CCS/SS#2/SS/HB 1047 - This act revises the speed limits upon Missouri highways, the penalties for many traffic violations, and the powers of arrest by peace officers.

SPEED LIMIT - The maximum speed limits shall be as follows:

Rural Interstates & Freeways - 70 mph; Rural Expressways (4-lane w/access) - 65 mph; Urban Interstate, Freeway & Exprwy - 60 mph; 2-lane Numbered Highways - 60 mph; 2-lane Lettered Highways - 55 mph.

Speeding violations which are not more than 5 mph over the limit shall be infractions and shall not accumulate points on the license. Speeding 6 to 19 mph over the limit is a Class C misdemeanor, and speeding 20 mph or more over the limit is a Class B misdemeanor. Any person not driving in a careful and prudent manner is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor, unless an accident is involved - then a Class A misdemeanor. The posted limit is presumed to be the speed limit unless it is shown otherwise.

The Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) may raise or lower the limit where recommended by the Highways and Transportation Department. The Department of Public Safety may request the MHTC to raise or lower a speed limit. City speed limits on state highways may be declared void by the MHTC if the ordinance is not designed to expedite traffic flow and is primarily designed to produce revenue. Second, third and fourth classification counties may set speed limits on county roads.

An Emergency Clause is included for the speed limit sections.

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS - Many penalties for traffic and vehicle equipment violations are lowered, and one is raised. The following offenses are lowered to a Class C misdemeanor:

- improper lane use - improper passing - following too close - stop and turn signals - emergency vehicles - passing streetcars - trucks & buses following too close - use of school bus signs - excess weight on bridges - disobeying traffic control devices - wrong turns, use of right-of-way - failing to cover loads - use of spotlights - electronic messages prohibited - lights on animal-driven vehicles - safety glass requirements - motorized bicycle, driver's license required - emissions inspection required

The following offenses are lowered to an infraction:

- stopping too close to crosswalk - improper uses of headlights - several sections - beam indicator required - use of high beam - rear lamps - placement of auxiliary headlights - side or fender lights - color of lights - maximum distance for lights - 2 headlights required - lights on vehicles on side of roadway - lights on tractors - reflective triangles on slow-moving vehicles - various vehicle equipment to be kept in good condition - studded tires restricted - annual safety inspection required - reinspection after accident

The offense of dropping tacks, glass or other debris on the road is increased to a Class C misdemeanor. Section 304.150, pertaining to disconnecting the battery of a vehicle left along the roadway, is repealed.

ARRESTS - Peace officers are allowed to arrest, upon viewing a violation, any person who commits an infraction. A person failing to appear in court for an infraction may be punished by confinement. The crime of resisting arrest is expanded to include stops, detentions and instances where the violator should have reasonably known he was being detained.
MIKE HOEFERKAMP