergency responders were present in such zone at the time of the offense or violation, the court shall assess a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) in addition to any other fine authorized by law. Upon a second or subsequent conviction, finding of guilt or plea of guilty, the court shall assess a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) in addition to any other fine authorized by law. However, no person assessed an additional fine under this Subparagraph shall also be assessed an additional fine under Subsection (C)(1) of this Section.
3. The driver of a motor vehicle shall not overtake or pass another motor vehicle within an active emergency zone.