Missouri (MO) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In the state of Missouri, 250 people lose their lives in car accidents involving teen drivers each year, making Missouri the 10th deadliest state for teen car crashes.  According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), young Missouri drivers between the ages of 16-20 are driving in nearly 28% of all traffic crashes involving injury and 22% of all fatal crashes each year. This age group currently represents only 7% of Missouri drivers. In response to the staggering statistics regarding teen driving in the state, Missouri currently enforces a rigorous Graduated Driver Licensing system. The system is designed to help teach teens about the responsibilities associated with driving on its highways and roads as well as the rules of the road. It also provides a restricted graduated driver education program to help keep teens safe during the licensing process and beyond.

Continue reading to learn more about Missouri’s teen driving laws and the consequences for violating them.

Missouri Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

Under the laws of the Missouri Graduated Driver Licensing program, teens are eligible to begin the journey to full licensing at age 15. The first step in the program is the instruction permit. In order to obtain an instruction permit, the teen must:

•    Pass a written test
•    Pass a road sign test
•    Pass a vision test
•    Visit the Missouri DMV with a parent to obtain the permit (parent’s signature is required on the permission form -- in person)

To apply for the permit, you must provide the following original documents to the Missouri DMV:

•    U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or certificate of citizenship
•    Social security card
•    Proof of address

During the instruction phase, the permit holder must complete 40 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, with 10 hours to be completed at night. He must also hold the instruction permit for at least 6 months, before graduating to the next level. The permit holder must also keep a clean driving record during this time.

The next level in Missouri’s Graduated Driver Licensing program is the intermediate license. To qualify for an intermediate license, you must have a parent or legal guardian certify that you have completed at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, with at least 10 hours at night and:

•    Pass a driving test
•    Pay a $7.50 fee

The intermediate license is valid for two years. To apply for your full driver’s license, you must be at least 18 years old. To apply you must pass another vision screening, and take another road sign test. The fee for a full license is $10. You will not be allowed to apply for a full license if you have any traffic violations or DUI convictions.

Missouri Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

Instruction permit holders (under age 16) must be accompanied by a parent,  guardian or certified driving instructor while driving. Permit holders age 16 and older, you may be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older while driving. The designated driver must be seated in the front passenger seat at all times and all passengers must wear their seatbelts.

Intermediate license holders are prohibited from driving between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by a designated driver as outlined above. In addition, the licensee must be driving to school, work, or for emergencies only. The seat belt law applies here as well.

Full license holders between the ages of 18-21 will carry a driver’s license stamped “Under 21.” Intermediate license are valid for 3 years and there are no restrictions. If any of the laws of Missouri’s GDL system are violated, the licensee risks license suspension and fines. In some cases, the license may be suspended until the individual turns 21, at which time he may have to retake the road, vision, and written tests as well as pay additional fees.

Missouri Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of Missouri, it is still legal to operate a motor vehicle while talking on the cell phone. As a new teen driver, whether you are in the learning phase or the full licensing phase, you should use common sense when it comes to cell phone use. If you must make or take a call, pull over or park safely, or simply wait until you get home to use your phone.

Missouri Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Missouri, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some.  Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is it takes to convict a Missouri teen of DUI. Under Missouri's “Abuse and Lose” statute, anyone under the age of 21 will lose his license for 90 days for a first offense or revoked for 1 year for a second offense for the following:

•    Any alcohol related traffic offense
•    Any offense involving the possession or use of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle
•    Any offense involving the possession or use of drugs
•    Any offense involving the alteration, modification or misrepresentation of a driver license
•    A second offense involving the possession or use of alcohol by someone less than 18 years of age

The offenses above also carry the following penalties:

•    Pay a $45 reinstatement fee
•    Provide proof of successful completion of a Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) or a comparable program. The Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse will send this form directly to the department after the program has been completed.

In addition, under Missouri’s “Implied Consent law,” if you refuse to take a chemical test upon request by a peace officer, your driving privileges will be suspended for 1 year – on the spot.

Missouri Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of Missouri all driver’s, regardless of age and level, must carry a minimum of $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury liability, $10,000 for property damage liability, and 25,000/$50,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury. Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, Missouri auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year - or an average of $2,171 a year.

Although auto insurance premiums will increase if you add a teen to your policy or purchasing teen auto insurance will always be pricier than other policies, there are ways to qualify for discounts on teen auto insurance. Auto insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10-15% or more for:

•    Maintaining at least a B average
•    Successful completion of a state approved safe driver course

You can also lower your premiums on teen auto insurance if you avoid purchasing a high performance vehicle or luxury car for your teen. You can also save by choosing a higher deductible, or if you combine insurance policies into one (i.e. life, home, health, renter’s, etc.).