Vehicle Registration and Licensing

Registration, Licensing, and Insurance

• Definition of a motor vehicle: any self-propelled vehicle that is not operated exclusively upon tracks, except farm tractors and all-terrain vehicles (RSMo 301.010)
• Definition of a motorcycle: a motor vehicle operated on two wheels (RSMo 301.010)
• Definition of a motorized bicycle: a two-wheeled or three-wheeled device with an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than fifty cubic centimeters, producing less than three gross brake horsepower, and capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than thirty miles per hour on level ground (RSMo 301.010)

Commercial Motor Vehicles

• Definition of a commercial motor vehicle: a motor vehicle designed or regularly used for carrying freight and merchandise, or more than eight passengers (RSMo 301.010)
• Definition of a local commercial motor vehicle: a commercial motor vehicle whose operations are confined solely to a municipality and that area extending not more than fifty miles therefrom, or a commercial motor vehicle whose property-carrying operations are confined solely to the transportation of property owned by any person who is the owner or operator of such vehicle to or from a farm owned by such person or under the person's control by virtue of a landlord and tenant lease (RSMo 301.010)
• Restrictions on commercial motor vehicle operators: must comply with laws and regulations for vehicles registered as "local" or "farm" use (RSMo 301.010 and 301.130)

Registration and Licensing

• Every owner of a motor vehicle or trailer must annually file an application for registration with the director of revenue (RSMo 301.100 and 020)
• Registration requirements: proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and payment of fees (RSMo 301.100 and 020)
• Transfer of license plates: buyer of a motor vehicle or trailer may attach the license plate of the traded-in vehicle to the new one for no more than thirty days (RSMo 301.140)
• Display of license plates: must be securely fastened to the motor vehicle, with letters and numbers facing upwards and reasonably clean (RSMo 301.130)

Certificate of Ownership

• Application for a certificate of ownership must be made within thirty days after the applicant acquires the motor vehicle or trailer (RSMo 301.190)
• Certificate of ownership requirements: identification number, full description of the motor vehicle or trailer, vehicle identification number, and mileage registered on the odometer (RSMo 301.190)

Proof of Financial Responsibility

• Definition of proof of financial responsibility: the ability to respond in damages for liability, in the amount of $25,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person, $50,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons, and $10,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others (RSMo 303.020)
• Insurance identification card requirements: name and address of the insurer, name of the named insured, policy number, effective dates of the policy, description of the insured motor vehicle, and a statement that the card must be carried in the insured motor vehicle (RSMo 303.024)
• Other forms of proof of financial responsibility: bond, certificate of deposit of money or securities, or certificate of self-insurance (RSMo 303.160)
• Officer's duties if an operator fails to produce the insurance identification card: notify the director of revenue (RSMo 303.024)### Self-Insurance and Surety Bonds
• A person with over 25 registered motor vehicles can qualify as a self-insurer by obtaining a certificate from the director.
• The director may issue a certificate of self-insurance to a religious denomination or person who can pay judgments against them.
• The director may cancel a certificate of self-insurance on reasonable grounds, including failure to pay a judgment within 30 days.

Proof of Insurance

• Proof of financial responsibility can be furnished by filing a surety bond with the director.
• The bond must be approved by a judge and shall not be canceled except after 10 days' written notice to the director.
• If a judgment is not satisfied within 60 days, the judgment creditor can bring an action against the company or person executing the bond.
• Alternatively, proof of financial responsibility can be evidenced by a cash deposit of $60,000 with the state treasurer.

Disabled License Plates and Placards

• Physically disabled persons, or their parents or guardians, or not-for-profit groups that transport more than one physically disabled person, are eligible for disabled license plates or placards.
• The distinguishing card must be displayed on the dashboard or rearview mirror, and is renewed annually.
• To park in handicapped spots, the vehicle must exhibit two disabled license plates or a disabled distinguishing card.
• Officers can enforce disabled vehicle parking violations on private property open to public use.

Missouri Dealer Plates

• Dealer plates can be displayed on motor vehicles owned and held for resale by dealers, distributors, or manufacturers.
• The Director of Revenue shall issue a number plate bearing the distinctive dealer license number to the applicant.
• Additional plates can be obtained by the dealer or manufacturer upon payment of a fee.

License Plate Replacement and Identification

• The owner of a motor vehicle is responsible for notifying the Director of Revenue when a license plate or tab is lost or mutilated.
• The owner must file an affidavit with the director within 5 days of the event and will receive a duplicate upon payment of a fee.
• If a plate is difficult to identify, the officer shall instruct the owner to apply for a duplicate plate and notify the director of revenue.
• Vehicles with altered or removed identification numbers can be seized by law enforcement.

License Classification System

• The State of Missouri has a system of classifying drivers/operators of certain vehicles, requiring additional testing.
• The license classification system includes Class A, Class B, Class C, Class E, Class F, and Class M.
• Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) are critical to professional drivers' employment.
• Class A licenses allow holders to drive any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating of 26,000 or more pounds.
• Class B licenses allow holders to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
• Class C licenses allow holders to drive any single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds GVWR or any such vehicle towing a vehicle less than 10,001 pounds GVWR.