Missouri Drunk Driving Laws

As you probably know, a person should never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if he or she is under the influence of alcohol. From delaying your reaction time to impairing your judgment, alcohol can affect a number of a driver’s most important mental and physical abilities. While these effects can vary from one person to another, due to the number of motorists injured and killed in alcohol-related accidents, each state has laws restricting the amount of alcohol drivers can legally have in their system—and Missouri drunk driving laws are certainly no exception.

From a legal standpoint, blood alcohol content (BAC) is the key piece of information that determines a driver’s level of impairment. Also referred to as blood-to-alcohol ratio, BAC reflects the percentage of alcohol found in a person’s bloodstream. According to research, an individual’s ability to drive safely becomes significantly impaired when his or her BAC reaches 0.08%. As such, Missouri law defines DUI as driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher—which means that, regardless of your ability to drive, you are considered impaired once the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream reaches this point.

However, if you operate a commercial vehicle or are under 21, you must comply with the state’s lower BAC guidelines. Commercial vehicle operators, for example, are considered impaired once their BAC reaches 0.04%, while underage drivers can be charged with DUI with a BAC of just 0.02%. R

Regardless of your age or the type of vehicle you are driving, all drivers must allow an officer to measure their BAC when asked. Known as the state’s “Implied Consent Law,” this statute allows law enforcement officials to administer a chemical test (such as a breathalyzer or a blood or urine test) to a driver suspected of DUI. The results of this test will then determine whether the person will be charged with drunk driving or not. Because you are legally obligated to submit to these tests, you can expect to be arrested if you refuse—and in some cases, you may even face harsher penalties than a driver who failed.

In Missouri, the mandatory sentencing guidelines for a first DUI conviction include a fine of up to $500, 90-day license suspension, and a maximum of six months in jail. For a second offense, these penalties go up to a $1,000 fine, five-year license suspension, and one-year jail sentence; meanwhile, a fourth DUI conviction carries a $5,000 fine, 10-year license suspension, and four-year jail sentence.

The good news is that being arrested for drunk driving does not necessarily mean you will be convicted of the charges in court. In fact, with the right defense strategy, you may even be able to get your case dismissed entirely. To learn how, simply complete our online form today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area.