Since Missouri has taken the decision to add “stunt driving” to the DMW records of citizens, drivers in the state should think twice before showing off behind the wheel. Coming into effect this fall in Missouri is a set of new rules that includes stunt driving as a criminal offense that gets tied directly to a driver’s record by the DMW. In modernizing the state’s approach to traffic enforcement, these new rules seems necessary to ensure that public safety is a priority in the state.
Why has the issue of “stunt driving” been brought into the law?
About nine legal updates had been introduced for this year by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and many of these updates dealt with how traffic violations will be dealt with in the state. Brought into the law is that of stunt driving, which is now considered a reportable driving offense.
Stunt driving is defined as operating a vehicle in a dangerous way or performing dangerous tricks on public highways. Speeding in circles and braking so as to attract attention are also included in the definition of what is classified as stunt driving.
Stunt driving is now regarded as an offense in its own right, and more stringent penalty measures have been introduced for stunt drivers. The reason that stunt driving has been included in the Missouri law is due to the numerous complaints received about the dangers posed by stunt drivers in urban areas. The state has thus decided that the activity of stunt driving should be stopped before injuries and fatalities result from it.
Stunt driving means DMW points to be added to drivers’ licenses
All drivers in Missouri who are convicted of stunt driving will have four points added to their driver’s record. The update of points to the Missouri Department of Revenue’s point system is perhaps the most drastic change. Stunt driving is now seen as an offense that is on par with more serious offenses such as speeding 20 mph over the speed limit or even the act of aggressive driving.
Most drivers will be reluctant to engage in stunt driving as having points accumulating on one’s DMW records could result in insurance premiuns rising and, should 18 points be accumulated, a license suspension may result. With points being added to the DMW records, financial penalties are also a consequence of speeding, with first-time offenders having to deal with fines of $1,000. Repeat offenders will; however, experience heftier fines and may even have to serve jail time. The extent to which a driver will be punished in the state depends on whether the stunt driving resulted in more serious consequences, such as damage to property or personal injury.
What could the enforcement of such road laws mean for the citizens of Missouri?
In order to ensure that citizens in the state are well-versed with the new laws, public campaigns set to educate drivers have been underway throughout the state. Areas that are well-known for illegal street racing will also be targetted.
The state clearly understands the dangers linked to stunt driving, more so for pedestrians, cyclists, and even other motorists on the roads. The state is also aware that prior to the introduction of the law, the number of car meet-ups with the purpose of stunt driving have increased as well.
A state putting a stop to showing off on the roads
According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, stunt driving is now part of the larger legal package of laws passed in the state this year. The citizens in the state are encouraged to review these new laws and understand the implications of embracing such laws. Lawmakers are well aware that the current laws have had to change to take into consideration the new practices of drivers behind the wheel. In adopting new laws, stunt driving is off the cards in the state as well. It is good to know the practices that could lead you to lose your license.
