HB 3318 requires drivers to stop at railroad crossings whenever any on-track equipment (such as maintenance vehicles) is present, not just when trains are approaching. This expands existing safety rules that already mandate stops for trains, adding clear language to cover all moving equipment on the tracks. Drivers must stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail and wait until it's safe to proceed, applying to scenarios like warning signals, lowered gates, or visible approaching equipment. The bill directly affects all drivers passing railroad crossings, with penalties for violations including a class C misdemeanor. It does not change other existing crossing rules, such as stopping for insufficient clearance or commercial vehicle speed requirements.
HB 3388 requires drivers and front-seat passengers in most passenger vehicles (cars under 10 seats, excluding motorcycles and heavy trucks) to wear seat belts, but prohibits police from stopping vehicles solely to check compliance. Violations carry a $10 fine with no points or court costs, and the law limits how seat belt non-use affects injury lawsuits - requiring expert proof that non-use contributed to injuries before reducing damages by up to 1%. Exemptions include USPS workers, agricultural workers, people with medical reasons, and children under 16 (who follow separate rules). The bill also mandates a public education program on seat belt use and safety compliance.
HB 3317 allows drivers facing license revocation for accumulating points (specifically when at least 40% of points come from speeding offenses) to instead install a certified intelligent speed assistance device in their vehicle. This device must be maintained for at least 12 months after reinstatement, avoiding the need for license revocation. The bill directly affects drivers whose license would otherwise be revoked under point accumulation rules, offering a technological alternative to traditional suspension. It does not change point accumulation rules but provides a new reinstatement pathway through device installation. The device must be certified and functional, with failure to maintain it leading to continued license restrictions.
HB 3415 would allow cities, counties, and other local governments to create ordinances prohibiting handheld use of electronic devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) while driving regular or commercial vehicles on public roads. The bill specifically bans holding devices, texting, making calls, watching videos, or manually entering data, but exempts hands-free use, emergency communications, navigation systems, and school bus operations under certain conditions. Violations would result in fines up to $500, increasing with prior offenses or if occurring in school/work zones. This bill directly affects drivers and local governments, giving communities authority to enforce device-free driving policies.
SB 1567 - This act establishes the "Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program" to provide standardized driver education instruction and training for pupils in grades 9-12. The program shall include instruction on the safe operation of motor vehicles, the rules of the road, and applicable motor vehicle laws, including Missouri's driver licensing system. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) shall receive and review sample instructional lessons from recognized statewide professional organizations and school districts and shall make approved sample lessons available to school districts and charter schools. Beginning with the 2027–28 school year, school districts and charter schools may implement a plan adopting the program and may utilize the sample lessons provided by DESE. The program shall promote knowledge, attitudes, habits, and skills necessary for safe driving; address distracted driving as a significant traffic safety concern; explain law enforcement procedures during traffic stops; and provide current data regarding risky driving behaviors. Districts may require pupil participation in program-related lessons within existing courses, as provided in the act. The program shall not require pupils to physically operate a motor vehicle; nor shall the program be construed to prohibit school districts or charter schools from offering other elective driver education courses. This act is substantially similar to HB 2195 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON
HB 2753 creates "hospital zones" where counties or municipalities can designate areas around hospitals, adding enhanced penalties for driving offenses occurring there. Drivers who endanger pedestrians in these zones face 4 points on their license (standard for minor offenses), while more serious violations carry 12 points (typically reserved for severe offenses like DUI). This directly affects drivers who commit traffic violations - such as reckless driving or failure to yield - within designated hospital zones. The bill modifies Missouri’s point system to specifically increase penalties for offenses near hospitals, without changing general traffic laws outside these zones.
HB 2742 increases penalties for drivers who fail to stop for a school bus by adding 5 points to their license for this violation. It also allows school districts to install cameras on school buses to detect such failures, but only when the bus is actively loading or unloading students (stop arm extended and lights activated). School districts must approve camera use through a board vote, and footage can only be used as evidence for the violation - unrelated footage cannot be retained. The bill does not require districts to install cameras, only offers this option as a safety tool.
HB 2953 increases penalties for drivers who run red lights in Missouri. Under this bill, violating traffic signal laws becomes a class B misdemeanor (previously class C), and escalates to a class A misdemeanor if a pedestrian is struck. The change directly affects drivers who fail to stop at red lights, with stricter penalties when pedestrian safety is compromised. The bill amends Missouri's traffic code to adjust penalty levels without altering the underlying traffic rules. It focuses solely on penalty severity, not on new enforcement methods or safety infrastructure.
HB 3034 requires that autonomous vehicles operating on public roads in this state must have a licensed, trained driver physically present in the vehicle at all times who can immediately take control. The bill mandates that operators follow standard traffic safety rules, drive carefully at safe speeds, and avoid stunt driving. It directly affects autonomous vehicle operators, manufacturers, and drivers testing or using such vehicles on state roads. Violations would be punishable as misdemeanors, with higher penalties if an accident occurs. The bill establishes baseline safety requirements for autonomous vehicle operation without eliminating the need for a human driver.
The provided context does not include specific details about SB 1197's provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties beyond its title and abstract. While the bill establishes the "Alexander Whalen Safe Highways Act" related to wrong-way vehicle detection systems, no concrete policy changes, implementation requirements, or target locations are described in the available information. Without additional details on how the detection systems would be deployed, who would be responsible for compliance, or which highways would be impacted, a factual summary cannot be generated. The bill's current status (prefiled, first reading) indicates it is in early stages but does not clarify its substantive content.
