Missouri Slowpoke Law

Driving too slow can be just as dangerous as speeding.

Speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents and drivers are reminded that driving within posted speed limits is safer and prevents many accidents. However, driving too slow has its own dangers. In Missouri, it is illegal to drive slower than the posted minimum speed limit when driving conditions are normal. The only time when you should drive under the posted speed limit is when the weather is bad, when there is heavy traffic, or in construction zones. It is against the law to drive so slowly that you block traffic, even if there is no posted minimum speed limit. Many car accidents are caused by drivers who drive too slowly and block traffic.

‘Slowpoke Law’

In Missouri, the law states that a vehicle driving slower than the normal speed of traffic should drive in the right lane. Georgia garnered a lot of media attention when it started issuing traffic tickets for violating ‘slowpoke laws’. While many people may consider a slowpoke driver as a mere nuisance that causes traffic congestion, slowpoke drivers are dangerous and can cause accidents.

Dangers Associated with Slow Driving

Driving slow in the left lane forces other vehicles to slow down, prevents passing, and creates traffic congestion. Research has shown that driving five miles per hour slower than the flow of traffic is more likely to lead to an accident than driving 5 miles per hour faster than other drivers. According to the National Motorists Association, speed limits should be set to the 85th percentile of free flowing traffic. However, when motorists drive slower or faster than these limits, they create unavoidable dangers. When you are traveling at normal speed and suddenly come across a vehicle moving too slowly, you may end up crashing into the vehicle.