FIRST REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR
418 & 635
93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Reported from the Committee on Transportation March 9, 2005 with recommendation that House Committee Substitute for House Bill Nos. 518, 288, 418 & 635 Do Pass. Referred to the Committee on Rules pursuant to Rule 25(26)(f). STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To repeal sections 210.104, 210.106, 210.107, 304.015, 304.016, 304.155, 304.580, 307.178, and 476.385, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof eleven new sections relating to highway safety, with penalty provisions and an effective date.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Sections 210.104, 210.106, 210.107, 304.015, 304.016, 304.155, 304.580, 307.178, and 476.385, RSMo, are repealed and eleven new sections enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as sections 210.106, 304.015, 304.016, 304.155, 304.580, 304.582, 304.585, 304.590, 307.178, 307.179, and 476.385, to read as follows:
210.106. In no event shall failure to employ a child passenger restraint system required by section [210.104] 307.179 provide the basis for a claim of civil liability or negligence or contributory negligence of any person in any action for damages by reason of injury sustained by a child; nor shall such failure to employ such child passenger restraint system be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.
304.015. 1. All vehicles not in motion shall be placed with their right side as near the right-hand side of the highway as practicable, except on streets of municipalities where vehicles are obliged to move in one direction only or parking of motor vehicles is regulated by ordinance. 2. Upon all public roads or highways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction pursuant to the rules governing such movement;
(2) When placing a vehicle in position for and when such vehicle is lawfully making a left turn in compliance with the provisions of sections 304.014 to 304.026 or traffic regulations thereunder or of municipalities;
(3) When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair;
(4) Upon a roadway designated by local ordinance as a one-way street and marked or signed for one-way traffic.
3. It is unlawful to drive any vehicle upon any highway or road which has been divided into two or more roadways by means of a physical barrier or by means of a dividing section or delineated by curbs, lines or other markings on the roadway, except to the right of such barrier or dividing section, or to make any left turn or semicircular or U-turn on any such divided highway, except at an intersection or interchange or at any signed location designated by the state highways and transportation commission or the department of transportation. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to emergency vehicles, law enforcement vehicles or to vehicles owned by the commission or the department.
4. The authorities in charge of any highway or the state highway patrol may erect signs temporarily designating lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction, regardless of the center line of the highway, and all members of the Missouri highway patrol and other peace officers may direct traffic in conformance with such signs. When authorized signs have been erected designating off-center traffic lanes, no person shall disobey the instructions given by such signs.
5. Whenever any roadway has been divided into three or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply:
(1) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety;
(2) Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway ahead is clearly visible and such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is sign-posted to give notice of such allocation;
(3) Upon all highways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic thereon shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except as otherwise provided in sections 304.014 to 304.026;
(4) Official signs may be erected by the highways and transportation commission or the highway patrol may place temporary signs directing slow- moving traffic to use a designated lane or allocating specified lanes to traffic moving in the same direction and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such sign;
(5) Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and except when a roadway has been divided into traffic lanes, each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway whenever possible.
6. All vehicles in motion upon a highway having two or more lanes of traffic proceeding in the same direction shall be driven in the right-hand lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or when preparing to make a proper left turn or when otherwise directed by traffic markings, signs, or signals.
7. (1) The department of transportation may erect signs on highways having three or more lanes of traffic proceeding in the same direction to require trucks, as defined in section 301.010, RSMo, to remain in the two right-hand lanes except when preparing to make a proper left turn or when otherwise directed by traffic markings, signs, or signals;
(2) The department of transportation shall promulgate such rules as are necessary to implement this subsection. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this subsection shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This subsection and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2005, shall be invalid and void.
8. Violation of this section shall be deemed an infraction unless such violation causes an immediate threat of an accident, in which case such violation shall be deemed a class C misdemeanor, or unless an accident results from such violation, in which case such violation shall be deemed a class A misdemeanor.
304.016. 1. The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to the limitations and exceptions hereinafter stated:
(1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle; and
(2) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle and shall not increase the speed of such driver's vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
2. The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(1) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
(2) Upon a city street with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles in each direction;
(3) Upon a one-way street;
(4) Upon any highway outside of a city with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width and clearly marked for four or more lines of traffic. The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under the foregoing conditions when such movement may be made in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the paved or main traveled portion of the roadway. The provisions of this subsection shall not relieve the driver of a slow-moving vehicle from the duty to drive as closely as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway.
