SPONSOR: Jones (12)
This bill prevents intermediate drivers from getting a traffic violation reduced to a different violation which puts fewer points or no points on their license.
The bill establishes the Driver's Education Training Fund. The State Treasurer will be the custodian of the Fund. The Fund will be used only by the Missouri highways and transportation commission to fund driver's education programs.
Currently, license applicants are asked whether they would like to make a donation to promote an organ donor program, blindness education, screening and treatment program, or the medal of honor recipient's fund. This bill adds the Driver's Education Training Fund to this list. The donation is voluntary.
Drivers holding an intermediate driver's license who receive two non-alcohol-related violations or a violation worth at least six points or more will have their license converted to a temporary learner's permit and must complete a driver's education program to reinstate their license. If a violation by an intermediate driver involves alcohol or is worth at least twelve points, their license will be revoked or suspended.
Starting January 1, 2027, applicants for a driver's license who are under 21 and have never held a license must complete a driver's education program that is approved by the Missouri highways and transportation commission within the ninety days before the application. The Department of Transportation will establish agreements with public or private institutions to provide the driver's education programs free of charge to these applicants. The bill establishes procedures for certification of driver's education programs and requirements they must meet. The Department of Transportation can make rules to implement the programs.
This bill also alters point values assessed and descriptions of violations in 302.302, RSMo. Twelve points will be assessed automatically when serious injury or death results from any listed violation.
Currently, points can be reduced or stayed from applying to a driver's license via completion of a driver-improvement program. The bill limits this system to a partial reduction of points.
Statutes affected: