Missouri Alcohol

DUI/DWI - 0.08% BAC Limit

Missouri: BAC 0.08% = DUI. Enhanced penalties for 0.15%+. Zero tolerance for under 21.

DUI/DWI LAWS

BAC LIMITS
• Standard: 0.08% (all states)
• Commercial drivers: 0.04%
• Under 21: 0.00-0.02% (zero tolerance)

ENHANCED PENALTIES (HIGH BAC)
Most states increase penalties at 0.15% or higher:
• Mandatory jail time
• Longer license suspension
• Ignition interlock required
• Higher fines

FIRST OFFENSE PENALTIES (TYPICAL)
• License suspension: 90 days - 1 year
• Fines: $500 - $2,500
• Possible jail: 0 - 6 months
• DUI classes required
• Insurance increase

IMPLIED CONSENT
By driving, you consent to BAC testing:
• Refusing test = automatic license suspension
• Refusal may be used against you in court
• Some states allow forced blood draws with warrant

FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS
You may refuse roadside tests in most states:
• Walk and turn
• One-leg stand
• Horizontal gaze nystagmus
• But refusing may lead to arrest anyway

IF STOPPED
1. Pull over safely
2. Stay in vehicle, hands visible
3. Be polite and cooperative
4. You can decline field sobriety tests
5. Chemical test refusal has consequences
6. Request attorney if arrested

Missouri Alcohol Laws

Missouri has very liberal alcohol laws. Passengers can drink in vehicles. No state closing time. Float trips allow alcohol.

Missouri has some of America's most liberal alcohol laws. OPEN CONTAINER: Passenger drinking ALLOWED - driver cannot drink but no violation just for having open container. No state-mandated closing time (local ordinances apply). STATE PARKS: Alcohol allowed. Float trips: alcohol allowed on rivers (no glass). DUI: 0.08% BAC. RSMo §311.

No Dry Counties

Missouri: No dry counties. Alcohol available statewide. Check local hours and Sunday restrictions.

ALCOHOL AVAILABILITY

MISSOURI
No dry counties - alcohol is available throughout the state.

PURCHASE LOCATIONS
• Liquor stores
• Grocery stores (varies by state)
• Gas stations (beer/wine in some states)
• Restaurants and bars

WHAT MAY VARY
• Hours of sale
• Sunday restrictions
• Beer/wine vs liquor (separate stores?)
• Grocery store alcohol selection

COMMON RESTRICTIONS
• Must be 21+ to purchase
• ID required
• Hours vary by municipality
• Some locations near schools restricted

Open Container Laws

Missouri: Passengers may have open containers. Driver: prohibited. Passengers MAY have open containers.

OPEN CONTAINER LAWS

MISSOURI RULES
Driver: PROHIBITED
Passengers: ALLOWED
Passengers may have open containers

WHAT THIS MEANS
Passengers in Missouri may legally have open alcoholic beverages. The driver must still be sober (under 0.08 BAC).

DEFINITION OF "OPEN CONTAINER"
• Any container with a broken seal
• Any container with contents partially removed
• Includes cups, glasses, flasks
• Original packaging with cap removed

WHERE TO STORE
Since passengers may drink, no special storage required for their containers.

PENALTIES
Open container violations typically result in:
• Fine: $50-$500
• Points on license (some states)
• No jail for simple violation
• Higher penalties if DUI involved

RV/MOTORHOME EXCEPTION
Some states exempt living quarters of RV:
• Passengers in living area (not driver/passenger seats) may drink
• Check state-specific RV exceptions