3. Except when a roadway has been divided into three traffic lanes, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center line of a highway or public road in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken.
4. No vehicle shall at any time [be driven to] enter the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:
(1) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve of the highway where the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction;
(2) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet of any bridge, viaduct, tunnel or when approaching within one hundred feet of or at any intersection or railroad grade crossing; or
(3) When the roadway is clearly marked with a solid yellow center stripe indicating a no passing zone or an unsafe location to overtake or drive to the left side of the roadway; except that the provisions of this section shall not apply when:
(a) Executing a lawful turn; or
(b) Overtaking a vehicle, as defined in section 307.020, RSMo, that is traveling at a speed of less than twenty-five miles per hour, or when avoiding debris in the roadway, so long as such action does not create a hazard, as specified in subdivision (1) of subsection 4 of this section.
5. Violation of this section shall be deemed a class [C] B misdemeanor.
304.155. 1. Any law enforcement officer within the officer's jurisdiction, or an officer of a government agency where that agency's real property is concerned, may authorize a towing company to remove to a place of safety:
(1) Any abandoned property on the right-of-way of:
(a) Any interstate highway or freeway in an urbanized area, left unattended for ten hours, or [after four hours] immediately if a law enforcement officer determines that the abandoned property is a serious hazard to other motorists, provided that commercial motor vehicles not hauling materials designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103(a) may only be removed under this subdivision to a place of safety until the owner or owner's representative has had a reasonable opportunity to contact a towing company of choice;
(b) Any interstate highway or freeway outside of an urbanized area, left unattended for forty-eight hours, or after four hours if a law enforcement officer determines that the abandoned property is a serious hazard to other motorists, provided that commercial motor vehicles not hauling materials designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103(a) may only be removed under this subdivision to a place of safety until the owner or owner's representative has had a reasonable opportunity to contact a towing company of choice;
(c) Any state highway other than an interstate highway or freeway in an urbanized area, left unattended for more than ten hours; or
(d) Any state highway other than an interstate highway or freeway outside of an urbanized area, left unattended for more than forty-eight hours; provided that commercial motor vehicles not hauling waste designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103(a) may only be removed under this subdivision to a place of safety until the owner or owner's representative has had a reasonable opportunity to contact a towing company of choice;
(2) Any unattended abandoned property illegally left standing upon any highway or bridge if the abandoned property is left in a position or under such circumstances as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic where there is no reasonable indication that the person in control of the property is arranging for its immediate control or removal;
(3) Any abandoned property which has been abandoned under section 577.080, RSMo;
(4) Any abandoned property which has been reported as stolen or taken without consent of the owner;
(5) Any abandoned property for which the person operating such property is arrested for an alleged offense for which the officer is required to take the person into custody and where such person is unable to arrange for the property's timely removal;
(6) Any abandoned property which due to any other state law or local ordinance is subject to towing because of the owner's outstanding traffic or parking violations;
(7) Any abandoned property left unattended in violation of a state law or local ordinance where signs have been posted giving notice of the law or where the violation causes a safety hazard; or
(8) Any abandoned property illegally left standing on the waters of this state as defined in section 306.010, RSMo, where the abandoned property is obstructing the normal movement of traffic, or where the abandoned property has been unattended for more than ten hours or is floating loose on the water.
2. The state transportation department may immediately remove any abandoned, unattended, wrecked, burned or partially dismantled property, spilled cargo or other personal property from the roadway of any state highway if the abandoned property, cargo or personal property is creating a traffic hazard because of its position in relation to the state highway. In the event the property creating a traffic hazard is a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 302.700, RSMo, the department's authority under this subsection shall be limited to authorizing a towing company to remove the commercial motor vehicle to a place of safety, except that the owner of the commercial motor vehicle or the owner's designated representative shall have a reasonable opportunity to contact a towing company of choice. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to vehicles transporting any material which has been designated as hazardous under Section 5103(a) of Title 49, U.S.C.
3. Any law enforcement agency authorizing a tow pursuant to this section in which the abandoned property is moved from the immediate vicinity shall complete a crime inquiry and inspection report. Any state or federal government agency other than a law enforcement agency authorizing a tow pursuant to this section in which the abandoned property is moved away from the immediate vicinity in which it was abandoned shall report the towing to the state highway patrol or water patrol within two hours of the tow along with a crime inquiry and inspection report as required in this section. Any local government agency, other than a law enforcement agency, authorizing a tow pursuant to this section where property is towed away from the immediate vicinity shall report the tow to the local law enforcement agency within two hours along with a crime inquiry and inspection report.
