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Traffic
RSMo 304.271effective 28 Aug 1996

Observance of traffic-control devices

In plain English

Drivers must follow traffic signs and signals. If a sign is missing or hard to read, a person cannot be ticketed for breaking that rule. Traffic signs are assumed to be legally placed and valid unless proven otherwise. Breaking this law is a class C misdemeanor.

Penalties named in this law
class C misdemeanorup to 15 days in jail

Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.

Word-for-word law

304.271. Observance of — presumptions — . — 1. The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any applicable placed in accordance with the of the law, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an in the law.

2. No of the law for which official traffic-control devices are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the an official device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section does not state that official traffic-control devices are required, such section shall be effective even though no devices are erected or in place.

3. Whenever official traffic-control devices are placed in position approximately ing to the requirements of the law, such devices shall be to have been so placed by the official act or direction of , unless the contrary shall be established by .

4. Any official traffic-control device placed the provisions of the law and to conform to the lawful requirements pertaining to such devices shall be presumed to comply with the requirements of this chapter, unless the contrary shall be established by competent evidence.

5. the provisions of section 304.361, violation of this section is a .

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Source & history notes

(L. 1969 S.B. 180 § 1, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1047)

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Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.

RSMo 304.271: Observance of traffic-control devices | KnowMo Laws