Missouri Vehicle Regulations Quiz

Missouri Vehicle Dimensions and Regulations

• Height Limits:
  • Commercial Zones: Maximum height not specified.
  • Designated Highways (outside commercial zones): 8.5 feet.
  • All other highways: Maximum height not specified.

Commercial Zones

• Requirements: Cities with a population of 75,000 or more.
• Extent: One mile beyond city limits, plus one mile for every 50,000 residents.
• St. Louis Commercial Zone: 18 miles beyond city limits.
• Other City Commercial Zone: 12 miles beyond city limits.

Length Limits

• Single Vehicle (any vehicle): 45 feet.
• Bus/Trackless Trolley Coach: 45 feet.
• Truck-tractor and semi-trailer (interstates): 53 feet.
• Truck-tractor and semi-trailer (other roads): 60 feet.
• Truck-tractor, semi-trailer, and trailer combinations (interstates): 28 feet.
• Truck-tractor, semi-trailer, and trailer combinations (other roads): 65 feet.
• Trucks and trailers (interstates): 65 feet.
• Trucks and trailers (other roads): 55 feet.
• Automobile/Boat Transporters: 75 feet.
• Driveaway Saddle Mount Combinations (interstates): 97 feet.

Exceptions/Exemptions

• Load Extensions: Motor vehicle carriers can carry loads exceeding their legal limits.
• Exemptions (excluding interstate highways): Farm machinery (used occasionally and transporting it temporarily, or road-making machines.

Weight Limits

• Single Axle (interstates): 20,000 lbs.
• Single Axle (commercial zone): 22,400 lbs.
• Single Axle (other routes): 22,000 lbs.
• Tandem Axle (interstates): 34,000 lbs.
• Tandem Axle (other routes): 36,000 lbs.
• Commercial Zone Gross Weight: Multiply the number of axles by 22,400 lbs.
• General Highway Gross Weight: 80,000 lbs on interstates, primary, and other designated highways (except where lower posted limits).

Permits

• Oversized/Overweight Permits: Possible; require non-reducible load, liability insurance, and a fee.

Additional Regulations

• Missouri Vehicle Route Map: Available from the Missouri Department of Transportation. This map shows routes where heavier/larger trucks are allowed to travel.

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Exceptions (Missouri): Certain lighter vehicles transporting solid waste, and farm vehicles exempt with specific conditions.

• Hazardous Materials: Vehicles transporting hazardous materials must comply with the equipment and operating regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

• Emergency Equipment: Requirements for emergency equipment vary. Vehicles licensed for 42,000 pounds or less ('F' plate), and solid waste haulers for 60,000 lbs or less, do not require emergency equipment.

  • Other Commercial Vehicles: Fire extinguisher, spare fuse, combination of warning devices.

• Vehicle Identification: Owner's name, address, and motor carrier number must be clearly visible; additional local requirements may apply.

Driving Practices

• Following Distance: Maintain a 300-foot minimum following distance between buses and trucks or similar vehicles.
• Closer Following: Allowed in business/residential districts, or when passing.
• Following Distance Calculation: For each 10 feet of vehicle length, maintain one second following distance.
• Stopping before railroad tracks (certain vehicles): 15–50 feet.
• Load Security: Secure loads or use protective covers to prevent falling objects.
• Turning: Begin left turns as far right as possible, right turns as far left as possible to compensate for off-tracking.
• Weigh Stations: Vehicles licensed for 18,000 pounds or less, or otherwise exempted by law, are not required to stop at weigh stations.
• Tailgating: Slow down and increase your distance from the vehicle ahead. Avoid high-speed tailgating.
• Vehicle Clearance: Check for objects (wires, signs, trees, air conditioning units) that may interfere with your vehicle.
• Road Surface Considerations: Assess road surface (parking lots, unpaved roads/areas, construction areas) to consider vehicle weight and length.

Test your knowledge on vehicle dimensions and regulations in Missouri. This quiz covers height and length limits for various vehicle types in commercial zones and highways. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these important transport regulations.