4. Neither the law enforcement officer, government agency official nor anyone having custody of abandoned property under his direction shall be liable for any damage to such abandoned property occasioned by a removal authorized by this section or by ordinance of a county or municipality licensing and regulating the sale of abandoned property by the municipality, other than damages occasioned by negligence or by willful or wanton acts or omissions.
5. The owner of abandoned property removed as provided in this section or in section 304.157 shall be responsible for payment of all reasonable charges for towing and storage of such abandoned property as provided in section 304.158.
6. Upon the towing of any abandoned property pursuant to this section or under authority of a law enforcement officer or local government agency pursuant to section 304.157, the law enforcement agency that authorized such towing or was properly notified by another government agency of such towing shall promptly make an inquiry with the national crime information center and any statewide Missouri law enforcement computer system to determine if the abandoned property has been reported as stolen and shall enter the information pertaining to the towed property into the statewide law enforcement computer system. If the abandoned property is not claimed within ten working days of the towing, the tower who has online access to the department of revenue's records shall make an inquiry to determine the abandoned property owner and lienholder, if any, of record. In the event that the records of the department of revenue fail to disclose the name of the owner or any lienholder of record, the tower shall comply with the requirements of subsection 3 of section 304.156. If the tower does not have online access, the law enforcement agency shall submit a crime inquiry and inspection report to the director of revenue. A towing company that does not have online access to the department's records and that is in possession of abandoned property after ten working days shall report such fact to the law enforcement agency with which the crime inquiry and inspection report was filed. The crime inquiry and inspection report shall be designed by the director of revenue and shall include the following:
(1) The year, model, make and property identification number of the property and the owner and any lienholders, if known;
(2) A description of any damage to the property noted by the officer authorizing the tow;
(3) The license plate or registration number and the state of issuance, if available;
(4) The storage location of the towed property;
(5) The name, telephone number and address of the towing company;
(6) The date, place and reason for the towing of the abandoned property;
(7) The date of the inquiry of the national crime information center, any statewide Missouri law enforcement computer system and any other similar system which has titling and registration information to determine if the abandoned property had been stolen. This information shall be entered only by the law enforcement agency making the inquiry;
(8) The signature and printed name of the officer authorizing the tow; and
(9) The name of the towing company, the signature and printed name of the towing operator, and an indicator disclosing whether the tower has online access to the department's records;
(10) Any additional information the director of revenue deems appropriate.
7. One copy of the crime inquiry and inspection report shall remain with the agency which authorized the tow. One copy shall be provided to and retained by the storage facility and one copy shall be retained by the towing facility in an accessible format in the business records for a period of three years from the date of the tow or removal.
8. The owner of such abandoned property, or the holder of a valid security interest of record, may reclaim it from the towing company upon proof of ownership or valid security interest of record and payment of all reasonable charges for the towing and storage of the abandoned property.
9. Any person who removes abandoned property at the direction of a law enforcement officer or an officer of a government agency where that agency's real property is concerned as provided in this section shall have a lien for all reasonable charges for the towing and storage of the abandoned property until possession of the abandoned property is voluntarily relinquished to the owner of the abandoned property or to the holder of a valid security interest of record. Any personal property within the abandoned property need not be released to the owner thereof until the reasonable or agreed charges for such recovery, transportation or safekeeping have been paid or satisfactory arrangements for payment have been made, except that any medication prescribed by a physician shall be released to the owner thereof upon request. The company holding or storing the abandoned property shall either release the personal property to the owner of the abandoned property or allow the owner to inspect the property and provide an itemized receipt for the contents. The company holding or storing the property shall be strictly liable for the condition and safe return of the personal property. Such lien shall be enforced in the manner provided under section 304.156.
10. Towing companies shall keep a record for three years on any abandoned property towed and not reclaimed by the owner of the abandoned property. Such record shall contain information regarding the authorization to tow, copies of all correspondence with the department of revenue concerning the abandoned property, including copies of any online records of the towing company accessed and information concerning the final disposition of the possession of the abandoned property.
11. If a lienholder repossesses any motor vehicle, trailer, all-terrain vehicle, outboard motor or vessel without the knowledge or cooperation of the owner, then the repossessor shall notify the local law enforcement agency where the repossession occurred within two hours of the repossession and shall further provide the local law enforcement agency with any additional information the agency deems appropriate. The local law enforcement agency shall make an inquiry with the national crime information center and the Missouri statewide law enforcement computer system and shall enter the repossessed vehicle into the statewide law enforcement computer system.
12. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 301.227, RSMo, any towing company who has complied with the notification provisions in section 304.156, including notice that any property remaining unredeemed after thirty days may be sold as scrap property may then dispose of such property as provided in this subsection. Such sale shall only occur if at least thirty days has passed since the date of such notification, the abandoned property remains unredeemed with no satisfactory arrangements made with the towing company for continued storage, and the owner or holder of a security agreement has not requested a hearing as provided in section 304.156. The towing company may dispose of such abandoned property by selling the property on a bill of sale as prescribed by the director of revenue to a scrap metal operator or licensed salvage dealer for destruction purposes only. The towing company shall forward a copy of the bill of sale provided by the scrap metal operator or licensed salvage dealer to the director of revenue within two weeks of the date of such sale. The towing company shall keep a record of each such vehicle sold for destruction for three years that shall be available for inspection by law enforcement and authorized department of revenue officials. The record shall contain the year, make, identification number of the property, date of sale, and name of the purchasing scrap metal operator or licensed salvage dealer and copies of all notifications issued by the towing company as required in this chapter. Scrap metal operators or licensed salvage dealers shall keep a record of the purchase of such property as provided in section 301.227, RSMo. Scrap metal operators and licensed salvage dealers may obtain a junk certificate as provided in section 301.227, RSMo, on vehicles purchased on a bill of sale pursuant to this section.
304.580. [1.] As used in [this section] sections 304.582 and 304.585, the term "construction zone" or "work zone" means any area upon or around any highway as defined in section 302.010, RSMo, which is visibly marked by the department of transportation or a contractor or subcontractor performing work for the department of transportation as an area where construction, maintenance, incident removal, or other work is temporarily occurring. The term "work zone" or "construction zone" also includes the lanes of highway leading up to the area upon which an activity described in this subsection is being performed, beginning at the point where appropriate signs [directing motor vehicles to merge from one lane into another lane are posted.
2. Upon a conviction or a plea of guilty by any person for a moving violation as defined in section 302.010, RSMo, or any offense listed in section 302.302, RSMo, the court shall assess a fine of thirty-five dollars in addition to any other fine authorized to be imposed by law, if the offense occurred within a construction zone or a work zone.
3. Upon a conviction or plea of guilty by any person for a speeding violation pursuant to either section 304.009 or 304.010, or a passing violation pursuant to subsection 6 of this section, the court shall assess a fine of two hundred fifty dollars in addition to any other fine authorized by law, if the offense occurred within a construction zone or a work zone and at the time the speeding or passing violation occurred there was any person in such zone who was there to perform duties related to the reason for which the area was designated a construction zone or work zone. However, no person assessed an additional fine pursuant to this subsection shall also be assessed an additional fine pursuant to subsection 2 of this section, and no person shall be assessed an additional fine pursuant to this subsection if no signs have been posted pursuant to subsection 4 of this section.
4. The penalty authorized by subsection 3 of this section shall only be assessed by the court if the department of transportation or contractor performing work for the department of transportation has erected signs upon or around a construction or work zone which are clearly visible from the highway and which state substantially the following message: "Warning: $250 fine for speeding or passing in this work zone".
5. During any day in which no person is present in a construction zone or work zone established pursuant to subsection 3 of this section to perform duties related to the purpose of the zone, the sign warning of additional penalties shall not be visible to motorists. During any period of two hours or more in which no person is present in such zone on a day in which persons have been or will be present to perform duties related to the reason for which the area was designated as a construction zone or work zone, the sign warning of additional penalties shall not be visible to motorists. The department of transportation or contractor performing work for the department of transportation shall be responsible for compliance with provisions of this subsection. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit warning or traffic control signs necessary for public safety in the construction or work zone being visible to motorists at all times.
6. The driver of a motor vehicle may not overtake or pass another motor vehicle within a work zone or construction zone. This subsection applies to a construction zone or work zone located upon a highway divided into two or more marked lanes for traffic moving in the same direction and for which motor vehicles are instructed to merge from one lane into another lane by an appropriate sign erected by the department of transportation or a contractor performing work for the department of transportation. Violation of this subsection is a class C misdemeanor. 7. This section shall not be construed to enhance the assessment of court costs or the assessment of points pursuant to section 302.302, RSMo.] or traffic control devices are posted or placed. The term "worker" or "highway worker" as used in sections 304.582 and 304.585 shall mean any person who is working in a construction zone or work zone, or any employee of the department of transportation who is performing duties under the department's motorist assist program on a state highway or the right-of-way of a state highway.
