HB 711 -- Operation of Motor Vehicles

Sponsor:  Davis (19)

This bill makes numerous revisions in the law relating to
operating a motor vehicle.  The bill:

(1)  Prohibits the obstruction of a bicycle lane with a motor
vehicle.  Motor vehicles may be driven in a bicycle lane only in
certain circumstances;

(2)  Requires a high degree of care be taken to avoid colliding
with any pedestrian, bicyclist, or person operating a motorcycle
and to exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any
obviously confused, incapacitated, or intoxicated person;

(3)  Allows the governing body of a county or municipality to
establish a speed limit within a school zone lower than 20 miles
per hour and to extend the hours in which the school zone speed
limit is in force if it finds, in conjunction with the school
board, that a lower limit or extended hours are needed to promote
public safety;

(4)  Makes any person operating a motor vehicle who
intentionally, recklessly, or negligently collides with a
pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist liable for liquidated
compensatory damages of $500 or $1,000 (for persons having six or
more points on a driver's license) or actual damages, whichever
are greater, plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs unless
the court determines that the motorist was not at fault; and

(5)  Requires an assessment of 12 points on a driver's license
when the court determines a person has intentionally, recklessly,
or negligently collided with a pedestrian, bicyclist, or
motorcyclist thereby causing personal injury and the operator
has:

(a)  Six or more points on a license;

(b)  A prior conviction for an intoxication-related offense; or

(c)  Previously caused an injury requiring hospitalization to a
pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am