Missouri driving guide

Before you head out on a trip to Missouri, get to know the Show-Me State's driving conditions and somewhat uncommon traffic laws. Learn about the toll roads in Missouri and know how much they'll cost you – as well as maximum speed limits to bear in mind.

Our Missouri driving guide can help you plan your route, avoid unnecessary fines and give you the knowledge to drive safely.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Missouri and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

●        If two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the right should get the right of way

●        Flashing light signals are prohibited on vehicles and motorcycles unless indicating a turn.

●        Headlights should be used at any time from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. They should also be used in Missouri when visibility is below 500 feet ahead.

●        Texting or operating a handheld mobile device while driving is prohibited in Missouri.

Speed limits in Missouri

If you’re unsure about the speed limit when driving in Missouri, you should follow the maximum speed limits below – based on what type of road you’re traveling on.

Toll roads in Missouri

Unlike other states, there’s only one toll road in Missouri – known as the Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge.

The Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge

The Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge is a toll road, which connects the east side of Lake Ozark – the St. Louis side – to the west – the Kansas City side.

There's a gated booth where you need to pay the toll. The toll rates here vary by season, so you should expect to pay more during the summer.

From: Sunrise Beach, MO

To: Lake Ozark, MO

Cost for car: $3.00 in season or $2.00 out of season

Cost for truck (2-3 axles): $5.00 in season or $3.50 out of season

How to pay: Cash or pre-paid toll card.

Driving ages and license requirements in Missouri

●        The minimum legal driving age in Missouri is 16.

●        The minimum age to rent a car in Missouri with Hertz is 20.

●        Some car rental companies set 21 as the minimum age requirement for car rental.

Under 25? Learn more about Hertz car rental for young drivers with our tips for renters under 25.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Missouri

Whether you’re driving your own car or renting, it’s best to be prepared. In your car, you should consider carrying:

●        Jump cables

●        Flashlight

●        Flares and matches or reflective emergency triangles

●        Multi-tool

●        Duct tape and plastic zip ties

●        Spare tires

●        First aid kit

●        Escape tool like a knife

●        Tire pressure gauge

●        Wheel wrench

●        Washer fluid

●        Ice scraper and snow brush.

Please check your rental agreement for a list of items you can’t carry in your Hertz rental car.

Missouri speed violations, infractions, and penalties

The consequences of breaking the speed limit in Missouri depend on several factors, including the maximum speed limit, how much you exceeded it and the location where the infraction happened. Most often, they will result in a fine or penalty.

The guide below should give you an idea about the speeding fines in Missouri.

Motorists can face a penalty of up to $1,000 in fines and 6 months in prison for breaking the speed limit in Missouri. 
 

Driving with children in Missouri

The car seat requirement in Missouri states that all children traveling in a car should be secured properly.

●      0-4 years (or weighing under 40 pounds): Must be secured properly in a child safety seat.

●      4-7 years (and weighing over 40 pounds): Must be in a child safety seat or booster seat.

●      8+ years (or weighing over 80 pounds): Should remain secured at all times by a safety seat belt or a booster seat, whichever is appropriate.

●      Minors under 18 aren’t allowed in the pickup cargo area.

Gas prices in Missouri

The average gas price in Missouri is $3.41 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

●        For a small car like a Ford Focus, that’s roughly $0.08 per mile.

●        For a larger family car like a Nissan Pathfinder, it works out at around $0.14 per mile.

●        And for an SUV like a Ford Expedition, it’s around $0.16 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated October 24, 2022.

Electric car charging in Missouri

There are currently 985 car charging locations spread throughout Missouri, with Kansas City enjoying 492 of them. Other cities within the state are also starting to increase their EV charging accessibility, with 62 charging stations in St. Louis, 51 in Saint Joseph and 32 locations in Springfield.

Most towns and cities in Missouri are still without any charging stations. So, you may only want to consider an EV if you’re going to be in one or two of the cities mentioned above.

Driving between Missouri and other states

A Missouri car rental with Hertz allows you to explore freely – whether that’s within the Missouri state lines or beyond. Pick up in Missouri and drop-off at one of the neighboring states, including Illinois, Kentucky or Iowa .

Just over a couple of hours' drive from Springfield, you’ll also find Oklahoma’s second-largest city – Tulsa – set against a stunning backdrop of the American prairie.

Driving conditions in Missouri

Missouri is prone to extreme weather, so it's essential that you check the weather conditions before heading out for a long drive. Driving conditions can be tricky for novice drivers, especially in the winter, after the ease of a clear spring and long hot summer.

During the cold months, visibility drops and roads can get slick and unpredictable. It always pays to prepare yourself and your vehicle.