304.582. 1. Upon the first conviction or plea of guilty by any person for a moving violation as defined in section 302.010, RSMo, or any offense listed in section 302.302, RSMo, the court shall assess a fine of thirty-five dollars in addition to any other fine authorized to be imposed by law, if the offense occurred within a construction zone or a work zone. A second or subsequent violation of this subsection shall result in the court assessing a fine of seventy-five dollars in addition to any other fine authorized to be imposed by law.
2. Upon the first conviction or plea of guilty by any person for a speeding violation under section 304.009 or 304.010, or a passing violation under subsection 4 of this section, the court shall assess a fine of two hundred fifty dollars in addition to any other fine authorized by law, if the offense occurred within a construction zone or a work zone and at the time the speeding or passing violation occurred there was any highway worker in such work zone. A second or subsequent violation of this subsection shall result in the court assessing a fine of three hundred dollars in addition to any other fine authorized by law. However, no person assessed an additional fine under this subsection shall also be assessed an additional fine under subsection 1 of this section, and no person shall be assessed an additional fine under this subsection if no signs have been posted under subsection 3 of this section.
3. The penalty authorized by subsection 2 of this section shall only be assessed by the court if the department of transportation or contractor performing work for the department of transportation has erected signs upon or around a construction or work zone which are clearly visible from the highway and which state substantially the following message: "Warning: Minimum $250 fine for speeding or passing in this work zone when workers are present.".
4. The driver of a motor vehicle may not overtake or pass another motor vehicle within a work zone or construction zone as provided in this subsection. Violation of this subsection is a class C misdemeanor.
(1) This subsection applies to a construction zone or work zone located upon a highway divided into two or more marked lanes for traffic moving in the same direction and for which motor vehicles are instructed to merge from one lane into another lane and not pass by appropriate signs erected by the department of transportation or a contractor or subcontractor performing work for the department of transportation.
(2) This subsection also prohibits the operator of a motor vehicle from passing or attempting to pass another motor vehicle in a work zone or construction zone located upon a two-lane highway when highway workers or equipment are working and when appropriate signs or traffic control devices have been erected by the department of transportation or a contractor or subcontractor performing work for the department of transportation.
5. The additional fines imposed by subsection 4 of this section shall not be construed to enhance the assessment of court costs or the assessment of points under section 302.302, RSMo.
304.585. 1. A person shall be deemed to commit the offense of endangerment of a highway worker upon conviction for any of the following when the offense occurs within a construction zone or work zone, as defined in section 304.580:
(1) Exceeding the posted speed limit by ten miles per hour or more;
(2) Failure to stop for a work zone flagman or failure to obey traffic control devices erected in the construction zone or work zone for purposes of controlling the flow of motor vehicles through the zone;
(3) Driving through or around a work zone by any lane not clearly designated to motorists for the flow of traffic through the work zone;
(4) Physically assaulting, attempting to assault, or threatening to assault a highway worker in a construction zone or work zone, with a motor vehicle or other deadly weapon or dangerous instrument;
(5) Negligently striking, moving, or altering barrels, barriers, signs, or other devices erected to control the flow of traffic to protect workers and motorists in the work zone; or
(6) Committing any of the following offenses for which points may be assessed under section 302.302, RSMo, including:
(a) Leaving the scene of an accident in violation of section 577.060, RSMo;
(b) Careless and imprudent driving in violation of subsection 4 of section 304.016;
(c) Operating a vehicle without a valid license in violation of subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection 1 of section 302.020, RSMo;
(d) Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license;
(e) Obtaining a drivers license by misrepresentation;
(f) Driving while in an intoxicated condition, or under the influence of controlled substances or drugs, or driving with an excessive blood alcohol content;
(g) Any felony involving the use of a motor vehicle; and
(h) Knowingly permitting an unlicensed operator to operate a motor vehicle.
2. Upon conviction or a plea of guilty for committing the offense of endangerment of a highway worker under subsection 1 of this section, in addition to any other penalty authorized by law, the person shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor if no injury or death to a highway worker resulted from the offense. If a highway worker is injured as a result of the person committing the offense of endangerment of a highway worker, the person shall be guilty of a class D felony. If death of a highway worker results from the commission of the offense of endangerment of a highway worker, the person shall be guilty of a class C felony.
