Several new laws regarding Missouri drivers and boaters have gone into effect.
One of those allows motorcycles to have extra white and amber lighting. Highway Patrol Captain John Hotz says that could save some riders’ lives.
“Hopefully people can see them when they’re out there driving around, that they will be more visible and less likely for somebody to either pull out in front of them or to make a left turn, or to cross the roadway in front of them,” said Hotz.
The law allows specifically for white or amber lighting that does not flash, and is aimed at the motorcycles engine or drivetrain so it doesn’t interfere with the rider’s vision.
Another new law increases the length of time a drunk driving offender must have an ignition interlock device on a vehicle, each time it is tampered with or when it detects alcohol above the allowed amount.
“People tamper with it, they try to get other people to blow into the device so that it won’t pick up the alcohol,” said Hotz. “There is a fair amount of possibilities out there for people to tamper.”
Other bills change what fire extinguishers are required on boats on Missouri waterways, increase the weight limit for trucks hauling agricultural products, and change the definition of a “junk” vehicle.
For the Patrol’s summary of other laws effecting highway and waterway traffic, click here.
