{"id":374557,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:48","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/what-are-the-missouri-dwi-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-03-04T16:30:36","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T21:30:36","slug":"what-are-the-missouri-dwi-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/what-are-the-missouri-dwi-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri DWI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Missouri DWI Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Driving under the influence (DUI) is not a minor traffic offense. Driving intoxicated risks your safety and your life but also endangers everyone around you.<\/p>\r\n

The state of Missouri takes drinking alcohol and driving seriously. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) has significant consequences, including loss of liberty, a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and huge fines if convicted. If involved in an accident, you may face dire consequences.<\/p>\r\n

DWI and DUI laws can be complex. FindLaw explains the essential components of Missouri’s DWI laws for you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>
"Per se" BAC limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero tolerance (underage) BAC limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.02%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced penalty (aggravated) BAC limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.15%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied consent<\/a> to submit to BAC test?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Select Penalties<\/th>\r\n <\/td>\r\n <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Minimum license suspension or revocation<\/a> (first, second, third offense)<\/td>\r\n90 days, five years, 10 years<\/td>\r\n <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory alcohol education, or assessment and treatment<\/a><\/td>\r\nBoth<\/td>\r\n <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle confiscation<\/a> possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition interlock device<\/a> possible?<\/td>\r\nYes (discretionary for first offenders; mandatory for repeat offenders)<\/td>\r\n <\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Missouri Driving While Intoxicated Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Under Missouri law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or 0.04% if driving a commercial motor vehicle.<\/p>\r\n

Missouri also prohibits operating a vehicle while intoxicated by:<\/p>\r\n