304.590. 1. There is hereby created in the state treasury for use by the highways and transportation commission a fund to be known as the "Work Zone Safety Trust Fund". All surcharges collected under this section, appropriations of the general assembly, federal grants, private donations, and any other moneys designated for the work zone safety trust fund established under this section shall be deposited in the fund. Moneys deposited in the fund shall be expended under the direction of the commission for the purpose of funding enforcement of all traffic laws of the state, including sections 304.582 and 304.585, by law enforcement personnel in construction zones or work zones on the highway system. Any funds determined by the commission not to be needed for enforcement in such construction zones or work zones may be expended for promotion of safety in construction zones or work zones through education, advertising, and other efforts to promote safety in construction zones or work zones to the general public. Such funds shall not be expended for salaries or administrative expenses of the department of transportation. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 33.080, RSMo, any unexpended balance in the work zone safety trust fund at the end of any biennium shall not be transferred to the general revenue fund. All interest earned from moneys in the work zone safety trust fund shall be credited to such fund.
2. In all violations of the traffic laws of this state, including infractions, there shall be assessed as court costs a surcharge in the amount of five dollars. No such surcharge shall be collected in any proceeding involving a violation of an ordinance or state law when the proceeding or defendant has been dismissed by the court except when the dismissal is conditioned upon an agreement to pay costs. Such surcharge shall be collected and distributed to the clerk of the court as provided in sections 488.010 to 488.020, RSMo. The surcharge collected under this section shall be paid to the state treasury to the credit of the work zone safety trust fund established in this section.
307.178. 1. As used in this section, the term "passenger car" means every motor vehicle designed for carrying ten persons or less and used for the transportation of persons; except that, the term "passenger car" shall not include motorcycles, motorized bicycles, motor tricycles and trucks with a licensed gross weight of twelve thousand pounds or more.
2. Each driver, except persons employed by the United States Postal Service while performing duties for that federal agency which require the operator to service postal boxes from their vehicles, or which require frequent entry into and exit from their vehicles, and front seat passenger of a passenger car manufactured after January 1, 1968, operated on a street or highway in this state, and persons less than eighteen years of age operating or riding in a truck, as defined in section 301.010, RSMo, on a street or highway of this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt that meets federal National Highway, Transportation and Safety Act requirements[; except that, a child less than four years of age shall be protected as required] or as provided in section [210.104, RSMo] 307.179. No person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine compliance with this subsection. The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to persons who have a medical reason for failing to have a seat belt fastened about their body, nor shall the provisions of this section be applicable to persons while operating or riding a motor vehicle being used in agricultural work-related activities. Noncompliance with this subsection shall not constitute probable cause for violation of any other provision of law.
3. Each driver of a motor vehicle transporting a child four years of age or more[, but less than sixteen years of age,] shall secure the child in a properly adjusted and fastened [safety belt] restraint under section 307.179.
4. In any action to recover damages arising out of the ownership, common maintenance or operation of a motor vehicle, failure to wear a safety belt in violation of this section shall not be considered evidence of comparative negligence. Failure to wear a safety belt in violation of this section may be admitted to mitigate damages, but only under the following circumstances:
(1) Parties seeking to introduce evidence of the failure to wear a safety belt in violation of this section must first introduce expert evidence proving that a failure to wear a safety belt contributed to the injuries claimed by plaintiff;
(2) If the evidence supports such a finding, the trier of fact may find that the plaintiff's failure to wear a safety belt in violation of this section contributed to the plaintiff's claimed injuries, and may reduce the amount of the plaintiff's recovery by an amount not to exceed one percent of the damages awarded after any reductions for comparative negligence.
5. Each driver who violates the provisions of subsection 2 or [3] 7 of this section is guilty of an infraction for which a fine not to exceed ten dollars may be imposed. All other provisions of law and court rules to the contrary notwithstanding, no court costs shall be imposed on any person due to a violation of this section. In no case shall points be assessed against any person, pursuant to section 302.302, RSMo, for a violation of this section.
6. The [department of public safety shall initiate and develop] Missouri highways and transportation commission shall develop and initiate a program of public information to develop understanding of, and ensure compliance with, the provisions of this section. [The department of public safety shall evaluate the effectiveness of this section and shall include a report of its findings in the annual evaluation report on its highway safety plan that it submits to NHTSA and FHWA pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 402.]
