Missouri DWI Laws & Drunk Driving Penalties
Overview of the penalties upon conviction of DWI in Missouri
Missouri DUI Laws, BAC limits, fines, jail times, IID requirements, suspension/revocation periods and SR22 insurance requirements for first time and repeat offenders with multiple DUI's.
If you've been charged with DWI in Missouri, the law allows only 15 days for a Missouri DUI Lawyer to make a request with the Missouri Department of Revenue for a hearing to help save your drivers license.
What are the penalties for DWI in Missouri?
The penalties for driving while intoxicated in Missouri will depend upon the exact circumstances of each particular case and the number of previous offenses (if any) a person has.
MO DWI Penalties
Missouri is a state with a 5 year 'washout period' also known as a 'look back period'
1st DWI Offense / Conviction - Misdemeanor
The penalty upon conviction of a first DWI offense in Missouri:
- Fine: up to $500 fine
- Jail: up to 6 months in jail
- License Suspension: 90 days drivers license suspension (eligible for restricted driving privileges after 30 days)
- Ignition Interlock: possible ignition interlock restriction upon license re-instatement for not less than 6 months
- must complete substance abuse program before drivers license reinstated
- MO SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement
2nd DWI Offense / Conviction - Misdemeanor
The penalty upon conviction of a second DWI offense in Missouri:
- Fine: up to $1,000 fine
- Jail: up to 1 year in jail
- License Revocation: 1 to 5 years drivers license revocation
- Ignition Interlock: mandatory ignition interlock restriction upon license re-instatement for not less than 6 months
- must complete substance abuse program before drivers license reinstated
- MO SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement
3rd DWI Offense / Conviction - Felony
The penalty upon conviction of a third DWI offense in Missouri:
- Fine: up to $5,000 fine
- Jail: up to 5 years in jail
- License Revocation: 10 years drivers license revocation
- Ignition Interlock: mandatory ignition interlock restriction upon license re-instatement for not less than 6 months
- must complete substance abuse program before drivers license reinstated
- MO SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement
Implied Consent (Chemical Testing) Laws

It is an offense to refuse to submit to a chemical test in Missouri and implied consent laws are enforced.
In , if the accused refuses to take a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine, their drivers license will be suspended/revoked.
First chemical test refusal
- License Revocation: 1 years drivers license revocation
- Ignition Interlock: possible ignition interlock restriction upon license re-instatement for not less than 6 months
- must complete substance abuse traffic offender program
- MO SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement
Second (and subsequent) chemical test refusal
- License Revocation: 1 years drivers license revocation
- Ignition Interlock: mandatory ignition interlock restriction upon license re-instatement for not less than 6 months
- must complete substance abuse traffic offender program
- MO SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement
NOTE: If a chemical test is refused it can be used in a court of law to help secure a DWI conviction.
What is the legal alcohol limit in Missouri
The maximum legal BAC (blood alcohol content) limits in Missouri for driving are as follows:
ADULT DRIVERS - BAC LIMIT = 0.08%
In the State of Missouri it is an offense for adult drivers to drive any regular motor vehicle with 0.08% or more, by weight, of alcohol in his/her blood.
DRIVERS UNDER 21 - BAC LIMIT = 0.02%
In the State of Missouri it is an offense for drivers under the age of 21 (minors) to drive any motor vehicle with 0.02% or more, by weight, of alcohol in his/her blood.
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS - BAC LIMIT = 0.04%
In the State of Missouri it is an offense for drivers who drive commercial vehicles to drive any commercial motor vehicle with 0.04% or more, by weight, of alcohol in his/her blood.
It is an offense to refuse to submit to a chemical test in Missouri and implied consent laws are enforced.
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