7. If there are more persons than there are seat belts in the enclosed area of a motor vehicle, then the [driver and] passengers [are not in violation of this section] who are unable to wear seat belts, shall sit in the area behind the front seat of the motor vehicle unless the motor vehicle is designed only for a front-seated area. This subsection shall not apply to passengers who are accompanying a driver of a motor vehicle who is licensed pursuant to section 302.178, RSMo.
307.179. 1. As used in this section, the following terms shall mean:
(1) "Child booster seat", a seating system which meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards set forth in 49 C.F.R. 571.213, as amended, that is designed to elevate a child to properly sit in a federally approved safety belt system;
(2) "Child passenger restraint system", a seating system which meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards set forth in 49 C.F.R. 571.213, as amended, and which is either permanently affixed to a motor vehicle or is affixed to such vehicle by a safety belt or a universal attachment system.
2. Every person transporting a child under the age of sixteen years shall be responsible, when transporting such child in a motor vehicle operated by that person on the streets or highways of this state, for providing for the protection of such child as follows:
(1) Children less than four years of age shall be properly secured in a child passenger restraint system appropriate for that child, according to the child safety restraint system and the vehicle manufacturers' instructions;
(2) Children four through five years of age shall be properly secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat appropriate for that child, according to the child safety restraint system and the vehicle manufacturers' instructions;
(3) Children six years of age or older shall be properly secured by a vehicle safety belt, child passenger restraint system, or booster seat, according to the child safety restraint system and the vehicle manufacturers' instructions;
(4) A child weighing more than forty pounds, who would otherwise be required to be secured in a booster seat, may be transported in the back seat of a motor vehicle while wearing only a lap belt if the back seat of the motor vehicle is not equipped with a combination lap and shoulder belt for booster seat installation.
3. Any person who violates this section is guilty of an infraction and, upon conviction, may be punished by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars and court costs. In no case shall points be assessed against any person, pursuant to section 302.302, RSMo, for violation of this section. If a person receives a citation for violating this section, the charges shall be dismissed or withdrawn if the person prior to or at his or her hearing provides evidence of acquisition of a child passenger restraint system or child booster seat which is satisfactory to the court or the party responsible for prosecuting the person's citation.
4. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
(1) Any public carrier for hire; or
(2) School buses as defined in section 301.010, RSMo, when transporting students four years of age or older.
5. Every car rental agency doing business within Missouri shall inform its customers of the requirements of this section and shall provide for rental of an appropriate child passenger safety restraint system.
6. The Missouri highways and transportation commission shall develop and initiate a program of public information to develop understanding of, and ensure compliance with the provisions of this section.
476.385. 1. The judges of the supreme court may appoint a committee consisting of at least seven associate circuit judges, who shall meet en banc and establish and maintain a schedule of fines to be paid for violations of sections [210.104,] 577.070[,] and 577.073, RSMo, and chapters 252, 301, 302, 304, 306, 307 and 390, RSMo, with such fines increasing in proportion to the severity of the violation. The associate circuit judges of each county may meet en banc and adopt the schedule of fines and participation in the centralized bureau pursuant to this section. Notice of such adoption and participation shall be given in the manner provided by supreme court rule. Upon order of the supreme court, the associate circuit judges of each county may meet en banc and establish and maintain a schedule of fines to be paid for violations of municipal ordinances for cities, towns and villages electing to have violations of its municipal ordinances heard by associate circuit judges, pursuant to section 479.040, RSMo; and for traffic court divisions established pursuant to section 479.500, RSMo. The schedule of fines adopted for violations of municipal ordinances may be modified from time to time as the associate circuit judges of each county en banc deem advisable. No fine established pursuant to this subsection may exceed the maximum amount specified by statute or ordinance for such violation.
2. In no event shall any schedule of fines adopted pursuant to this section include offenses involving the following:
(1) Any violation resulting in personal injury or property damage to another person;
(2) Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of intoxicants or drugs;
(3) Operating a vehicle with a counterfeited, altered, suspended or revoked license;
(4) Fleeing or attempting to elude an officer.
3. There shall be a centralized bureau to be established by supreme court rule in order to accept pleas of not guilty or guilty and payments of fines and court costs for violations of the laws and ordinances described in subsection 1 of this section, made pursuant to a schedule of fines established pursuant to this section. The centralized bureau shall collect, with any plea of guilty and payment of a fine, all court costs which would have been collected by the court of the jurisdiction from which the violation originated.
4. If a person elects not to contest the alleged violation, the person shall send payment in the amount of the fine and any court costs established for the violation to the centralized bureau. Such payment shall be payable to the "central violations bureau", shall be made by mail or in any other manner established by the centralized bureau, and shall constitute a plea of guilty, waiver of trial and a conviction for purposes of section 302.302, RSMo, and for purposes of imposing any collateral consequence of a criminal conviction provided by law. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the prosecutor shall not be required to sign any information, ticket or indictment if disposition is made pursuant to this subsection. In the event that any payment is made pursuant to this section by credit card or similar method, the centralized bureau may charge an additional fee in order to reflect any transaction cost, surcharge or fee imposed on the recipient of the credit card payment by the credit card company.
5. If a person elects to plead not guilty, such person shall send the plea of not guilty to the centralized bureau. The bureau shall send such plea and request for trial to the prosecutor having original jurisdiction over the offense. Any trial shall be conducted at the location designated by the court. The clerk of the court in which the case is to be heard shall notify in writing such person of the date certain for the disposition of such charges. The prosecutor shall not be required to sign any information, ticket or indictment until the commencement of any proceeding by the prosecutor with respect to the notice of violation.
6. In courts adopting a schedule of fines pursuant to this section, any person receiving a notice of violation pursuant to this section shall also receive written notification of the following:
(1) The fine and court costs established pursuant to this section for the violation or information regarding how the person may obtain the amount of the fine and court costs for the violation;
(2) That the person must respond to the notice of violation by paying the prescribed fine and court costs, or pleading not guilty and appearing at trial, and that other legal penalties prescribed by law may attach for failure to appear and dispose of the violation. The supreme court may modify the suggested forms for uniform complaint and summons for use in courts adopting the procedures provided by this section, in order to accommodate such required written notifications.
7. Any moneys received in payment of fines and court costs pursuant to this section shall not be considered to be state funds, but shall be held in trust by the centralized bureau for benefit of those persons or entities entitled to receive such funds pursuant to this subsection. All amounts paid to the centralized bureau shall be maintained by the centralized bureau, invested in the manner required of the state treasurer for state funds by sections 30.240, 30.250, 30.260 and 30.270, RSMo, and disbursed as provided by the constitution and laws of this state. Any interest earned on such fund shall be payable to the director of the department of revenue for deposit into a revolving fund to be established pursuant to this subsection. The state treasurer shall be the custodian of the revolving fund, and shall make disbursements, as allowed by lawful appropriations, only to the judicial branch of state government for goods and services related to the administration of the judicial system.
8. Any person who receives a notice of violation subject to this section who fails to dispose of such violation as provided by this section shall be guilty of failure to appear provided by section 544.665, RSMo; and may be subject to suspension of driving privileges in the manner provided by section 302.341, RSMo. The centralized bureau shall notify the appropriate prosecutor of any person who fails to either pay the prescribed fine and court costs, or plead not guilty and request a trial within the time allotted by this section, for purposes of application of section 544.665, RSMo. The centralized bureau shall also notify the department of revenue of any failure to appear subject to section 302.341, RSMo, and the department shall thereupon suspend the license of the driver in the manner provided by section 302.341, RSMo, as if notified by the court.
9. In addition to the remedies provided by subsection 8 of this section, the centralized bureau and the courts may use the remedies provided by sections 488.010 to 488.020, RSMo, for the collection of court costs payable to courts, in order to collect fines and court costs for violations subject to this section.
[210.104. 1. Every person transporting a child under the age of four years shall be responsible, when transporting such child in a motor vehicle operated by that person on the streets or highways of this state, for providing for the protection of such child. Such child shall be protected by a child passenger restraint system approved by the department of public safety.
2.Any person who violates this section is guilty of an infraction and, upon conviction, may be punished by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars and court costs.
3.The provisions of sections 210.104 to 210.107 shall not apply to any public carrier for hire.]
[210.107. The department of public safety shall initiate and develop a program of public information to develop understanding of, and ensure compliance with the provisions of sections 210.104 to 210.107.The department of public safety shall, within thirty days of September 28, 1983, promulgate standards for the performance, design, and installation of passenger restraint systems for children under four years of age in accordance with federal motor vehicle safety standards and shall approve those systems which meet such standards.No rule or portion of a rule promulgated under the authority of sections 210.104 to 210.107 shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to the provisions of section 536.024, RSMo.]
Section B. The enactment of section 307.179, the repeal and reenactment of sections 210.106, 307.178, and 476.385, and the repeal of sections 210.104 and 210.107 of section A of this act shall become effective January 1, 2006.